Do You Buy Slightly Imperfect Merchandise?

May 30, 2008

CNN Money points out that buying imperfect merchandise can be a good way to buy what you want without paying retail prices. Items that are missing labels, have small fixable tears, and missing buttons usually come with a price break. Buying electronics out of the box can also be a good way to save, and they mention a Best Buy manager who says he'll discount a perfect item by 10 percent just because the box had been opened.

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23 Comments

Silverlining10 4 years 50 weeks

I don't like buying out-of-the-box items (and definitely imperfect items), but Best Buy only had one printer left that had been recently returned, and I needed a printer that night, so I begrudgingly bought it. That sucked!

fuzzles 4 years 50 weeks

This is going to sound soooooooo cheap, but it's one of my favorite wardrobe stretchers for casual days. Several times per year, Walgreens has t-shirts on sale, five for ten dollars, usually. Only real "flaw" is that the neck tag is sliced. They are on the thin side, but work great for layering, working out, or jammies. :)

aimeeb 4 years 50 weeks

No way, I'm not paying for something I'll have to fix.

mjane79 4 years 50 weeks

It depends. If it's something fixable or not noticeable, then yeah, I'll buy it. Open Box electronics make me a little more nervous. I don't know if they were floor models or returns. Sometimes places put them back out without ever testing if they work.

gigill 4 years 50 weeks

It depends on the situation really. For the most part I've found the discounts have been worth it for buying an imperfect item.

MyssCC914 4 years 50 weeks

Only if it's something small that can be easily fixed or is hidden. Otherwise it's not worth spending money on.

TidalWave 4 years 50 weeks

yeah i just recently bought a hdtv open box because it was within my budget. it has been working fine without any problems.

dcfashionista 4 years 50 weeks

If the clothing has a button missing or a very little tear I will buy the item. I buy my electronics new but it the box was just opened and no damage then I will buy it for a discounted price.

jennjennnbubba 4 years 50 weeks

I never ask for clothes discounts if there is a tear or something, I just won't buy it. I do shop at outlet stores and tj maxx/ross/marshalls occassionally and I get most of my bed and bath from there as well or homegoods. As far as electronics, if I know someone who can give me a discount then I will take it depending on the item.

bigestivediscuit 4 years 50 weeks

It depends - I generally don't, but I do shop at clothing outlets sometimes. And TJ/TK Maxx, Marshalls, occasionally as well.

bluesheartedlady 4 years 50 weeks

It completely depends. If it's the packaging that's flawed, for example, that's usually fine. I had to comment on this one though, because I'm a buyer and I'm super-picky. I'm always sending stuff back because it's damaged or faulty, and sometimes I'm fairly certain that most people wouldn't even notice the problem. I feel like the manufacturers need to get it together and I'm not going to be the dumping ground for their mistakes! Ha. This is probably the most emotional response to this poll.

MindayH 4 years 50 weeks

It really depends. But definitely for electronics, and maybe for clothes, especially since I tend to lose buttons, sequins, etc all the time.

JaimeLeah526 4 years 50 weeks

I would buy something if it was the last of it's kind. I bought a pair of jeans for $10 that had two buttons at the top of the zipper but one was missing. I just sewed on another button and they were good to go.

terryt18 4 years 50 weeks

I worry about buying a display model of a TV or electronic equipment. Some of them run 24-7 for a long time.

sfbutterfly24 4 years 50 weeks

Heck yeah I buy stuff thats not perfect at a cheaper price BUT on the flip side I will not buy something that has been opened or returned for full price (I almost didn't get my cushion covers at Ikea because they had returned covers in the BIN and I had to crawl all the way to the back to find a un-opened new package. NO way I was going to pay almost $200 for something that was returned when I can have it brand new for the same price!)

lizzys126 4 years 50 weeks

Floor samples at furniture stores can be amazing deals.

bingkaycoy 4 years 50 weeks

I do as long as it's noticeable nor takes so much to fix. If it misses a button, then fine, I buy it. Or if the vase has a little scratch mark that cannot be seen right away, then fine, I buy it.

looseseal 4 years 50 weeks

It's good being able to sew. If there's a ripped seam or missing buttons on a nice piece of clothing for a nice discount... yeah, I can fix it easy. As for electronics, it depends. I wouldn't buy opened/display stuff from places that don't have a decent return policy. Otherwise you can end up just SOL if it doesn't work.

Masqueraded_Angel 4 years 50 weeks

We just bought a new HDTV at a discount because it was open box...being their display model for last year. As for clothes...well, the imperfection would have to be easily concealed for me to consider buying it...

emalove 4 years 50 weeks

I would if it was something really small and not noticeable...if I had to do something or take it somewhere to get it fixed though, I probably wouldn't buy it.

girlgreen 4 years 50 weeks

i do this all the time! in fact, i like when i see missing buttons at stores because not only will the item be cheaper, but i actually love replacing buttons on jackets with cuter buttons to make them look more unique. i go to this great button store called tender buttons, and it's so fun to pick them out because you feel like you'll be making something one of a kind. wow i sound like such a nerd! i will also buy stuff ripped or stained depending on where the rip/stain is. this sounds desperate but my favorite store is very $$$ and it helps me afford their clothes! i generally don't feel comfortable buying electronics out of the box though.

sweetpeabrina 4 years 50 weeks

Aren't outlet stores cheaper because they're selling imperfect items? I don't mind outlet shopping. But, I'm not going to ask for a discount on a top if there's a tear. I just won't buy it.

shanimalcracker 4 years 50 weeks

If it's really really not noticeable and it's the last one or if it's something like it doesn't come with the extra buttons, I might buy it. Otherwise, I'll just hope there's one that isn't imperfect in my size left.

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23 Comments

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