Do you guys see a trend on New Purchases???

[mtheis]

I have just been burned on an internet order at Cabelas, and I wonder if you guys have seen the same thing. I ordered a Hummingbird 45 flasher that was on sale, and picked it up today. The flasher was packed inside a plain cardboard box, with packing all around it. That part was good. When I brought it home, I opened the cardboard box, and then inspected the flasher box. At first glance, everything appeared normal, except the factory seal tape was cut and it was taped with scotch tape. Upon opening the flasher box, I noticed the base was already assembled, looked used, and the handle bag was cut and shredded. The flasher no longer had the protective covering on the dial face, and the box containing the power supply was torn. Cabelas is a good 45 minutes from my home, and I never even considered that I would be getting back a return from another customer as a new unit.

I remember going to my local Fleet Farm earlier this year, and seeing the boxes on various flashers torn and the factory seal was broken as well. How do you guys deal with situations like this???

I feel like I have been scammed, and I am considering returning this flasher as soon as possible. I don't even know if Cabelas will accept the return, but I just feel like I deserve a new unit since I paid a good amount of money for it.

This has happened to me from buying items at Bass Pro Shops as well. When calling their customer service dept. they just said: "well return it then if you don't like it!" At my cost I might add. Such disrespect is almost untolerable.

[KG243]

I think Cabelas will help you out. I have returned electronics from there almost after it was a year old. They have always been good to me.

[McGurk]

I guess it depends on what they mean by "on sale." A factory fresh unit right now is pretty hard to come by (especially in the larger stores). Most items that are "on sale" are probably other people's returns or factory refurbs. In your case it sounds like a customer return, that the CS desk (or anyone else for that matter) didn't care to look at it for condition and completeness. If it was bought at the Bargain Cave at Cabela's (even online), what you see in your hands it what you are going to get at that price. If it was not in the "bargain Cave" area of the HSOforum, you have a legit issue.

[Ed Carlson]

Straight up, if it was a Demo Unit, or a return used unit, it should be ID'ed as such.

A "Sale", "Special", "Hot Buy" ...ect item should not be anything used. Anything used needs to be identified as such to the buyer.

A "Managers Special", may indicate a Demo unit, damaged return, or something blemished or possibly parts missing. It pays to inquire if you suspect this, and ask to inspect the product if they say it is prior to purchase. And ask specifically if the factory warranty is in full effect.

[McGurk]

Straight up, if it was a Demo Unit, or a return used unit, it should be ID'ed as such.

"Should" being the operative word, there. I've bought gear in-person from GM, Scheels, and Cabela's, and never assumed it was factory fresh. The one time I didn't check was for a gift for my Dad, and boy was I disappointed to see that it was missing items and cables. I've always checked since.

I'm not saying you're wrong, Ed, or that you or your store are at fault in any of these circumstances. Unfortunately you can't vouch for all of the other stores. And frankly, I'm going to assume that this will continue to happen. Online orders do make pre-purchase checking tough (impossible) to do, though.

[mtheis]

The sale was for a BRAND NEW flasher, and not in the bargain cave as was suggested earlier. I should of expected a brand new flasher, as that was what I was paying for. I am going to return the unit, even without ever trying it. I demand that I get what I pay for. I think it shows deceit on their part for selling me something that was already used, and used heavily, considering the scratches on the base of the unit itself.

[Ed Carlson]

I agree McGurk, can't say one rule applies for all, and every store chain has there own internal policies concerning Demo and or returned items. For many sporting goods items we can never sell the demo's, and they must be returned to the manufacturer or even destroyed. Tree stands are one, can't sell them if ever used as a demo. They get cut up with a chop saw.

From my personal experience I mark all electronics demo's with a big Black bold "D" on the upc on the box as soon as we remove the item to set up to Demo, so it is plain to see and unmistakable to the cashier at the checkout and the costumer at a future date if sold. That way there is no mistaking it latter on if it is NEW or a Demo item. So any discounts or adjustment will apply and disclosure is made to that fact to the costumer before the purchase is made. It is there choice after that if it is a deal, or not.

Late season Demo's are a very common "Managers Specials" in retail, so it is wise to inquire if you suspect as much or are uncertain of the "Deal" implied.

[Zoob]

If you're not buying a manager special/demo or a refurb unit - and it's not marked as such, expect factory tape to be sealed - expect it to be unused.

I'll open all packaging these days to make sure all the parts are there, all the seals are in place - those seals are there FOR A REASON. It's THIS very reason.

I don't trust demo units - everybody and their brother can bang it about before it got into your hands. I'm more of the "buy it untouched between me and manufacturing" - so that I can get the best life out of it, and have a solid complaint if something goes wrong.

[Ed Carlson]

Hence, if you do not plan to buy the item...don't open the %$%% thing. People do it all the time, and then the next guy says...EH..This was opened...I want a discount on this!

Or...and this is my personal favorite of all...the guy opens one package...rummages through it...and then stuffs it back in disarray on the shelf...and than buys the un-opened one right next to it. Even if there is a demo right there in front of him, and the package clearly tells of all that is inside.

Why ...because that one was open now...that's why?

People....Go figure?

[Zoob]

Nah, I won't open a box of something unless I fully intend to buy it. If I open it, and all the stuff is there and not repackaged, I buy the one I opened. If it is damaged, missing stuff, etc - I'll tag a clerk and let them know so it comes off the shelf. I'm not like those dorks who crack open a box, then grab the next unopened one to buy.

I'm opening it to see that all the stuff is there, unused and not broken or missing things. Once I see it's all there - I buy that very one. To grab another box is to just gamble all over again.

In this day and age, either I'm stupidly unlucky - or there's really crappy production lines - because I always seem to get someething with missing parts, cables, or damaged goods - or some box the store repackaged to be resold that was a returned item.

I'm buying new - not "someone bought it, used it, returned it" - the quality of items made these days isn't like it used to be - so I want as new as I can get, so it lasts longer.

[walleyewild]

If I open it in the store to check if everything is in the box then that is the one I will take to the cashier and when the see that it was opened tell them I opened it, just to make sure that everything was in the box, If I am purchasing something that looks like it was opened before I grabbed the item I will find someone who works in the department and have them check the item out before I take it to the cashier, and if it is the last one and missing something tht is the only time I will ask for a discount. I work in retail as well and see all kinds of poor behavior from customers.

WW

[MJ1657]

I bet Cabela's will help you out.

I bought a new auger last year at the Roger's store. It was the last auger of that that model that they had. I took it to the lake for the first time and it did not run real well. Then the third time I started it the rope pulled out of the recoil. I called the store and they directed me to call the customer service dept. I called them and they sent another auger directly to my house free of charge and with a call tag to take the old one back.

I think that is excellent service.

[thedeadsea]

Bring it back, they will help you out.