When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

[Mark42]

When you buy something like small appliances, or TV or stereo, etc, do you open the box and make sure everything is there before you take it to checkout? Do you inspect the box to make sure it looks like it wasn't dropped? Do you check for crushed corners, re-taped box tops?

It took me a while, but I finally got my wife to inspect the stuff she buys. Now we hardly ever bring home something that is missing parts, has been damaged, or was returned by someone else and stuck back on the sales shelf.

Its simple things like checking out what your buying that saves a lot of grief and return trips. Makes life easier.

 

[tommays]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I inspect the box to see that the factory seals are intact and there is no external dammage


IF everybody opened the boxes it would be a BIG problem as i will NOT buy an open box at full price

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I seldomly do, however if i shopped at Walmart or other mass merchandisers i would certainly check most of my purchases.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I check for the original seals/tape, exterior damage. If the box looks suspect, then I won't chance it. Depending on the item, if there is damage to the product itself, I'll take it to the store manager and request a discount. If the manager doesn't discount the damaged product, I'll walk out without buying anything leaving everything in front of them.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I'm with tommays on this one.

 

[i386]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I'm with tommays on this one.

Same here. If I bought it out of town I might open it. It depends on what it is though.

 

[Mark42]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I don't open sealed boxes, but boxes with simple tuck in flap top, especially if it looks like it was pried open, I will check the contents. Like a simple 2 gallon pump up yard sprayer. I opened it to be sure the wand and hose were still in the box.

 

[roscoe]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

Always inspect packaging, always inspect package contents for unsealed packages, AND always check electronics and appliances at the checkout in front of store personnel.

Found a huge dent and scratch on the front of the dishwasher I bought last fall. Opened it up in the checkout lane at BestBuy, and there it was. Opened up a small space heater box in the checkout lane last fall to get a closer look and ask to plug it in to see how loud it was. Turns out it was real quiet, too quiet, it didn't work !!

Many stores have electric outlets in the checkout lane so you can test things before you pay or haul it home.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

I always look to see if it has been opened. Things that have bags of screws and hardware are often stolen by some jerk who bought one and lost his. Main thing I learned is NEVER, EVER, and I mean NEVER buy the last one they have if you are not 1000% sure it has not been opened . The last one is the one the people in the store rob from to satisfy other customers.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: When you buy stuff, do you inspect it first?

Absolutely I inspect what I buy. The box has to be in good condition first, if it is, then I check for seals. If the box isn't the type that is sealed, I'll open it up right there in the store, and make sure everything's there and in good condition (also make sure it's really what I want) before repacking it in the box and taking it to the checkout.

Saves lots of money on gas for repeat trips. Now if only I could learn to get EVERYTHING I needed the first time...