Refurbished LCD TV

The first reaction I had when I started looking around for these sets was "Wow." I hadn't counted on spending THAT much for a graduation gift. I was stunned at what they were asking for this set in the stores. $2,500 at one place, over $3,000 at another! I lowered my sights substantially and wondered if maybe I could find a good used set instead. I scoured the classifieds, even went and looked at a couple of sets. Mostly what I found was junk.

So I turned to the good old Internet, which from now on is where I'll start. In my search I happened upon this article on buying a refurbished LCD TV (click on the link to check it out). I don't remember how I got there, but man, am I glad I found it! I discovered a whole other category of TVs. I used to think something was either brand-spanking new or it was useless junk. Boy was I wrong. And THAT's when I discovered what are known as 'refurbished' TVs.

I was so fascinated with what I learned about refurbished TVs I even started looking for one for myself! See, refurbished is what they're called when the original factory seal has been broken and for some reason the set's been returned to the place of purchase, even if the buyer only kept if for a few days.

Here's something most people don't know about refurbished LCD TVs...

In some cases, they've never even been unpacked or taken it out of the box, but the store can no longer sell it as new. So off it goes, back to the factory, for 'refurbishing'. The set is thoroughly tested and cleaned, they make sure all the accessories are there and still working like new, then it's repacked in a new factory box and sent to distributors. These distributors in turn sell the 'refurbs' to retailers, like this site. (GREAT site for refurbished sets, by the way. Click on the link to check them out.)

I discovered a whole new world of refurbished goods, including appliances and most electronic equipment. I may never buy new again!

Now, if you're looking to save a boatload of money on the TV of your dreams, let me share a few things I learned about buying a refurbished set...

* Not all refurbished sets are the same quality. Be sure to look for 'factory refurbished' or 'factory authorized refurbished'. Otherwise you can't be sure that Dilbert Q. Brainiac and his brother didn't revamp the set in their parent's basement.

*Make sure the company you're dealing with offers a manufacturer's warranty. Refurbs that were done at the factory will still have a guarantee from the manufacturer, although it's usually for a lesser amount of time than a new set would carry, typically 90 days for a refurb as opposed to a year on a new set.

* Always ask about a return policy. You should be allowed a couple of weeks during which time you can return the TV if it doesn't meet your expectations.

In the end, I was able to get my brother a refurbished Sharp Aquos 42-inch set for about $1000, a savings of over 65% off the MSRP! The best part...he had no clue it wasn't brand new! I may tell him someday about that site (Here's the link again) where I got this smokin' deal, but for now I'm content to let him think I'm the most generous brother on the planet.