D.C. Woman Buys Worst-Condition Open Box Samsung Frame TV From Best Buy To Save $400. Is It Worth It?: ‘I Just Pray That It Is’

With the high cost of goods these days, it can be tempting to look for used, refurbished, or open-box products as a way to save a little money.

Usually, this is not an issue. Most stores will stand behind the products they sell, so even if the item doesn’t work, you can simply return or exchange it.

However, sometimes, buying used or refurbished can end in disaster. For example, one woman claimed that her trip to the thrift store ended with her getting bedbugs.

But if you’re willing to take the risk, shopping used can score you some good deals. One woman recently shared her Best Buy open box story—and it took a twist she never could have expected.

What’s Wrong With This Samsung TV?

In a video with over 15,000 views, TikTok user Whitney (@whitttmarie) explains that she’s driving an hour and 10 minutes to pick up a television. The reason she’s going so far out of her way? The television, which typically runs for around $600, was being sold by Best Buy for less than $200.

There was, however, a catch. Whitney purchased a Samsung Frame TV that was labeled as “Open Box.” Not only that, but the condition was marked as “fair”—a sign that there could be something wrong with it.

When Whitney got to the store, she was informed that there was something majorly wrong with the device. Specifically, an employee told her that it was “missing the One Connect box that it needs.”

“So basically, it’s missing the box that it needs to actually work. So it won’t work,” Whitney summarizes.

Will Best Buy Solve This Issue?

Seeing this, the employee sprang into action. After checking to see if she could supply the One Connect box separately, the employee came up with a new solution: Just giving Whitney a new television.

The only difference is that the television will be shipped to her, rather than handed over to her in-store. In total, this change required Whitney to pay less than $30.

“This lady looks up and was like, ‘I can get you a new TV, the same TV, in the box, and delivered to your home for $199,” Whitney details. “Mind you, I paid $183. Mind You, the TV is $600.”

Whitney closes by sharing her appreciation for the worker.

Is This Normal?

Best Buy’s policies regarding its Open Box items say that those marked “Fair” should still be in working order. That said, these devices can have substantial cosmetic damage or “could be missing parts and accessories.”

For example, a TV missing a stand may be sold as “Fair,” as long as it still operates properly. In Whitney’s case, the lack of a One Connect box makes the television unusable. Consequently, it should not have been sold—and Whitney should be entitled to return or exchange it.

Best Buy’s return and exchange policy explicitly applies to open box items. Part of that policy states that, if a product is defective, the company will “arrange for a replacement.” This appears to be what happened in Whitney’s case.

Others have reported similar things happened to them. One commenter on Reddit shared that he bought an open-box Samsung Frame TV that was also missing the One Connect cable. When he brought the TV back into the store, he was able to exchange it for a new one.

Viewers Sing The Praises Of Open Box

In the comments section, several users shared their belief that, when it comes to buying from Best Buy, purchasing open box items is a good, safe way to get a deal.

“Open Box is the best way! Especially if the price is right,” a user said.

“I got a $500 soundbar and subwoofer for $30 from best buy,” recalled another. “Totally worth it!”

“I only do open box with Best Buy,” stated a third.

BroBible reached out to Whitney via email and Instagram direct message and Best Buy via email.