Know what "Open Box" binoculars means from Adorama (1 Viewer)

[Dr. K]

Last Sunday I ordered a pair of Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars from Adorama, marked down to $1,899usd because they were in used "open box" condition. I bought these because the specifications of these binoculars included the short focus distance of the fieldpro editions prior to the recent reduction in minimum focus distance in 2020, and because "open box" items retain the manufacturer's original warranty. The down side of "open box" condition, as defined by Adorama, is that while the item may have been opened, handled, demoed, as you'd expect, additionally they may not have original packaging or accessories.

As warned by the "open box" definition, the binoculars came without the objective covers (that should be attached), the rainguard, or the shoulder strap for the bag. Additionally, the binocular armor showed long straight scuff marks and some bubbling around one objective, as if it was dropped. I contacted them about my greatest concern, the minimum focus distance, and foolishly assumed they would help out with the missing accessories.

They offered me $15 due to the scuff marks, or I could return it. A replacement rainguard from Adorama is $19, each objective cover is $19.95, they don't sell the shoulder strap for the bag, but I could buy a new bag with strap for $72. And, most importantly, they can't magically turn this pair of binoculars into the model that they advertised on the sale site. I am returning it, but their policy on "used" items is that they don't cover your original shipping. I tried to argue that they misrepresented the item, listing better than accurate specs, but they were unmoved. So, I'm out $24 on this and soon here will be an "open box" pair of swarovskis back on their site - take caution that you are not fooled!

 

[dries1]

Thanks for the heads up about Adorama. The term "open box" has been misused on the bay, and other dealers online. It is as if the definition has changed over time.

 

[jan van daalen]

Last Sunday I ordered a pair of Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars from Adorama, marked down to $1,899usd because they were in used "open box" condition. I bought these because the specifications of these binoculars included the short focus distance of the fieldpro editions prior to the recent reduction in minimum focus distance in 2020, and because "open box" items retain the manufacturer's original warranty. The down side of "open box" condition, as defined by Adorama, is that while the item may have been opened, handled, demoed, as you'd expect, additionally they may not have original packaging or accessories.

As warned by the "open box" definition, the binoculars came without the objective covers (that should be attached), the rainguard, or the shoulder strap for the bag. Additionally, the binocular armor showed long straight scuff marks and some bubbling around one objective, as if it was dropped. I contacted them about my greatest concern, the minimum focus distance, and foolishly assumed they would help out with the missing accessories.

They offered me $15 due to the scuff marks, or I could return it. A replacement rainguard from Adorama is $19, each objective cover is $19.95, they don't sell the shoulder strap for the bag, but I could buy a new bag with strap for $72. And, most importantly, they can't magically turn this pair of binoculars into the model that they advertised on the sale site. I am returning it, but their policy on "used" items is that they don't cover your original shipping. I tried to argue that they misrepresented the item, listing better than accurate specs, but they were unmoved. So, I'm out $24 on this and soon here will be an "open box" pair of swarovskis back on their site - take caution that you are not fooled!

I don't get it.
All the missing items you've mentioned are free of charge down here, straight from Swarovski.

Jan

 

[AlphaFan]

Glad you were able to send them back and recoup most of your funds. As Andy also points out, more and more folks are trying to stretch what the term “open box” is intended to signify. Unless otherwise specified it should mean an non-previously-owned demo or display model in “as new“ condition; and, “used-open-box” should mean it is in excellent condition with all originally included items and packaging. Had a similar experience with an online purchase of some equipment but was also able to get funds returned. It would all work much cleaner if folks were just honest and forthcoming about what they have.

 

[ZDHart]

Jeez... all these decades I've been buying from B&H, and avoiding Adorama as something about them seemed just a tad bit flaky to me. I could be wrong about them, though. Thanks for the feedback on the purchase. Any "open box" item, though, should be considered a bit questionable until proven otherwise.

B&H has always been tops, in terms of customer service, for me... since around 1976! But to be honest, I've never purchased anything "open box" from them.

 

[Chosun Juan]

I have dealt with Adorama from over on this side of the pond and they were fantastic. They even came to the party when the manufacturer (Swift) went awol. Full credit where credit is due. So it's two thumbs up from me. 👍👍

I have to say that unless dealing with someone that is involved with each and every demo unit (like CameralandNY, or Jan) I would be steering clear of "open box" units from anyone. (Swarovski inspires more confidence because of their built in great service model).

I always look at it like this - someone returned those "open box" bins for a reason. Now maybe the unit was perfect, but the buyer's missus arced up and 'persuaded' a return. Maybe they just didn't 'fit' the buyer a day were otherwise perfect. My feeling is that there's usually a good reason - meaning the bin falls short in some important way. Any one of a zillion manufacturing and performance faults. Or they were seriously disappointing.

For that reason, I certainly wouldn't be buying any "open box" bins sight unseen online. Especially from faceless churners like Amazon. Think about it - if they were that great you'd be prising them out of the buyer's cold dead hands many many years down the track.

If you can trial them out in person and fully check them out, well then that's another matter if you moreorless know what you are doing.

That's my advice. Buyer beware.



Chosun 🙅‍♀️

 

[cycleguy]

Good to hear from a buyer beware perspective, but not so good to hear that retailers are not accurately describing their discounted items and you ended out having a turd of an experience.

I've dealt with Adorama and B&H some over the years. Always new product items. For the most part everything has gone ok, but I did receive a binocular from B&H with a less than par focuser. It was the last one in stock and I've often wondered if it wasn't prior sold and returned, or a display????? Having been thru this once, if it happens again I will for certain return for a replacement.

Thanks for the heads up about Adorama. The term "open box" has been misused on the bay, and other dealers online. It is as if the definition has changed over time.

The generous return retailers also make me a little uneasy as one pays full retail for an item that may have been purchased, handled, and returned (possibly multiple times i.e. cherry picking the product).

Now, in some cases where product is in short supply, display models are not getting marked down any.

I'm starting to think "new" is also taking on a new meaning.

CG

 

[Rg548]

You usually get what you pay for.
For me, the small saving just isn't worth the risk, they may have been dropped, knocked.... whatever.
High end optics should be either new, or if second hand, I would need to actually see them.
I did a 140 mile round trip to handle the 2nd hand Zeiss I eventually bought.
I wouldn't risk it any other way.
Thanks for posting the 'heads up' though..... very thoughtfull

 

[CSG]

Jeez... all these decades I've been buying from B&H, and avoiding Adorama as something about them seemed just a tad bit flaky to me. I could be wrong about them, though. Thanks for the feedback on the purchase. Any "open box" item, though, should be considered a bit questionable until proven otherwise.

B&H has always been tops, in terms of customer service, for me... since around 1976! But to be honest, I've never purchased anything "open box" from them.

I’ve bought a few open box and used items from BH over the years and don’t recall ever being disappointed. My experience was they under promised and over performed.

 

[ZDHart]

I’ve bought a few open box and used items from BH over the years and don’t recall ever being disappointed. My experience was they under promised and over performed.

The B&H business model is incredibly customer focused, and it's served them magnificently for many decades! Back in the seventies, I would see their ads in the back of Modern and Popular Photography magazines, then call in my orders to them. No internet. And they were just as great back then, as they are today.

 

[CSG]

The B&H business model is incredibly customer focused, and it's served them magnificently for many decades! Back in the seventies, I would see their ads in the back of Modern and Popular Photography magazines, then call in my orders to them. No internet. And they were just as great back then, as they are today.

I remember those days well. I miss them...