Amazon Warehouse

[tallguy]

Amazon Warehouse is apparently where they handle and sell returned and damaged merchandise.  The last couple of weeks my microwave was starting to fail.  Really nice Panasonic inverter about 16 years old.  For a few months, the door button would pop off when I opened it.  Annoying, but not enough to replace the oven since I could hold it in place and the oven still worked fine.  Lately, though, it developed a real issue.  A couple of times it shut itself off after about 20 seconds.  It stopped doing that, but it seemed to be cooking at only about half-power.  I could still use it, but didn't really trust it.  Time to look for a new one, since repair would likely cost more than buying new.

I knew I wanted another Panasonic because I really like the inverter technology.  They own the patent, but have occasionally licensed it to other manufacturers.  I do have a long history with Panasonic and even have a much older one downstairs as a backup.  I also wanted a new one to try some newer features like the sensor cooking and reheating.  I decided to get the same 2.2 cu. ft. size as my other one, but it was over $200.  A couple of places had it listed around $171 but both were out of stock.  Amazon had it for $189.  A little more than I wanted to pay, so I kept looking. 

I see it on Amazon again a few days later.  The price is now $161.  Much better.  I clicked on the link for other buying options, which says something like, "New and used from..." or something like that.  It shows one as "Used-very good condition with minor cosmetic damage on the sides, top, or front of unit.  It will be shipped in its original (damaged) box."  $137 with an additional 20% off.  Well, that sounds even better, doesn't it?  I open a chat with a representative to make sure that I can return it at their expense if the damage is more than I prefer to see.  They say, "Sure!"  Great.  I order it.  I know that if the minor damage is on the left side that it will be hidden by the refrigerator.  I'm fine with that, as long as there is no visible damage on the parts I can see.

Fast forward to noon today.  It shows up, and I take it out of the box.  There is a very small indentation near the lower back of the left side, and another at the lower back corner on the right side.  Left side hidden by the refrigerator, right side hidden by the toaster, no damage visible anywhere I can see.  Total price after tax is $120 rather than the $200+ I was originally looking at.  Significant price savings, accurate description of damage, and returnable at their expense if I choose?  I might have to look at Amazon Warehouse again if the need for anything pops up.  This worked out really well.      

[wvugurl26]

I got one of my closet kits from there. The box had been opened but all parts were included. If it's just something for me and the damage is something I can live with it can be a good deal. Many times it's just an open box.

[CCL]

I bought a cabinet the same way. I never did find anything wrong with it, so I'm a happy camper.