WWYD: Buy the Floor Model and Save a Few Bucks?
A few weeks ago we discovered our extra TV had died. We had an old (think – pre-cable ready) TV in the spare room/my office that would get sporadic use. Mainly it would see the light of day if women’s hoops were on and I was working on the PC. The only other time it got used was when we had guests sleep over and for the most part that has amounted to a few times a year when my mother-in-law stays the night. We go to bed early and she watches the tube for hours. So, imagine our surprise when 
she came to stay the night for her 65th birthday party and we hit the power button only to have nothing happen. We were surprised to say the least, but truth be told I don’t think we had turned it on for at least 3 or 4 months. Who knows what happened to it. Maybe it just died, maybe it got zapped in an electrical storm (although I’d think my whole PC setup would’ve fried since it is in the same room and electrical circuit).
At first we weren’t going to replace it at all. Since we rarely used it and are tight on cash right now, we figured why bother. My mother, however, thought we should absolutely get a new one and offered to cough up the money for a basic, low cost set. So, off we trotted to Best Buy.
When it comes to televisions, the options are numerous. Between flat screen, curved screen, HDTV, digital, analog, free standing units, and more and more, you need to be a genius to shop. We have a semi-flat 35″ screen set in our main living room where we watch movies, but even that is over 8 years old at this point (but still working fine with our stereo and DVD setup!). With the switchover to digital set for the end of 2008, we wanted to make sure we had a set that would be compatible in the future even though we don’t subscribe to digital cable.
Since we were looking for low-budget we had to walk far and long past all the really nice and REALLY pricey stuff to find the 19-20″ sets. Now considering we had to hook the old set up to an old VCR just to get reception and cable, we figured anything at all was really a step up. Having a remote control that works is a blessing. As I was perusing the slim choices (the stores almost want to make you feel bad, like a total loser for buying a small, basic set — it almost screams, “what are you un-American??”), I noticed a few “As-Is” floor models with deep discounts. That got me thinking…hmmm when would I buy floor model or as-is models just to save a few dollars?
I am pretty gun-shy when it comes to buying used electronics, especially floor models that look like they received a visit from the old American Tourister Chimps. However, there can be ways around it as this blogger points out. Maybe a floor model isn’t your thing but a recently returned brand new one is. However, what about other big purchases? Furniture? Appliances?
In my day I have purchased a few floor model pieces of furniture. One white beauty from IKEA fell to shreds and never, and I mean never were we able to get the DIY hinges to work. However, it did serve its purpose for many years as our microwave stand. I’ve also saved a few bucks on “open boxes” that were otherwise new and in tact. My first Ipod was an open box save 20% deal.
We ended up simply buying a basic model new TV in a box, but it did re-open the inquiry around frugal living through purchasing quick discounts. As the holiday shopping season descends this week with Black Friday, what would you do? Would you buy a floor model as-is to save money? If so, is there a limit to what types of products you would do this for? How about returns or open boxes? Is your thinking the same or different?
Would love to hear your experiences and thoughts…
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Paula Gregorowicz is the Comfortable in Your Own Skin(tm) Coach and you can learn more at her website www.thepaulagcompany.com and blog www.coaching4lesbians.com.
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Paula: We have purchased floor models for electronics and furniture and have never had any issues. I think it’s worth the discount.
When we buy smaller items – that come in a box – Jeanine is adamant about finding the one that hasn’t been opened (or returned). We’ll look through the entire stack to find what appears to be the best. Drives me nuts!
I’ve bought floor models before, but I’ve usually found that there aren’t any of the one that I want available.
My experience trying to buy a floor model lamp I liked was quite frustrating. Apparently, the product was discontinued so I couldn’t order a new one. But they wouldn’t sell me the floor model either. I asked “Why? You don’t have any others, and you said it’s discontinued.” He responded something about how they might need it (maybe he was saving it for someone…himself or another employee…or maybe he just wasn’t good and putting two and two together). So I went to another store and got something similar.
I don’t know about electronics that have been running all the time, like a tv. I might ask how long it’s been running. And with furniture I’d look it over but since almost all of my furniture is second or third-hand anyway, I’m not too picky.
A friend of mine goes to Sams and looks at the Returned merchandise that is Sold “As Is..NO Returns if you Buy it”
He bought a returned apparently Inoperable 60″ Projection TV..No Box..No insttruction manual for $500 that had originally cost almost $4000.
Got it home…called the Manufacturer since it still had its 2 year warranty…never used as it was Brand New…Service Tech was sent out with a new instruction manual and set the TV up and fixed the misaligned projector and the set worked perfect..and still does 7 years later.
My father also bought appliances in a similar fashion except he went in to the local (not chain) store and told the owner he didn’t care how old it was but it better still be in a factory crate and white would be preferred.
Matched pair of GE Upright Fridge and Upright Freezer…32 cubic feet each..and in white..a special order not picked up.
Two years old but still with warranty because still in crates. $500 the pair delivered…retail almost $1500.
When you buy floor samples you have to remember they are still under warranty so you really have little risk.
~ Roland
I know you are wanting something new, but why not buy a used tv at a thrift store for cheap. If it breaks and you need to get a new one, you’ll still come out ahead!
(also, be sure to recycle your old tv!)