Bait&Switch - False Advertising. Let's get your opinions on this.

[bubble.tea]

My PC just got a /stop error/ and restarted...right in the middle of this blasted thread LOL...argh..as a result this will be 1/5 the post#1 it originally was, cuz I'm tired.

Clearance Items vis-a-vis Desktops/Laptops other expensive Electronics:

Properly indicate on the Yellow Taggies if Demo/Cust Return., or leave it conveniently indicative of a "New" Product and Spring it at the last moment when bringing out to the Buying Customer?

Your thoughts? I would really like to know what the concensus is on acceptable practice. Is there an accepted no-holds-barred methodology to selling items in Clearance Special Events? Is this an informally accepted code of practice that we as customers are allowing Large Companies to strong arm us into accepting as 'the ethical way' of doing business?

I wonder if anybody can guess who exactly I'm referring to here that quite frankly disappointed me this afternoon.

[Octavius]

I definitely believe that there should be some form of notice on the tag stating that the unit is a demo/floor unit/customer return.

I would definitely know better than to purchase a demo/floor unit/customer return.

I don't trust customer returns and demos have a good chunk of their electronic lives considerably shortened (as well as being beat up).

Working at BB for a couple years back in the day definitely reinforced my view of this.

[ndrew029]

I know from working in sales that sometimes the status of a computer comes as a surprise to both the salesperson and the buyer. I've never intentionally misinformed someone...it sucks to find out that the product you've been raving about for 20 minutes is "open box".

Most clearance electronics are returns, open box, and demos. When things are at such a good price, it makes sense that there's little if any new models left. Go into it with that mentality...but sometimes you get a pleasant surprise. The turnover cycle on laptops is so short, that new models become clearance/discontinued within 3 or 4 months.

The salesperson should let the customer know the status of a laptop if they know...or go check ASAP. It prevents them both from wasting their time if the customer doesn't like open box items.

But as for stating it on the sign...not required. Would it help the customer? Sure. But it's not necessary. Just ask the salesperson to see the box and product...he can't really lie about it even if he wanted to.

[bubble.tea]

....I don't trust customer returns and demos have a good chunk of their electronic lives considerably shortened (as well as being beat up).

Working at BB for a couple years back in the day definitely reinforced my view of this.

haha...tell that to the manager I was speaking to who was ADAMANT that he had 'hawk eyes' on his demo's (yeah sure 24/7?? puh-leeez) and stops ANYBODY from being 'too physical' with them immediately.