Refurbished electronics: Anyone ever have luck/been burned?

[Graffiti62]

The wife and I are receiving our tax return shortly, and we're in need of a new TV (I'd love to put the money towards a Strat or Les Paul project instead). After looking around on the internet, I've noticed that there are a lot of companies selling manufacturer refurbished machines at a heck of a savings. I'm interested, but cautious at the same time.

Anyone ever purchase anything refurbished by a manufacturer, and has it lasted for you/bit you in the butt?

Thanks!

 

[Cagey]

I've done it a number of times, all with good results. One of my brothers has as well. The vast majority of the stuff we've gotten has been essentially brand new - if we hadn't been told it was a refurb, we'd never have known.

I suspect that due to the liberal return policies many retailers offer these days that they get a lot of stuff back that has nothing wrong with it at all. People just have buyer's remorse, or can't figure out how to use something, or bought it just to borrow for a couple days. But, the thing has to be reviewed/tested/repackaged and can't be sold as new any more. It's a good way to save a lot of money.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

A lot of the flat screens have fluorescent tubes in them for the light behind the LCD.  These are easily damaged, and easily replaced.  But, the TV cannot be sold as new after that.  I know that Sears generally have a return or floor model outlet store somewhere nearby.  It is a, "what they have," kind of deal, but I always get my washing machines there.  I don't care about a dent on something that no one sees.  The savings are pretty incredible, but again, it cannot be called new which is why the prices are good.
Patrick

 

[bagman67]

+1 on the vote for refurbs.  If iyou're worried about whether the refurb was due to a repair issue, well, anything that can be repaired in modern electronics these days basically boils down to swapping out an entire board, so you don't even need to rely particularly on any individual technician's skill with the fiddly bits.