By Melanie Mayberry, programming editor
The TV Answer Man sometimes gets e-mails from readers asking whether it’s safe to buy an ‘open box’ TV from Best Buy. The temptation is great because an ‘open box’ set, which is a TV that was returned to the store by the original owner, is often anywhere from 20 to 30 percent cheaper than a model that had not been previously used.
But is the open box TV safe? Can you rely on it to perform as a new TV would? We asked our favorite Artificial Intelligence engine, ChatGPT, to explain. Below is the AI response, which, as always, was fact-checked and edited by the human TV Answer Man team. Enjoy.
When it comes to buying electronics, it’s always a good idea to look for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. One option that many consumers consider is purchasing an “open box” TV from Best Buy. But is it a good idea to buy an open box TV from Best Buy? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this option to help you make an informed decision.
First, let’s define what an open box TV is. An open box TV is a product that has been returned to Best Buy by a previous customer. It could be for a number of reasons, such as the product being defective, the customer changing their mind, or a cosmetic issue. Best Buy then inspects the TV to ensure that it is still in good working order, and then sells it at a discount. Open box TVs are typically marked down from their original price, and the discount can be substantial.
One of the main benefits of buying an open box TV is the potential cost savings. Since the TV has been previously owned, it’s often significantly cheaper than a brand new model. This can be especially appealing for consumers who are on a tight budget or who want to upgrade to a higher-end model without breaking the bank.
Another advantage of buying an open box TV from Best Buy is that the product has been inspected and tested to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Best Buy has a strict quality control process for open box items, so you can be confident that you’re getting a product that has been thoroughly checked and tested. Plus, if there are any issues with the TV, you can still take advantage of Best Buy’s return policy and warranty.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when buying an open box TV. For one, there’s no guarantee that the TV will come with all of the original accessories or packaging. This might not be a big deal for some consumers, but for others, it could be a dealbreaker. Additionally, open box items are often final sale, which means that you won’t be able to return the TV if you change your mind.
Another concern is that there’s no way to know for sure why the TV was returned in the first place. It could be a minor issue that was quickly resolved, or it could be a more serious problem that Best Buy was unable to fix. While Best Buy does inspect open box items before selling them, there’s always the possibility that something could have been missed.
So, is it a good idea to buy an open box TV from Best Buy? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking to save money on a TV and you’re not too concerned about having the original packaging or accessories, then an open box TV could be a great option. Just be sure to carefully inspect the TV before purchasing it, and ask any questions you may have to ensure that you’re getting a good deal.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who values having the peace of mind of a brand new product with all of the original accessories and packaging, then an open box TV might not be the best choice for you. It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers offer refurbished or certified pre-owned TVs, which could be another option to consider if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a brand new TV.
Overall, buying an open box TV from Best Buy can be a good way to save money while still getting a quality product. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons, carefully inspect the TV before purchasing it, and ask any questions you may have to ensure that you’re making the right decision for your needs and budget.
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
I bought an open box PS5 Dualsense Edge controller from Best Buy last month. It was absolutely brand new and the inner packaging wasn’t even opened. Saved about $40 and it even shipped and arrived the next day, actually about 18 hours after purchase. In my opinion it was a great buy and I will look for open box items in the future. The way I look at it is, the item will be returned if it doesn’t meet all expectations. I also bought with a credit card so I would have that extra barrier of purchase protection from them too.
This article neglects to mention that many open box tvs are not units that are customer returns, but display models that have been in almost constant use for months, sometimes years. While they may be in working order, this diminishes the shelf life significantly. My rule of thumb with any open box product, make sure to purchase the best protection plan possible.
So a lot of this article isnt true. You can return open box items. Also if a tv on display is no longer going to be sold bc of a new model coming in, the tv on display goes as an Open Box. And when you purchase the tv online or in the store, the tag states if anything is missing.