Refurbished electronics

Hedco
Hedco Posts: 32
edited September 2010 in Electronics
Was wondering how good the idea is of buying a mfg refurbed avr. Thinking about a refurbed pioneer sc-05. Seems like a good deal but I also have never heard of the e-tailer ( united online shopping ). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Post edited by Hedco on

Comments

  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2010
    If it comes with a full warranty, why not? Maybe run the vendor thru the BBB website to make sure they are not horrible at what they do.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • eeagle
    eeagle Posts: 226
    edited September 2010
    I would rate my experience buying refurb products at about 80% positive.

    Problems I have encountered were with mechanics; especially w/CD players, cameras, and tape mechanisms. They have been intermittent problems, and likely were not picked up in the refurb process. I personally try to stay away from mechanical items.

    Most of the solid state items have been fine and many times I suspect were just open box returns for subjective reasons not faults.
    SDA SRS 1.2
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  • chargerman426
    chargerman426 Posts: 419
    edited September 2010
    I always try to buy referb as they come with a warranty and will look and work like new in most cases.
    If life had more tubes it would be a lot smoother.
  • TORI3
    TORI3 Posts: 234
    edited September 2010
    Hedco wrote: »
    Was wondering how good the idea is of buying a mfg refurbed avr. Thinking about a refurbed pioneer sc-05. Seems like a good deal but I also have never heard of the e-tailer ( united online shopping ). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    I've saved tons of money buying refurbished electronics. With receivers and speakers, the manufacture will usually test the product out multiple times (for extended periods of time) to make sure they're not sending out a lemon. This alone, at least for me, makes me a little more confident in the item I'm purchasing.

    I couldn't find too much on the company you listed. Below is an interesting thread from AVS -- an actual representative from UOS replies to some of the questions at the bottom.

    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1178469

    UOS also has an ebay page:

    http://myworld.ebay.com/unitedonlineshopping/

    steveinaz wrote: »
    If it comes with a full warranty, why not? Maybe run the vendor thru the BBB website to make sure they are not horrible at what they do.

    I agree with Steveinaz; BBB is always a good route to go. Unfortunately, Pioneer doesn't stand behind they're manufacturer's warranty if it's the purchase of an Elite series receiver from an online vendor. With this being said, UOS looks like they have a 30-day guarantee. Here's a quote from Pioneer's website:
    Unauthorized Internet Dealers

    Pioneer does NOT offer a manufacturer's limited warranty for products purchased from anyone who is not an authorized dealer and it does NOT offer rebates or other special opportunities for products purchased from anyone who is not an authorized dealer. Pioneer does NOT authorize any dealers to sell Elite-branded products on the Internet (only in-store sales are permitted). Pioneer is not able to identify all persons and companies who claim to be authorized Pioneer dealers.

    eBay Sellers
    Pioneer does NOT authorize any of its dealers to sell new products on eBay. Pioneer's agreements with its dealers prohibit sales on eBay. Accordingly, Pioneer does not offer its limited manufacturer's warranty or rebates for products purchased from any dealers on eBay.

    Otherwise, that's a REALLY REALLY good deal if you decide to pull the trigger with UOS. Let us know, either way.
    HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited September 2010
    I have no problem buying a refurb, but only direct from the manufacturer or an authorized vendor. My AVR was a refurb, and you'd never be able to tell. I also just bought a new head unit for my car and saved over $200 going refurb. Check what their return policy is, and how they handle problems, should any arise. Good luck! :)
  • Hedco
    Hedco Posts: 32
    edited September 2010
    Like Tori3 said it has a 30 day guarantee. Knowing my luck though day 31 something would happen. lol. Has anyone or know anyone that has used Square Trade Warranties??
    Wondering if I do get the unit if they would be a good source for a warranty.

    Thanks for all the input guys. MUCH appreciated
  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,580
    edited September 2010
    I've bought lots of refurb, B Stock & used electronics over the years. Never a problem. Just make sure you buy from an outfit which is authorized to sell for the manufacturer & offers a good replacement/return policy.

    -Dave
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited September 2010
    I agree, but I bought my AVR refurbed directly from the manufacturer with a ONE YEAR warranty. It's now over 2 1/2 years going on 3 and everything (fingers crossed) looks good.

    30 days is not much of a warranty for a unit as good as the SC-05, though?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

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