What Does Open Box Mean?

At a Glance

How Much Can You Save on Open Box Appliances

What types of appliances are available as open box items?

Pros and Cons of Buying Open Box Appliances

In the world of shopping, snagging a good deal is a thrilling experience, and one often overlooked opportunity lies in the realm of 'open box' items. These products, straddling the line between brand new and used, offer a unique proposition for savvy shoppers. In this guide to open box appliances, we dive into what open box purchases are, unraveling what they truly entail, their potential for savings, and key considerations to bear in mind. If you’re furnishing your home, understanding the nuances of open box items could unlock significant value and transform the way you shop.

"Open box" refers to items that have been opened and returned to a store or seller but are still in near-new condition. These items may have been display models, returned by customers, or opened due to damaged packaging. Open box products are sold at a discount as they can't be labeled as brand new, despite often being unused or barely used. They undergo quality checks to ensure proper functioning. Consumers benefit from lower prices, but the trade-off can include limited warranties or missing accessories. Open box purchases are a savvy choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality products at reduced prices.

What Should You Know About Open Box?

When considering open box items, it's important to know they're typically products returned after purchase or used as display models, sold at a discount. While they're often in excellent condition, they might show minor wear or have damaged packaging. It's crucial to check the item's warranty, as it may be shorter than that of a new product. Also, verify return policies, as some retailers might have restrictions on open box returns. Inspect the item for any defects or missing parts. Researching the product and seller can provide additional assurance. Open box items offer a balance between quality and value for savvy shoppers.

How Much Can You Save on Open Box Appliances

Woman Counting Cash "Credit: Alexander Grey"

Purchasing open box appliances can lead to significant savings, often ranging from 10% to 50% off the retail price, depending on the item's condition and the retailer's policies. The discount is typically higher for scratch and dent appliances or missing packaging. High-end appliances can offer substantial savings in open box deals due to their higher initial prices. These savings make open box purchases an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking quality appliances without the full cost of brand new items. However, it's crucial to balance the savings with considerations about warranty and return policies.

What types of appliances are available as open box items?

Open box appliances encompass a wide range, including:

Refrigerators: From standard models to high-end built-ins.
Ovens and Ranges: Including conventional and convection types.
Dishwashers: Both built-in and portable models.
Washing Machines: Front-loading, top-loading, and compact designs.
Dryers: Electric and gas options, some with advanced features.
Microwaves: Over-the-range, countertop, and built-in varieties.
Air Conditioners: Window units and portable air conditioners.
Small Kitchen Appliances: Blenders, coffee makers, toasters, and more.
Televisions: Latest models of LED, OLED, and Smart TVs.
Home Audio Equipment: Soundbars, speakers, and home theater systems.

Pros and Cons of Buying Open Box Appliances

Before you decide to buy an open box item, it’s helpful to understand the advantages of disadvantages:

Pros

Here are some pros to buying an open box item:

Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of buying open box items is the cost savings. These products are often discounted substantially, ranging from 10% to 50% off the original retail price. This discount can be particularly appealing for high-end or luxury appliances, where the savings can amount to a significant sum. For budget-conscious consumers, this means accessing quality products at a more affordable price point.
Almost New Quality: Open box items are typically products that have been returned after purchase but are still in excellent condition. Many of these items have never been used and were returned due to reasons like buyer's remorse or minor packaging damage. This means that consumers can often purchase almost new products, with little to no signs of wear, at a reduced cost.
Environmental Benefits: Choosing open box items can be a more environmentally friendly shopping choice. By purchasing these products, consumers prevent perfectly good appliances from being discarded, reducing waste, and promoting a more sustainable consumption model. This reuse aligns with environmentally conscious shopping practices.
Availability of Latest Models: Open box deals often include the latest models and technologies. Consumers can access current trends and high-end features without waiting for traditional sales seasons. This is particularly advantageous for tech-savvy shoppers looking to keep up with the latest advancements without paying full price.

Cons

Here are some cons to buying an open box item:

Limited Warranty: One of the primary drawbacks of open box purchases is that the warranty may be limited or shorter than that of a new item. Some open box products may come with a reduced warranty period, or in some cases, no warranty at all. This can pose a risk if the product malfunctions or develops issues down the line.
Potential for Minor Defects: While open box items are generally in good condition, there's always a risk of minor defects or cosmetic damage. This could include scratches, dents, or other signs of wear that occurred during handling. Consumers need to inspect the product thoroughly to ensure it meets their standards.
Missing Accessories or Parts: Open box items may sometimes be missing accessories, manuals, or parts that typically come with a new product. This can range from minor inconveniences like missing remote controls to more significant issues like absent installation parts, which could incur additional costs or inconvenience.
Limited Return Policies: Retailers often have stricter return policies for open box items compared to new products. This might mean shorter return windows or no option to return at all. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage if the product doesn’t meet the buyer’s expectations or if issues are discovered post-purchase. Consumers must be aware of these policies to avoid potential difficulties.

