Looking for discount electronics in pristine condition? Open box might be the way to go.
What Does Open Box Mean?
Open box is a product sold at a lower price because it’s no longer factory sealed or comes in generic packaging. It can be a customer return (opened), a store display model, or a unit with damaged packaging. Still, the product itself is typically new and unused, even if briefly handled.
Some open box devices or appliances may exhibit minor cosmetic imperfections that occurred during manufacturing, shipping, or handling, and may lack some non-essential accessories.
Many open box devices come with a full manufacturer’s warranty.
Does Open Box Mean Used?
No, it doesn’t. Though often confused, an open box item is unused, even if it has been slightly handled. On the contrary, the so-called ‘used’ products -as the term implies- have been used for even a brief period and are sold as such.
For example, an open box iPhone may have been a floor/display unit or returned by a buyer who realized they received the wrong color after opening the box.
Open Box vs. Used – List of Differences
- Condition: Open box is unused; products labeled as ‘used’ items can be sold in as-new, excellent, or fair condition.
- Testing: Open box units are almost always inspected for cosmetic wear and functionality before resale; used items are often sold ‘as-is’.
- Previous Usage: Open box implies minor to no previous use; used items have been actively used by their previous owner.
- Warranty: Open box frequently retains some form of manufacturer or seller warranty; used items rarely do.
Open-Box Electronics
When it comes to electronic devices, with return rates ranging from 3-15%, there is a lot of opportunity to find open-box deals.
Because of the delicate nature of these products, all returned electronics that have been unsealed or that come in a damaged box undergo careful inspection to verify their condition and usage (or lack of).
After testing and inspection, returned electronics are remarketed as open box or refurbished.
Open Box vs. Refurbished
While open box products are essentially unused, refurbished items (e.g., refurbished phones) are defective or pre-owned units that have undergone rigorous inspection and repair to be returned to a “like-new” state.
They are then remarketed οn dedicated marketplaces like Amazon Renewed, eBay Refurbished, or Green Wave Electronics.
Sellers are obliged to clearly state the non-new condition, detail any flaws, and specify warranty coverage and return windows.
Open Box vs. New
For consumers, the primary differences between open box and new are the seal and price. A new item is factory-sealed with a full warranty, whereas an open box item has been unboxed and discounted.
Because open box products can save up to 30% without sacrificing reliability, they make a high-value alternative to paying full retail price.
Open Box vs. Overstock
Overstock is new, factory-sealed inventory that a retailer simply has too much of and thus sells it at a discount. Open box means that a product is sold at a better price because the original packaging has been opened. In both cases, the products are unused.
Is It Safe To Buy An Open Box? Things To Consider
Today’s consumers expect flexibility. Thus, they demand free, no-questions-asked returns. This wave of no-strings-attached purchasing pushes retailers to accept more returns, increasing the volume of high-quality open-box items available.
That said, it is generally safe to buy open box because such items are always checked before they are sold anew. Especially for electronics, open box undergo certified quality checks to ensure they function as they should.
However, you should always check the specific return policy, as some open-box items are sold “as-is”.
Note that under Section 5(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission – FTC Act (15 U.S.C. § 45(a)(1)), vendors must not mislead consumers about a product’s condition.
Using clear labels such as “Secondhand,” “Repaired,” or “Reconditioned” helps identify the non-new condition. Failing to do so can be treated as an unfair or deceptive practice, potentially leading to enforcement actions and penalties.
This adds an extra layer of safety for open box purchases.
Is It Better To Buy New Or Open Box?
If you are buying a gift or want to have a full manufacturer’s warranty, new is better. However, if you are looking for personal use and want to maximize your budget, open box offers great deals on practically new products at the price of used.
The best season to buy open box is right after winter break. Consider that returns from December offer excellent opportunities to save on open-box deals, as retailers process the massive influx of post-holiday returns in January.
What To Check When Buying Open Box
- Condition Notes: Read exactly why the item is marked down – is it just a “crinkled box” or are there “minor scratches”?
- Included Accessories: Ensure cables, manuals, and remotes are in the box, as these are the items most commonly missing.
- Serial Numbers: Verify the serial number on the device matches the box and the receipt.
- Warranty Status: Confirm if the original manufacturer’s warranty is still active or if the seller provides a secondary guarantee.
What To Buy Open Box
The best open box products to buy are high-priced electronics and large home appliances:
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Home theater systems
- Professional cameras
- Kitchen appliances
What Not To Buy Open Box
Avoid open box products where hygiene and safety are core concerns, delicate items, or products that come with no warranty:
- In-ear headphones/earbuds
- Personal care items (e.g., electric shavers or electric toothbrushes)
- Monitors and TVs (OLED specifically) that are delicate and prone to damage
- Computer components (motherboards, CPUs, hard drives)
- Safety gear
Where To Buy Open Box Electronics
If you are looking for open box savings without the guesswork, the Green Wave Electronics store is the best place to shop for discount electronics.
Browse through hundreds of overstock and refurbished models from top brands, backed by certified refurbishment, substantial warranty, and cordial customer care.
Get real value at prices that make sense, while keeping good tech in circulation – good for your wallet, good for the planet.
Save green by going Green Wave. Shop now.
FAQs
What Is Open Box?
Open box is a product that has been removed from its original packaging but is generally in new or near-new condition and fully functional.
What Does Open Box Mean On Amazon?
On Amazon, open box items are often labeled as “Used – Like New” under the Amazon Resale section. They are typically customer returns that have undergone a basic quality check.
Does Open Box Mean New Or Used?
Technically, it sits in between. It is not “new” because the seal is broken, but it is not “used” in the sense of having been used for what it was intended. It may have been handled in other ways, like having its box opened or used for a shop demo.
Why Do People Sell Open Box Items?
Retailers sell open box items to recover value from returned goods that cannot be sold as new, while individuals might sell them if they missed a retailer’s return window.
