Open box products from Best Buy

[Lorenzo F]

I'm considering buying an iMac from Best Buy whose condition is listed as "Open Box Excellent Geek Squad Certified." In general, are such products fine? Has anyone purchased a product with that condition and had no problems? if you were ever part of the Geek Squad it would be particularly nice to hear from you, but I would love to hear from anyone who can offer input!

Thanks in advance.

 

[ronntaylor]

Generally Great Deals

While I've never bought any large "open box" items from Best Buy, I know of a few family members or friends that have. Usually the items are simple returns and almost never have any cosmetic damage. You'll get the same warranty and you can check out the item before leaving the store. Even if there were a few minor scratches/dents, I'd suggest getting it if you're getting at least 15% off the regular price.

 

[RobinHood5]

Geek Squad agent here. I wouldn't be worried at all about purchasing an open box item, especially a GeekSquad Certified one. The difference between regular open box items and Geek Squad certified ones is that on the certified ones they literally have to be perfect! Any dent, scratch, flaw, even overly worn or missing packaging and it can't be certified. Generally the certified ones are only ones that people returned unopened or at least in brand new condition. The certification process is stupidly long and takes about an hour for an agent to go through and tests all hardware and cosmetics. It is securely wiped and reloaded. (we have a copy of all OS X DMGs on site). Most employees purchase the open box ones because because they are lower than what best buy gets the product for therefore lower than our employee discount.

ONE THING TO NOTE! It is really hard to move these high dollar open box items especially if their geek squad certified because often its just not a big enough discount off of retail! Ask to speak with a manager and haggle them down a bit! They usually will move $50 or more on that big of an item just to get it out the door!

And worst case scenario, for some reason you buy it and decide it would be worth it to you to get a brand new one, you have 15 days to return it.

 

[Pharmscott]

I purchased a rMBP that was certified as you said from Best Buy. Works great, looks flawless. Zero regrets. You can return it if not satisfied. You can even get Applecare. Go for it and good luck!

 

[firedept]

Have purchased several open box big ticket items from Best Buy and never regretted any of them. Both computers and TV's. Could never see any physical damage upon inspection and they still come with same warranty. Plus you can purchase additional warranty.

Best Buy is pretty good at backing what they sell. You should be able to purchase with confidence. You can save so much money this way. First thing I ask when I am looking for big ticket items at Best Buy. "Do you have any open box?"

 

[highvoltage12v]

Open box mini

I just bought a open box mac mini 2012 i7 from BB that was geek squad certified. Oddly it came with 10.10 Public Beta 2 on it and had a hard time validating the purchase date with Apple. It's warranty originally started when the first owner took it out of the box and registered it. i had to scan Apple the receipt and they fixed it. Also the Mini's box was really dirty and they shipped it in a padded envelope. Im surprised the hard drive still works.

 

[FaustsHausUK]

I'm considering buying an iMac from Best Buy whose condition is listed as "Open Box Excellent Geek Squad Certified." In general, are such products fine? Has anyone purchased a product with that condition and had no problems? if you were ever part of the Geek Squad it would be particularly nice to hear from you, but I would love to hear from anyone who can offer input!

Thanks in advance.

I bought an open box Mac mini from Best Buy a few years back. Other than the original purchaser (and Best Buy) forgetting to do a fresh install of OS X, it was in fantastic condition. The box was mangled but the system itself was in pristine condition, all considered.

I believe their returns policy on open box goods is decent.

 

[Lorenzo F]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Unfortunately I attempted to take the plunge...and was too late! Someone snatched it up already. Guess I'll be waiting for the next one.

 

[nade1958]

Thanks RobinHood5 for your response. Great advice.

 

[Spink10]

Best Buy Open Box

While my first open box item from Best Buy - went home to find a 2010 iMac in a 2011 iMac Box. Thankfully I recorded my opening and also when I went back they were able to see in the system that this was a 2011 and they accidentally switched the boxes.

For my inconvenience I requested (or demanded) cant remember for a new 2011 iMac for the price of the open box model (had $150 coupon also) - that is what they did. So turned out great for me.

 

[pavankumar]

Geek Squad agent here. I wouldn't be worried at all about purchasing an open box item, especially a GeekSquad Certified one. The difference between regular open box items and Geek Squad certified ones is that on the certified ones they literally have to be perfect! Any dent, scratch, flaw, even overly worn or missing packaging and it can't be certified. Generally the certified ones are only ones that people returned unopened or at least in brand new condition. The certification process is stupidly long and takes about an hour for an agent to go through and tests all hardware and cosmetics. It is securely wiped and reloaded. (we have a copy of all OS X DMGs on site). Most employees purchase the open box ones because because they are lower than what best buy gets the product for therefore lower than our employee discount.

ONE THING TO NOTE! It is really hard to move these high dollar open box items especially if their geek squad certified because often its just not a big enough discount off of retail! Ask to speak with a manager and haggle them down a bit! They usually will move $50 or more on that big of an item just to get it out the door!

And worst case scenario, for some reason you buy it and decide it would be worth it to you to get a brand new one, you have 15 days to return it.

[doublepost=1501153297][/doublepost]hi RobinHood5, can you please tell me how the process is done while certifying the product "excellent-certified" in terms of battery charging capability and performance? will the charge and discharge time are noted to see if the battery is flawless? and also will you guys make sure the device do not turn off un-expected due to manufacturing defects ??