What does it mean when an item is open box?

What is an open box item?

Open box items are electronics and other products that have been removed from their original packaging. These items are often the result of customer returns that have no relation to the quality of the product. Many open box items also had previous lives as display models on retail floors.

Some open box items have never been used, while some have been refurbished. At Back Market, whether the item wasn’t touched or it’s been pre-loved, the item is thoroughly reviewed for safety and performance before it’s listed for sale.

Open box vs. refurbished

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Refurbished products are given a second life with a thorough restoration process, while most open box products haven’t been used and don’t require that level of refurbishment before being resold. With this comes a price difference: refurbished items are typically more affordable than open box ones.

What is the refurbishing process like?

Refurbished items receive a top-to-bottom makeover from trained technicians. After an initial inspection to identify any apparent flaws, refurbishment professionals check the following: 

• Hardware. At this stage, a device's physical components, such as its battery, are evaluated. Any defective parts are fixed or entirely replaced. 

• Software. A product’s operating system is updated and the settings are restored to factory settings. 

• Appearance. The refurbishment technician cleans the product and conducts any other final refining cosmetic touches. 

Once all of the above is done, the product goes through a final round of testing to make sure everything is in tip-top shape before it's sold.

Open box vs used

Used or preowned items are second hand products that were once actively used by another owner. The range of quality varies widely when it comes to used products on the market. They may be in excellent condition, or they might have significant mileage on them. 

The biggest advantage of buying a used product is that used prices tend to be lower on average. That savings come at other costs, though. There’s no guarantee that the products work, especially because they aren’t refurbished. Used products typically don’t come with warranties, either. If you buy a dud, you’re stuck with it. While you’ll pay more for an open box item, they’re in much better condition than used products.

Open box vs refurbished vs. used comparison table

Pros and cons of open box items

Pros of open box items

• Savings potential. Discounts for open box products can vary between sellers and the condition of the device, but there’s almost always a discount. You might save between 10% and 20% on an open box device, or you might pay half the price of a new model. Even if the savings are on the lower side, it can still be a pretty great deal for the new or near-near condition you get.

• Like-new appearance. If there are any imperfections on an open box model, they’re almost always superficial and mild. A tiny scratch from a laptop’s time as a floor model isn’t a dealbreaker, especially if the laptop performs at its best. Plus, buying open box products, which might otherwise end up in a landfill, is an environmentally friendly way to shop. 

• Warranty protection. If you do notice anything that needs repair when you get your item home, there’s a strong chance it’s covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

• Ability to return. In the rare instance an open box product isn’t up to like-new standards, many sellers have return policies in place. 

Cons of open box items

• Warranty exclusions. Yes, you’ll usually have the security of a warranty, but that warranty may have limitations that a new or refurbished item doesn’t. It’s also important to confirm that the terms of the product’s original warranty aren’t impacted when the product packaging is open. This is especially important if the seller doesn’t offer the option to return open box products.

• Missing parts. These are most often small accessories like charging cables or controllers. In worst case scenarios, though, this may include hardware that affects functionality.

• Availability. Since open box products have limited availability, you’ll also have fewer choices, which can be a disadvantage if you have specific features in mind.

• Appearance. Some open box items may have scratches or other blemishes. If that matters to you, take a close look before you commit to buying an open box item.

Open box items pros and cons comparison chart

Should you buy open box items?

Buying open box depends on your needs and situation. If you’re in the market for something specific, open box might not be right for you, as these deals are often found by chance. Not to mention, open box inventory is typically quite low, so you’re unlikely to have a lot of options. However, if you’re willing to wait a while and don’t mind choosing from several brands or models, you’re more likely to find the right open box deal. 

The bottom line: scoring an open box deal is more like finding Cinderella’s slipper. Finding the perfect match takes a lot of time and effort.

Tips for buying open box electronics

When buying an open box product, it’s critical to do your research — including what to look for on the item itself when making your purchase. Here’s a handy checklist to guide you through your first open box investment. 

• Shop around first. Part of doing your research is reviewing your many pricing options, including considering refurbished items. Review your new, refurbished, and used costs, too, so you know you’re really getting the best deal. 

• Research the right sellers. Look for positive Google, Trustpilot, and Better Business Bureau reviews to get a sense of the seller’s customer service. Take note of how issues are resolved to give you a sense of security when shopping.

• Examine the item. If you’re buying in-store, thoroughly inspect your open box product before finalizing your purchase. If you bought the item online, look everything over with a fine-tooth comb once your product arrives. In either scenario, you’ll want to identify any cosmetic flaws that weren’t previously disclosed. Take this time to check for included accessories.

• Read all policies carefully. Understand if your open box product is covered under a warranty, and for how long the terms of that warranty will apply. Additionally, you should know if you’ll have the security of a return policy if the product doesn’t meet your expectations. As with the warranty, you should know all the details of this policy, including how long you have to return the item and if any restrictions exist. 

Give opened products new life

Open Box items may not come with zero risk, but if you do your due diligence, you can find great deals on never-before-used products. It’s a great way to enjoy a brand-new gaming console, tablet or any other tech device without the negative environmental impact. However, you’re not always guaranteed to find a fully-functioning product or the exact model you want.

Shopping refurbished is the safer option. All items are guaranteed to function like new, and if you shop for products in pristine or excellent cosmetic condition, you won’t be able to tell the difference between new and refurbished. If you want to go easy on your wallet while guaranteeing like-new functionality, opt for refurbished.