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Shopping for appliances can be overwhelming, especially when the appliances we love seem out of reach. Many of us might dream of owning the ideal, luxury appliances we believe would fit perfectly into our homes, yet the reality is that we cannot afford these appliances we truly want. The high price tag on that gorgeous refrigerator or beautiful matching washer and dryer set is a complication we feel will always keep us from owning that specific brand or model we love.
This is where purchasing open box appliances may be the answer to your dilemma. When you shop for open box appliances, you have the possibility of finding the luxury appliances you love in a price range you can actually afford. In the following article, find out more about what open box appliance shopping is, how open box appliance shopping works, and why it might be the right choice for you.
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ClearanceWhat Does Open Box Mean?
Open box appliance shopping is a discount shopping option that some people do regularly, while some people have never even heard the term used. Shopping for open box appliances is when a person purchases an appliance that is not brand new and sealed in its box as one would normally purchase an appliance. Instead, the concept is called “open box” because you are essentially purchasing an appliance whose box has been opened, or that perhaps is no longer even packed in its original box. Because the appliance is no longer unopened, this prompts merchandisers to sell these items at a discounted rate, labeled “open box.” This label does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the appliance; appliances can be sold as open box for several reasons.
For instance, a person might go to the store and purchase an appliance, take it home, and get to work installing their new purchase. Yet when they begin the installation process, perhaps they realize it does not fit with their home’s aesthetic, or it is the wrong dimensions and will not fit in the intended space. The buyer would then proceed to return the appliance, most likely in an open box, to the store that they originally purchased it from. This appliance would likely become an “open box” item. It is technically still brand-new and unused, yet because someone has previously opened the box and unpackaged the item, the value is somewhat diminished.
Floor Models
Another way appliances become open boxes is if they serve as floor models in the store. Machines that have been floor models are often touched, poked, and prodded for weeks on end; though they have never been truly used for their intended purpose in someone’s home, they often still tend to show the smallest bit of wear and tear. Floor models often get pushed to the “open box” appliance category since they are no longer brand-new and sealed in their box.
Minor Dents and Dings
In addition, appliances can be sold as open boxes because of the state they are in when they are delivered to the merchandiser. Appliances that arrive dented or dinged from being transported are often relegated to the open box category. These appliances are still new and have never been used, yet because their exterior appearance has been damaged, they are discounted as open box items.
How Much You Can Save
For all of these various reasons, appliances can become open box appliances, meaning they are available for purchase at a lower rate than they normally would be priced. On average, you can save up to 20% off the total price by purchasing open box appliances; some retailers even boast you can save up to 40% in rare cases! If you do not mind a small dent or scratch or are not worried about an appliance that has been opened in someone else’s home and then returned, buying an open box appliance is of huge financial benefit to you with little risk or loss involved.
Types of Open Box Appliances
The quality of open box items can range anywhere from pristine condition to a few dents to somewhat rundown looking- it all depends on why the appliance is being sold as an open box item and the history it has. Some products look brand-new and are perfect looking because they were merely opened in someone’s house, were not used, and were promptly re-packaged and returned. Some items have minor dents or scratches from being transported yet are in otherwise excellent condition.
However, some open box items can be in rougher shape. If an appliance has been a floor model for a long time and has not been cleaned or well-taken care of, this could affect the condition of the appliance and you may want to stray away from purchasing such a model. Or, if an appliance was severely dented while in transport, this could have caused internal damage to the appliance’s mechanical functions that you cannot see outright, and you would want to ensure it still functions properly. Thus, it is important to ask about the history of an open box appliance before you purchase so you can have all the information you need to make a wise purchase.
There are multiple appliances that can be sold as open box, and each merchandiser chooses for themselves which items they want to sell in this manner. Appliances that can be sold are open box refrigerators, oven hoods, microwaves, induction cooktops, ice makers, dishwashers, and open box washer and dryers.
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Open Box vs Scratch and Dent
The difference between open box appliances and scratch and dent appliances is mainly the history of the item. If an appliance is being sold under the label of “scratch and dent,” then you know exactly why it is being discounted- because it has some sort of cosmetic damage, most likely incurred while in transport. However, an appliance labeled “open box” could be in this category for a plethora of reasons. It might be scratched or dented; however, it may also be a simple return, with no damage whatsoever. Or it could be a floor model that is being replaced and is ready to sell. Some open box items are even placed in this category because their packaging is damaged, which can cause some buyers to pause.
While scratch and dent items are always sold with the premise of being slightly damaged, this is not always the case with open box appliances. This is how you can differentiate the two. Open box appliances are worth looking into because they often have no damage at all and are only being discounted for being opened or previously on display. There can be far less risk or loss in purchasing open box appliances than in purchasing those in the scratch and dent category.
Open Box vs Sale Items
Sale items and open box appliances are another category that must be separated, as they are not the same. Though they are in a similar category as they are both priced less than the original full price, they do differ from one another. While sale items are brand new, unused appliances that are being sold at a discount, open box appliances have been handled in some way. Sale items are usually still sealed in their box, while open box items have been opened and put together or tested out by others. This is important to note when shopping for open box appliances; they are different from appliances that are simply on sale.
It is also important to note that open box appliances, though discounted and often already opened and possibly used, are still regular appliances. They are not made with different materials, nor do they lack functionality in any way. They are the same as the appliances you would buy brand new; their classification as “open box” has only to do with their history, not with how they were made. They are still considered normal appliances.
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Finding Open Box Appliances
Something to note about shopping for open box appliances is that they are typically not sold online. In fact, most open box appliances are sold in-store only. This may seem like a negative factor to some people. However, this can be of benefit to those willing to shop open box appliances. Many consumers today prefer to shop exclusively online; some will not take the time to venture into a physical store. Thus, if you are willing to shop for open box appliances in a physical store, you will have more options to choose from with less competition from other buyers.
If you are searching for ‘open box appliances near me’, look no further than Albert Lee. Albert Lee is widely regarded as one of the top places to shop for any of the appliances you may need. They also have a wide selection of open box items available, making their store a top choice when shopping for discounted items as well. Stop into Albert Lee today and ask them about their open box appliances, and one of their salespeople will help you find the appliance that is right for you. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful at Albert Lee and you cannot go wrong in heading there to start shopping for open box appliances today.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Open Box Appliances at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop open box appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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