Best Buy, one of the largest electronics stores in the US, allows consumers to return most products they are dissatisfied with. However, many buyers are unaware of their open box return policy.
This policy allows customers to request a return by mail or in a physical store. When returning an item with an open box, you must present proof of purchase. Original receipts, gift vouchers, delivery notes or credit card invoices are accepted.
Customers can return almost any open box item to Best Buy as long as they do so within the return and exchange window. This also includes refurbished, new, clearance or discounted items.
For standard membership customers, returns must be made within 14 days of purchase. Elite and Elite Plus members have 30 and 45 days respectively. Additionally, when making a return request, Best Buy prefers that you present the original packaging and accessories.
It's also important to know that Best Buy may deny your return request. This usually occurs if you do not have valid identification or proof of purchase, or if the item has been tampered with.
The Best Buy Outlet Guide states that open box items have a warranty, depending on the product category. An open-box MacBook Pro, for example, should have a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. While most open box items come with a warranty, exclusions may apply. However, if the manufacturer's warranty on an open box product has expired, Best Buy offers repairs and service for the product.
The Open Box Excellent label on an item specifies the item's operating conditions. When a product is returned to Best Buy, it is examined and tested to ensure it is in good physical and working condition.
Open box products may be labeled “Certified Excellent,” “Excellent,” “Satisfactory,” or “Acceptable,” depending on their operating condition. Most open box products also come with all parts and accessories, with exceptions noted in the product specifications.
Best Buy's return policy for open box items allows customers to request returns by mail or at any Best Buy physical store.
However, it is necessary to provide proof of purchase, such as original receipts, packing slips, gift receipts, or credit card statements when requesting the return of an open box item.
Best Buy allows customers to return almost all open box items (including open box items, new, clearance, used and refurbished items) as long as the return is made within the applicable return and exchange period.
Returns must be made within 15 days of purchase for customers with standard membership, while Elite and Elite Plus members have up to 30 and 45 days, respectively.
Additionally, Best Buy requires that you present the original packaging and accessories when making a return request.
If the original packaging and accessories are not available when you request a return, Best Buy will deduct an amount from your refund to replace the missing items in the package.
It's important to note that Best Buy may deny your return request if the open-box item does not have proof of purchase, does not have valid photo identification, or appears damaged, defective, or dented.
Surprisingly, you can return electronics to Best Buy without the original box and packaging. According to the Best Buy website:
“If you don't have all the original packaging or accessories, that's okay too. “We can process a return with a non-refundable deduction on your refund for what is missing.”
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Best Buy will require, at a minimum, a receipt or proof of purchase for the refund to be issued without packaging.
Additionally, Best Buy returns without box/packaging will also need to be returned within 14-45 days of purchase.
The Open Box Excellent label on an item describes the working conditions of the specified open box item.
Once an item is returned to a Best Buy store, it is inspected and tested for working condition and physical appearance.
Therefore, depending on working conditions, best buy items may be labeled Certified Excellent, Excellent, Satisfactory, or Fair.
Additionally, most open box items come with all parts and accessories, with exceptions noted in the product conditions.
If you want to learn more, you can see our related posts on Walmart's unboxed and open box returns policy.
Open Box items are worth the price considering the purchase price of the item, although they are not always a good deal in terms of quality.
Open box items typically have lower prices than new items and can help you save money.
If you see an item marked "open box", it simply means that the package has been opened and returned, but not necessarily because the item is defective or damaged.
For example, a buyer might have returned an open-boxed mobile phone or gaming PC because he didn't like the color or model or because he changed his mind about the purchase.
However, since some customers have issued complaints about items with open boxes, you should consider trying the item before purchasing to avoid problems with the product.