Why You Can Trust CNET The Can't-Miss Trick to Shopping at Best Buy This Memorial Day Weekend
Be sure to check this out before you place your next order at Best Buy.
Best Buy is often the first stop for new tech, and rightfully so. It's packed with the latest and greatest smartphones, gaming consoles, PCs, TVs and more. It also offers up a wealth of home options from appliances to furniture. But the "latest and greatest" anything typically comes at a price -- and you may not be stoked to pay up for it during Memorial Day sales.
Luckily, like other retailers, Best Buy has a large stock of items that are discounted -- and sometimes heavily discounted, via Best Buy Outlet. It's a great way to save money and should definitely be considered when you're looking to take home some new tech.
We'll lay it all out below, but don't forget to check out more shopping tips, like how to save on Amazon year-round with this secret tip and avoid shipping fees from major retailers with these four tips.
What is Best Buy Outlet?
Best Buy Outlet deals available from open-box to refurbished electronics.
Best Buy Outlet is the place to find open box, refurbished, and clearance items -- all of which are (obviously) discounted. How big the price cut is based on the categorization and condition of the product.
There are quite a few categories to choose from:
- Computers and tablets
- TV & Home Theater
- Major appliances
- Small appliances
- Cell phones
- Wearable technology
- Video games
- Audio
- Car electronics & GPS
- Home, furniture & office
- Health, wellness, & fitness
- Cameras, camcorders & drones
- Toys, games, & collectibles
- Smart home, security & Wi-Fi
- Outdoor living
The bulk of items will likely be found in the tech categories, but given the rate of return on some items, it'd be wise to check what's on offer often.
The best way to view what's available is on the Best Buy page, but there are 24 physical outlet locations you can visit across the country. Your local Best Buy will also likely have a stock of open-box items, so it's best to set your location to the store in your area. You can also go to your local Best Buy and ask if there's a dedicated section to open-box items.
With Best Buy Outlet you can get like-new electronics, accessories and more at a large discount. Be sure to check back often, as stock levels are constantly changing and new inventory is added regularly.
What's the difference between open-box, clearance and refurbished products?
If you're in the market for some new gadgets, you want to know the difference between open-box, clearance and refurbished products. Depending on what you want, one option might be better to shop for your products than the other. Below, we'll look at the distinctions between the three:
- Open-box items are previously owned by customers and returned under Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise.
- Refurbished items are previously owned, inspected and restored like-new.
- Clearance items are discontinued products at the end of its stock.
If you want a new laptop, shopping clearance, for example, will prevent potential issues with refurbished equipment. But snagging earbuds and headphones refurbished can save sometimes half off select gear. Meanwhile, the price for open-box items such as those from Apple drops significantly once it's open, allowing you to find some significant discounts.
You don't have to wait until there's a big shopping event to save money at Best Buy. You can shop regular deals by taking a look at Best Buy Outlet and Best Buy Top Deals.
What's the quality like for Best Buy Outlet products?
To be clear, all products sold by Best Buy Outlet have quality grades, even refurbished electronics. Some of these products have high-quality ratings, while others can be a bit lower. But all refurbished products go through repairs and product testing before they're available for purchase.
Here's how Best Buy describes its quality grades:
- Open-box products are excellent-certified, excellent, satisfactory or fair condition.
- Refurbished product conditions aren't available (this is because it depends on the item itself).
- Clearance is always in new condition.
So what does each product condition quality range mean? The breakdown is as follows:
- Excellent-certified electronics are Geek Squad Certified based on inspection and testing to ensure they're like-new. All original parts and accessories are included and have the original box.
- Excellent products have no physical issues or dings and have original parts, accessories and original box.
- Satisfactory products have visible (but minor) wear and tear. There are no dents, scratches or cracks, but they don't come with original packaging, parts or accessories.
- Fair products will have significant and visible wear and tear. There might be issues, but they won't impede a product's use.
The other benefits you get shopping for Best Buy Outlet products
No matter how you shop, you will be able to return and exchange your products. And you still will get Best Buy points and a warranty too.
Now you know the Best Buy trick that will save you money on your next big purchase. If you're looking outside of Best Buy for your shopping, don't miss the Amazon Prime perks to use during the Memorial Day sale and 8 tips to grab the best Amazon deals.