Best Buy & Geek Squad Policies

[makewarxx]

Okay. So best buy has a nikon d3100 camera on sale right now for $587.99.

When you're in the store, are you allowed to ask to buy the display model even if there are other's of the camera already in stock, or can it only be when the item is out of stock?

And how much is the discount for a display model?

[hiblet]

I don't think they sell the display unless the item is no longer being carried and they are clearing out all inventory.

I don't know their specific policies on this - I'm sure there are others on the forum who can give you a definitive answer. Otherwise, you could call the store and ask.

Most places only discount 10-15% for a display model. Personally, I don't think that's worth it. Think about how long you'll have the camera - is it worth it to save $50-$75 for something that has already been used and may need servicing sooner? There may also be warranty limitations due to the "open box" nature of the product.

Just my 2 cents, but I'd go for the new-in-box camera.

[Jaegur]

I agree with hiblet... until you get home you won't know the actuations that are on the camera, and while it won't be astronimical, there's no telling how many people have passed by it, picked it up, and snapped off 5-6 pics. Say 20 people a day doing that for a couple of months and you may already be down a tenth or more of the camera's life. 

Also, check BB online prices to make sure they match the in-store price. If they don't you can ask for the online price and they'll match it =) 

[deusexmachina Valued Contributor]

There is no warranty limitation...you can purchase the same warranty as if it was a new item. The store will generally only sell the display model if the product is discontinued. Most store displays are actually in very good condition due to them being tethered down.

[Jaegur]

I dunno about the tethering... I've seen some people 'drop' them back into their slots. Personally, especially with a DSLR, I wouldn't by a display, too many moving parts.

[Rrrrrrr]

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Jaegur wrote:
I dunno about the tethering... I've seen some people 'drop' them back into their slots. Personally, especially with a DSLR, I wouldn't by a display, too many moving parts.

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Ditto. Seen too many people bounce them around putting them back.

[Entropy]

Half the time I've been in stores, a large portion of the display models had clear damage from the abuse they take by virtue of being on display.

I would be shocked if a store would ever offer a display discount on a model that wasn't in the process of being discontinued (or at least that model being dropped by the store) - Otherwise there would be an endless stream of new cameras getting turned into display models, then sold at a discount.

[Calidoc75]

In my store, display models are only sold when no more models can be brought in. If it can still be ordered, display stays in the store. This allows to the store to not mark down more than one unit.