Anyone ever buy an open box laptop from newegg?
 

I know this is the wrong place to post this. For whatever reason I can't post in general. I asked why in Feedback = no answer and I'm not finding a way to contact admin.

I was looking for advice on building a new tower. But I found an open box laptop from newegg that looks like what I'm wanting.

I've never bought open box online. The disclaimer says that they test it for "basic functionality". I contacted chat support (phones are currently closed) to ask if that covers things like someone swapping out the hard drive, cracked screen, something shoved into a USB port, etc.

All chat did was copy/paste the disclaimer and tell me to return it if it's borked.

I don't want to tie up / fight over $900 if it's garbage.

So, anybody ever buy an open box laptop from them / what was your experience?

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

I see no reason why you cannot contribute to threads in the General forum.

Yes, and buying from Newegg or another reputable source isn't an issue. If it's DOA, send it back easily, and I've never had a problem doing so for a full refund. Can't speak to what they test for, but read the description well. It may mention things like a missing charger, adapter, whatever, that you may have to pop for on your own.

I've used Newegg as an important source literally since they started. In fact I found them because of a local computer shop called "Egghead" and when they closed circa ~1996 I thought Newegg was their new online store. For a few years I bought a huge amount of gear from Newegg because I was in the business of building and repairing PCs and a few laptops. I never had a problem until Covid hit and vastly increased online business. They rather rightly assume such an increase could also create a similar increase in returns and they could easily hemorrhage money... at least that's the only reason I can imagine for why their lower level customer service has become a first line of defense making returns a lot harder.

I bought a new Z490 mobo in late June that failed to POST and I contacted the manufacturer with photos and videos as well as filled out their extensive data sheet on all the other hardware. They approved a return. I contacted Newegg, let them know return was pre-approved, offered all chat documentation including the photos and video and very long story short, I'm still fighting with Newegg.

TLDR - At the first sign of a doubting rep, ask to speak to a supervisor. Frankly the low-level guys are just protecting their own butts lately. I still think Newegg is basically reputable but they are a bit under siege since Covid and the low level guys "man the walls and are quick to lock the gates".

To add to enorbets excellent post.

I google search the sellers name < Not the outlet >

To see if horror stories come with the sale.

My last refurbished acer c710 is still linux alive and travels in motorcycle saddlebags regular like < for years now >. Battery is still good. Replaced the ssd hard drive one time.

Used a parts only acer c710 for the hard drive replacement.
New HP chromebook from Walmart for under 200 bucks < Walmart Black Friday > on the way because I have been a good boy this year.