Tips for Buying Open Box Appliances

Tips & Tricks Credit: Owen Moore

Here are some tips to help you buy an open box appliance:

Understand What 'Open Box' Means

Before you start shopping, it's crucial to understand what 'open box' entails. These are items that have been returned, displayed, or opened due to damaged packaging. They're typically sold at a discount but may have some level of wear or missing packaging. Knowing this helps set the right expectations and aids in making an informed decision.

Inspect the Appliance Thoroughly

When you find an open box appliance that interests you, inspect it meticulously. Check for any cosmetic damages like scratches, dents, or signs of wear and tear. Ensure that these imperfections are purely aesthetic and don't affect the appliance's functionality. If possible, ask the store to plug in the appliance to confirm it works correctly. This step is crucial, as some open box items might have functional defects.

Verify Warranty and Return Policy

One of the most significant risks with open box purchases is the potential limitation on warranty and return policies. Always ask the retailer about the warranty status of the open box item. Some may still carry the full manufacturer's warranty, while others might have a reduced warranty or none at all. Additionally, understand the return policy. Knowing whether or not you can return the item if it doesn’t meet your expectations or if problems arise is critical.

Look for Missing Parts or Accessories

Open box appliances may sometimes lack certain parts or accessories that typically come with a new product. This could range from missing manuals to essential components like shelves in a refrigerator or a remote control for a TV. Ensure that the appliance has all the necessary parts for it to function as expected. If anything is missing, consider whether you can easily and affordably replace it. Sometimes, the cost of purchasing missing parts can offset the savings made on the open box deal.

Compare Prices with New Models

Before finalizing your open box purchase, take a moment to compare the price with that of a brand new model. Look for any current sales or promotions on new appliances that might bring their prices closer to the open box item. Additionally, consider the benefits that come with a new item, like a full warranty and the assurance of an unused product. This comparison will help you decide whether the open box appliance offers true value for money or if investing in a new one might be a better option.

Open Box Appliances FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about open box items:

What Are Open Box Items?

Open box items are products that have been returned to the store or opened and can no longer be sold as new. This can happen if a customer changes their mind, the packaging is damaged, or the item was used as a display model. These items are typically sold at a discount and have been inspected to ensure they're in good working condition.

Can an Open Box Item Be Used?

Yes, an open box item can be used, but the extent varies. Some open box items are like new, having never been actively used by a customer, while others might have been display models or lightly used. The key is that they have been opened and can't be sold as brand new, despite often being in excellent condition.

Is It Safe to Buy Open Box Items?

Buying open box items is generally safe, especially from reputable retailers who inspect and verify the functionality of these products. However, it's important to check the warranty and return policy, as they may differ from new items. Inspecting the item for any defects and ensuring it has all the necessary parts and accessories also adds to the safety of the purchase.

Why Trust Urner's and Urner's Mattress?

Urner’s started on the back of a bicycle - yup! A bicycle! David E. Urner, a local high school teacher, who spent his summer months selling Wear Ever cookware off the back of a bicycle (think 100+ degrees). David teamed up with another local teacher, Errol P. Janes to create “a new type of store – one that would cater exclusively to providing an easier way of living for the women of Kern County”, and on September 19, 1919, Home Appliance Store was opened to the public. The store boasted a rather impressive selection of “modern” appliances, including a washing machine, a freezer, a gas range, an automatic dishwasher, and an assortment of small appliances. Since then, Urner’s has expanded selections to appliances, furniture, mattresses and cabinetry!

For nearly one century, the Urner family and Urner’s business have both been an integral part of Bakersfield and Kern County, with contributions to community (Better Business Bureau, Sister City Projects, Bakersfield Symphony), charity (Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Dream Home, House of Hope) and education (CSU Bakersfield, Ray Dezember Leadership Development Center. Explore the website, visit the store, or join us socially. We’re all about home, all about fun, and all about you… and we’re ready to make you a part of the Urner’s family today.

Shop Appliances at Urner’s

Stop by any of the 6 Urner’s and Urner’s Mattress locations in Bakersfield, CA to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop appliances online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the perfect appliance — whether you call us at 661-396-8400, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.

What Does Open Box Mean?