I am new to headphones. What are the risks one takes in buying “open box”? Thanks.
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Check the return and warranty policies closely (varies by seller). Check photos for wear. Used may be a bit dirty or missing some accessories, but often not. There’s a lot of turnover in the hardcore audiophile market, so solid open box and used deals can be found.
Given a history of spotty reliability, I’d be very careful or avoid non-warranty HiFiMan products.
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Both. Most folks who own high-priced audio gear take excellent care of it, and if I can save 2 or 3k on a more expensive item, I’ll go for it. I also take advantage of dealer and manufacturer closeouts and refurbished deals … But the timing obviously has to be right. When I do find myself paying full retail for something, it’s usually because it’s something very special or priced competitively already.
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The other thing is, I find that gear you;ve had for more than 5 years is really hard to resell at a decent price so paying less to start with helps offset the loss you may take (if you can’t repurpose it).
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My experience with open box sales from a retailer is that its usually safe and usually carries regular warranties. But check. For me it has been pretty much like buying new.
When buying used try to buy from someone with good history and ask them questions about the product and what it may come with. Headphones may not have stock cables or terminations you need, amps may not come with tubes… you can always make offers to people as well, if it’s reasonable they may accept a lower than advertised price.
Also, study the pics closely. There may be damage the seller doesn’t explicitly advertise but may say it was on pics so you don’t have recourse if you complain. Good used sellers tend to post more pics as well.
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There are so many things that make buying used from individuals a PITA that I usually just stay away. Shady sellers, lack of warranty, hidden issues with item condition, etc. All the things everyone has already mentioned. However…
The thing that gets me the most is usually settling on a price. Maybe I’m a bad negotiator, I don’t know. I just find that part to be the worst when dealing with people.
Sometimes they ask more than I’m willing to pay, but I still want to try to get it. I’ll offer what I think is fair, and they counter with a lower price that’s still above what I offered. I usually say thanks but no thanks, and just walk away. I’m not going to haggle or play games. Then when they send 15 additional DMs trying to get me to bite, and I don’t answer them after politely saying no, it usually ends with some snide comment about me wasting their time. The only person wasting time is you buddy.
Occasionally the same happens when I sell items. I almost always state that my asking price is firm, no trades, etc… Which means I always get people sending me DMs who want to negotiate or offer trades. When I tell them the asking price is firm, as stated in the thread, some people get quite hostile. Seriously, they act like a 4 year old who had their favorite toy taken away. I just don’t get it, and it’s a big pet peeve.
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I look a lot at used equipment but have only very rarely as I usually find something that seems off.
I bought my utopia used but the warranty is transferable, the seller had a good history and the price reasonable. Even then if I didn’t ask questions I would have been surprised when I got the package as non stock cables were supplied. I would have been pissed off if I didn’t know about it. The seller mentioned that cables came with it but didn’t specifically say they were aftermarket. Very forthcoming when I asked about the cables and provided pictures so I don’t think he was trying to hide anything but still gives you pause. Overall the purchase was positive but only because I did the due diligence.
I am reticent to sell anything due the factors you mention. I have a lot of things I could sell related to other hobbies I am no longer as involved in, some that could fetch $$$, but I’d rather the stuff sit in a closet than deal with shenanigans.
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I buy new and used. I’ve obtained some excellent gear both 2 chl and headphone gear over the years that I at times just couldn’t afford. Most times, if the gear is manufacturer in the US, I just send it in and pay a service fee to have the item checked out or updated with newer components. But !, communication, ask questions and it doesn’t hurt to know about the person you are buying from like local audio club members.
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