Looking to score high-end appliances without breaking the bank? Beyond clearance racks and seasonal sales, one savvy option is exploring the world of open-box appliances. These hidden gems offer a budget-friendly way to bring top-tier quality into your home.
Open-box appliances are typically items that have been returned after little to no use, remaining in near-perfect, brand-new condition. Since they can’t be sold as new, retailers slash their prices to keep inventory flowing, passing the savings on to you.
While there are plenty of perks to buying open-box, a few caveats come with the territory. This guide dives into everything you need to know to uncover the best places to buy open-box appliances and snag the products you’ve been eyeing.
Find out why Spencers Appliance stands out as one of the top destinations for open-box appliance deals, delivering quality and value in equal measure.
What Are Open Box Appliances?
Open-box appliances are products that have been returned to the store, used as showroom models, or have minor cosmetic damage. These items are typically in excellent condition and may never have been used at all.
Examples of Open-Box Situations
- A customer purchases a refrigerator but returns it because it doesn’t fit in their home.
- The appliance is opened from the box but was never plugged in or used.
- Showroom models that were on display but not operated.
Customers who purchase open-box appliances still receive a new product — it just may not come in factory-sealed packaging.
Open-Box vs. Refurbished Appliances
There’s an important difference between open-box and refurbished appliances.
Open-Box Appliances
- Typically never used or only used briefly.
- Minimal difference from brand-new items.
- Returned for reasons like size or cosmetic preferences.
Refurbished Appliances
- Previously used, sometimes for years.
- Cleaned and restored, often with replacement parts.
- May show more signs of wear than expected.
Why Shop Open-Box at Spencers Appliance?
Spencers Appliance is one of Arizona’s top destinations for open-box appliances.
What Sets Spencers Apart
- Commitment to customer satisfaction and finding the right fit.
- Vast showrooms with a wide selection of appliances.
- Display models occasionally become open-box items, offering great deals.
Open-box shopping at Spencer’s lets you save without sacrificing quality.
➜ Learn More: Is It Time for a New Fridge? Refrigerator Repair vs Replace Explained
Pros and Cons of Buying Open Box
Buying open-box appliances is a great way to save on like-new items. However, these products also come with potential drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Pros
Significant Savings
You can get appliances for up to 30% off, making it easier to stay within budget.
Unused Showroom Models
Some open-box items were simply on display and have never been used.
Cosmetic Imperfections = Big Discounts
Many shoppers are happy to accept minor scratches or dents in exchange for great deals on top-tier brands.
Access to Premium Brands
Stretch your budget and potentially upgrade to higher-end models that may have been out of reach at full price.
Cons
Limited Inventory
You might not find the exact appliance model or specifications you need in the open-box section.
Possible Light Use
Some open-box appliances may have been used briefly before being returned.
Cosmetic Flaws
Be prepared to accept minor visual imperfections once the appliance is installed in your home.
Where to Find the Best Open Box Deals
Many stores have open-box sections because they want to resell items that were immediately returned or need to move their showroom models out of the store. You can find open-box items in big-box retailers, local appliance stores, and on specialized online platforms.
As a customer, you need to trust the store selling open-box appliances. If you aren’t confident in the store, then you won’t have faith in the quality of your appliance or the warranty and return policies if you need to use them.
Research stores before you shop and confirm that they have the best interests of customers in mind. Look for transparent policies that support customer needs so you can get support if you aren’t happy with the appliance. Your appliance retailer should work for you.
This is another reason why Spencers Appliance is a go-to for open-box options. Customers trust that they are buying quality items even if they were used as showroom displays or returned by customers.
➜ Learn More: The Downside of Big Box Stores: Why Local Appliance Shopping Wins
Smart Tips for Buying Open-Box Appliances
Open-box appliances can offer incredible savings — but it pays to shop wisely. Unlike brand-new products, these items may have unique conditions, so asking the right questions and doing your homework is key.
Follow these best practices to ensure you get the most value from your purchase:
1. Stick to Your Budget: Just because something is marked down doesn’t mean it’s a deal for you. Set your budget ahead of time and resist the temptation to overspend on higher-priced items.
2. Evaluate the Discount: Compare the open-box price to the original retail cost. Make sure the savings truly reflect any cosmetic damage or missing packaging.
3. Ask About Warranty & Returns: Don’t assume the appliance is covered like a new one. Confirm whether the warranty still applies and that there’s a return policy in case it doesn’t meet your expectations.
4. Inspect for Damage: Carefully check for dents, scratches, or other wear. Decide if these imperfections are worth the discount and whether they'll bother you in your space.
5. Double-Check Fit & Features: Measure your space and ensure the appliance meets your needs. It’s still an investment, and functionality should never be compromised.
Talk to the expert team members at Spencer’s Appliance to learn about open-box appliances. You can ask about warranties and learn about individual items for sale. We can give you the answers you need to feel confident in your purchase.
➜ Learn More: How to Choose the Best Appliances for Your Kitchen Remodel
Top Open Box Appliance Categories
While you can find almost any appliance in the open-box section at one point or another, there are a few common types that are more likely to be found in this area. Here are a few categories that often pop up in open-box departments.
- Refrigerators: these appliances come in a variety of sizes and designs. An open-box refrigerator might not have fit because the homeowner didn’t measure the space before buying.
- Washers and dryers: these appliances might be showroom items or they might have experienced the same problem as the open-box fridge models where they were the wrong size. You might be able to ask a store employee why an open-box washer and dryer is for sale.
- Dishwashers: an open-box dishwasher could be a showroom model or might not have looked as the homeowner expected.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t find open-box ovens and ranges, but they might be less common. The open-box categories featured here are known for their high cost savings, especially if you are buying large-capacity models. They are also the easiest to return with only minor use.
As a buyer, you cannot control what items and brands are added to the open-box departments. However, you can check back frequently to see if there is anything new. Explore Spencer’s Appliance’s open box inventory and see what unique items are waiting for you.
Is an Open-Box Appliance Right for You?
Open-box deals can offer great savings if buyers know what to look for. Set a budget before you start shopping and consider your tolerance for minor scratches and imperfections.
Also, know that you might not find your dream appliance in the open-box section. There’s no guarantee that your ideal brand and color was opened and returned. If you have a careful eye and realistic expectations, you might find great deals in the open-box area.
Visit your nearest Spencer’s Appliance location for a hands-on look at open-box deals. See what is available right now and decide whether discounted open-box appliances are an ideal way to save on your home appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open-box appliances were never used or were only lightly used before being returned. Refurbished appliances have been used but were cleaned and restored. It takes more work to prepare a refurbished appliance for sale than an open-box model.
Open-box appliances should be covered by manufacturer warranties. They should be just as valid as if you bought a new appliance. This reduces the overall risk of buying open-box items.
Most appliance stores will discount open-box items between 10% to 30% depending on the condition of the item. The brand and sale price will also determine the potential discount. Some stores allow you to combine discounts for extra savings.
Yes. Many appliances are returned because they do not fit in homes or buyers change their mind about wanting them. These items are perfectly safe to use and should work just as well as new models.
Make sure the appliance is still in perfect working order. An open-box appliance should not be damaged or have missing parts. Your appliance should also be clean and appear unused.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 11 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencers and see what you’re missing!
Shop Open Box Appliances at Spencers TV & Appliance
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop open box appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best freestanding or built-in dishwasher for your kitchen. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!