Checking an item for defects not allowed?

[texx444]

Many stores sell monitors and other computer items in sealed boxes, and they wouldn't let you open the box and inspect the item.

Even if you explain that you are buying the item and just want to inspect it for any defects first, they wouldn't let you open the box. So how can you make sure that the monitor doesn't have any dead pixels or other problems?

I read that people had lots of problems returning monitors because of dead pixels. The stores would tell you to deal directly with the manufacturer. And many manufacturers have a policy that few dead pixels are "acceptable" (to them, obviously) and wouldn't do anything about it.

The best way to avoid this BS is to make sure the monitor is fine before purchasing it. But the stores do not allow to unseal the box and inspect the item. What's the best recourse then to avoid being stuck with a dead-pixel monitor?

[Moebiwankenobi]

most stores have a 15 day return policy on monitors and other computer peripherals. BB/FS does and I've never had a problem returning something opened to them unless it was software. Unless you are buying from a smaller, local, OEM store, I don't see this as being a major concern.

[betasharp]

Yeah, what the guy said above is correct. At the same time, this is why warranty is available for such situations. Monitors are known for failing and having dead pixels, that's why manufacturers have warranties that state you have to a certain amount of dead pixels before they consider it worthy of a replacement as I think it's not worth it for them to replace one with just one dead pixel. At the same time think of it this way, say the store you are purchasing your monitor from agreed to allow you to inspect the item before purchase. At the same time they gave you the following condition "You can inspect the item, but since you inspected it at the store, you no longer have the option of returning it, no warranty, since you did check it in store." I dunno, you can't have everything in the world is what I'm trying to say lol

[squall458]

buy from a company that has a warranty that allows you to exchange if you have even one dead pixel. thats it aside from stores having generous return policies like costco or even BB or FS. but at least you are not trying to abuse that and just want to know before you buy it.

[Jin-n-Juice]

buy from a company that has a warranty that allows you to exchange if you have even one dead pixel. thats it aside from stores having generous return policies like costco or even BB or FS. but at least you are not trying to abuse that and just want to know before you buy it.

NCIX has zero dead pixels warranty if you choose their express shipping option
http://www.ncix.com/go/?expresscoverage

[rabbit]

> The best way to avoid this BS is to make sure the monitor is fine before purchasing it. But the stores do not allow to unseal the box and inspect the item.

There's more chance that you won't return the item after getting it home, is why. More hassle for you = the more you think about returning it.

Opening up the box and testing the monitor disrupts the store, also. It takes some of their time (someone needs to keep an eye out), and it doesn't look good to other customers while you're making 'a mess'.



> NCIX has zero dead pixels warranty if you choose their express shipping option
http://www.ncix.com/go/?expresscoverage

You can buy the dead pixel warranty from them, too. It's around 5% of the monitor price. I still prefer getting a monitor from a big box store, though.

[texx444]

Thanks. I was thinking about no refund/no exhanges smaller computer stores or online shops like infonec.

I find that BB/FS type stores often do not have the products that I need.

[craftsman]

Well there's the rub...

You can go to a larger outfit which will generally have higher prices, may not have some of the more specialty items, but allow for a return/exchange policy

Or,

You can go to the smaller outfits which will generally have lower prices, have the specialty items, but not allow for exchanges/refunds....


Customers have to remember that the higher prices allow for those customer service niceties such as inspection/testing or a return/exchange policy. We, as customers, pay for that.

If you don't want to pay the premium for customer service niceties, then generally you don't get them.

Bottom line, what you pay for is what you get.

[cwb27]

Like others have said... Buy it, take it home, IMMEDIATELY open/use/inspect the item, if a defect is found deal with ASAP, don't let it sit around for 3 weeks then post on RFD that BB/FS/etc are a bunch of scammers because you were too lazy to deal with it in a more timely manor.

[mucat]

Like others said, big retailers like FS/BB have 15 days return policy...or computer shop like NCIX has zero dead pixels warranty if you are willing to pay a little extra.

texx444, what model are you looking at right now?

[hightech]

The only place I buy my monitors from are Best Buy, Future Shop, Staples, or any store that has a no hassle return policy.

Having said that, I did buy one of my LCD's from PC Village in Markham, and the Indian guy there, let me open the panel, hook it up, run some dead pixel tests, etc. and then I bought it.

[silentio]

What would the pc village guy say if you found 1 dead pixel after opening up the new package? Not like they can resell it.

Im betting he would have pressured u to take it.

[TimePilot]

at CC for a samsung monitor: I was told the dead pixel policy is 7 for a return.

They let me open it and turn it (plugged into computer) instore but only after purchase. I needed to make sure it was not DOA.

[texx444]

What would the pc village guy say if you found 1 dead pixel after opening up the new package? Not like they can resell it.


Nor could they return it to manufacturer as "defective" if manufacturer has the usual 6-7 dead pixel limit. Doesn't make any sense.

I bet that box at PC Village was not "factory sealed" (was probably sealed or re-sealed in the store). Have you seen what people are saying about PC Village? When you're dealing with a store like that, all bets are off.

http://www.torontopcstores.com/index.php?board=108;action=display;threadid=126;vi ew=all

[IoannI]

Thats why you buy on from a big box store, you might pay a tiny bit more but at least you have that security.

[tominto]

I once took a monitor back to tigerdirect the day after I bought it. It had maybe one or two dead pixels. Got an exchange no problem!