What's with companies selling REFURBISHED products as NEW?

[napoleon1769]

It used to happen to me once in a blue moon but within the past year, I've had 4 products that were clearly refurbished sold to me as new. The packages were perfectly sealed and never opened so I know it wasn't a returned product from the store.

1. Pioneer Kuro (bezel was scratched and showed sign of abuse)
2. Shaw HDPVR (customer service and installer both confirmed the unit was new and not refurbished but I could clearly see faint scratches all over the unit)
3. Klipsch home theatre system (serial number on the unit does not match the serial on the box)
4. Kenmore vacuum (serial number on the unit does not match the serial on the box, parts that were "repaired" were evident)

I mean if they were to sell refurbished units as new, the least they could've done was to switch the housing and made sure everything matched.

[ji2o0k]

if this is a big box store, probably because of the generous return policies they have.

Instead of taking the hit, they repackage as new and sell to an unsuspecting customer.

[napoleon1769]

if this is a big box store, probably because of the generous return policies they have.

Instead of taking the hit, they repackage as new and sell to an unsuspecting customer.

I understand. But most of my purchases listed above were sealed with the manufacturer's tape.

[ji2o0k]

I understand. But most of my purchases listed above were sealed with the manufacturer's tape.

whoa..........4 different products eh? I got to watch out more carefully...

[napoleon1769]

whoa..........4 different products eh? I got to watch out more carefully...

That's why I'm becoming more paranoid with some of the stuff that I buy. They're not exactly small companies and it's really pathetic that they have to resort to this.

On a tangent, have you notice that you NEVER see any brand name refurbished TVs?

[Shaner]

You do realize it's possible for items to get scratched during the manufacturing stage, during packaging, during shipping, etc.

Just because something is scratched doesn't mean it's refurbished. It may have happened to you a few times like you said, but I think you're just being paranoid.

[napoleon1769]

You do realize it's possible for items to get scratched during the manufacturing stage, during packaging, during shipping, etc.

Just because something is scratched doesn't mean it's refurbished. It may have happened to you a few times like you said, but I think you're just being paranoid.

Apparently you did not read my post.

And if you look in the Pioneer Kuro thread, there were MANY people that got badly scratched units.

[Shaner]

Apparently you did not read my post.

And if you look in the Pioneer Kuro thread, there were MANY people that got badly scratched units.

I read your post. #4 sounds like it as refurbished, but there's no way to tell if the others were or not. You say #1 had scratches and showed signs of abuse. Like I said, both those things can happen during the production phase, packaging, shipping, etc.

#2 and #3 don't have matching serial numbers. Having worked on a production line in the past, I can see how that could easily happen from time to time. Nothing is perfect. Humans make mistakes, machines malfunction, it happens.

I'm not saying you have never received a refurbished item, I'm just saying it sounds like you're being a bit too paranoid. Not everything with a scratch on it has been pre-owned.

[Byrns]

I've bought a brand new factory sealed video card where the serial number didn't match the box. To be safe, I called EVga and they told me not to worry about. (The card looked totally new so I knew it was a packaging error)

[spf1971]

How many people on here buy a product, use it and then return it as "new"? Maybe the store is to blame but I'd bet a fair bit of fault lies with people who see nothing wrong with "borrowing" from stores. I have no doubt that there are times when the store isn't even aware because the customer tells them they didn't open the box.

[napoleon1769]

#2 and #3 don't have matching serial numbers. Having worked on a production line in the past, I can see how that could easily happen from time to time. Nothing is perfect. Humans make mistakes, machines malfunction, it happens.

Well most stores match serial numbers before allowing returns. Imagine the trouble the consumer has to go through trying to explain why the serial does not match the one on the box. Heck if I owned a store, I would've thought the customer pulled a switcheroo.

[majesus]

Last Spring I baught a toaster oven from Cdn Tire. When I opened it, there was fingerprint marks on the glass, the prong was bent and there was scratches on the top. I was a bit pissed about it... I just placed it back in the box, I went back with my receipt and simply asked to have another one.

The lady behind the counter agreed with no problems at all.

[N_Raged]

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover.

or

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Refurbish.

Do your part.

[Shaner]

Well most stores match serial numbers before allowing returns. Imagine the trouble the consumer has to go through trying to explain why the serial does not match the one on the box. Heck if I owned a store, I would've thought the customer pulled a switcheroo.

There's been a lot of posts in the shopping discussion forum about this exact problem. Customer tries to return something for one reason or another, serial numbers don't match and the store refuses to accept it. It happens and usually the person that loses out is the customer.

[Instagator]

I tend to agree with the OP. I bought a blackberry Bold From a Rogers Video Store and it was clearly used. Here's the kicker, I bought it on the second day after it was released. First thing I noticed? The screen had bubbles in it. The second thing was a dead give away.... Message on the phone a month earlier stating sim was activated... RIIIIghhhtt. Returned. Never bought again.


Stores that i find notorious for this are futureshop, Bestbuy, Rogers video stores, etc.