Just bought a Vexilar FL-20. How do I know if it is a returned item?

[MidCoast]

Just bought a Vexilar FL-20 from a sporting good store. How would I know if it is a returned item or not? Since there are no stickers to seal the box lid close. I am paranoid and I dont want to have purchased a return item.

[waterbound]

Most respectable retailers won't sell returned items that have been opened. Many will put a sticker on it at the time of purchase, but it doesn't sound like that was the case. Look at it this way, you bought it already so you might as well use it. If it doesn't work out return it.

[Ed Carlson]

Why do you think it is a returned or a previously used item?

[cam white]

I bought one from a sporting goods store in fargo that will remain unnamed, it was sold as new, but when I opened it, it was used. The transducer face had marks on it, the bottom of the case was scraped too. I called to complain, they said no way was it used. I sold it here in winnipeg for what I bought it for, and bought another one from scheels in fargo that was unused. I opened that one right at scheels and checked.

[Ed Carlson]

Was there water spots on the unit? Was the ducer wrapped in the bubble wrap?

It is very common for costumers to remove new electronics units from the box to look at them, even if there is a like display unit sitting right in front of them.

Not sure why, but they do. They open this box...and buy the one next to it...because that one is open now..the one they just opened...yah..very common.

Is it now "Used"...no, opened, yes.

Best practices would dictate the package should have had a security cable wrap on it in the store, than it would not be able to be accessed by anyone other than the individual whom purchased it.

[Zoob]

Was there water spots on the unit? Was the ducer wrapped in the bubble wrap?

It is very common for costumers to remove new electronics units from the box to look at them, even if there is a like display unit sitting right in front of them.

Not sure why, but they do. They open this box...and buy the one next to it...because that one is open now..the one they just opened...yah..very common.

Is it now "Used"...no, opened, yes.

Best practices would dictate the package should have had a security cable wrap on it in the store, than it would not be able to be accessed by anyone other than the individual whom purchased it.

I'll always open all my packaging right at the store, before buying it (but I'll buy the one I opened). Too many times I've been burned with missing parts, broken pieces, shoddy workmanship on a particular part (boo for minimum-wage-mass-assemblies-who-don't-care) - that I now open it right there at the store to inspect exactly what I'm buying.

Doesn't matter if it's a phone, a radio, a TV - anything in any packaging where I can't see the product - I open it and check it, first.

But, like I said, I buy the one I opened if I'm happy with it.

[rcatcherman]

I guess my question to you does it work or not? If it works you have yourself a Great unit. The more you use it the better the fishing gets after you get it dialed in.

[hamms-scooter]

Put it on your table over a hard floor area at 2' off floor if it says 9' on the screen in normal mode i wouldn't be worried. That is what it should read.

[MidCoast]

I should of opened my package at the store too. I dont know, maybe I am just paranoid. It is probably normal that the only thing wrapped inside the box was the Free DVD on how to use the Vexilar and the transducer somewhat. There were a few scratches on the outside cover of the transducer though.