possible fraud? selling refurb monitors as new?

[flawedecision]

purchased an nec 19" f950 black monitor at fry's a few days ago. Took it home, opened it up. Packaging was not professional. Nothing like I had seen of past monitors by viewsonic or KDS.

There was no static protection on the screen. The plastic bag holding the power cord and manual was stapled shut and taped to the top of the packaging with medium size masking tape. The little plastic bag that normally holds the video cable in a neatly packaged way was messy...

I took it back assuming it had been previously opened or owned. There was also some odd shades of light brown where light grey should have been on the right side of the screen.


Exchanged it for a different one.... opened it, same situation...

Is this how NEC packages their monitors? Or is fry's trying to sell refurbs as new?

Return or keep? I don't want to own a refurb. I didn't pay for a refurb. Huge pain in the ass to return this again but I intend on keeping this for at least 3 years.

 

[Shooters]

I feel your pain. I had to go through a few 21" Sonys before I received one that I was happy with. It's your hard earned money and you have every right to be completely satisfied with your purchase. I say take it back and get a new one. Open it there, so if there's any problems you can deal with it then. As for the refurb thing, I don't think they're selling refurbs as new because that's against the law. Plus, I've been to Fry's before and the refurb items where clearly marked. Look on the back of the monitor where you usually find the serial number and see if it says refurbished. If it's a refurb, manufacturers are required to put a sticker on there that says so.

 

[flawedecision]

but why is it packaged like it were a refurb?
it looks clean, casing is intact and good... screen is perfect...

it just smells fishy is all.

 

[hinderson]

this is the way it works
i know because i work for a computer companie bigger than fry's
sombody buys several units, takes them home or to the office.
they open them and set them up use for a couple days(most of the big guys have a 14day no questions asked return policy)
the person decides they dont want the product puts it back in the box as carifuly as posable(usualy forgeting to put back something and almost always forgetting to clean the unit.)
they take it back to the store and return it.
it is posable that customer service doesnt even check the box if it looks good and is taped up nice.
and even if they do check it.
unless the unit is discontinued or realy defective they just put it back on the floor(in stock)
its not suposed to happen but it does.
DONT be afraid to take it back and have them open one that has ALL packing materiel and to have them put it up and test it for you
if they dont you can always go someplace elase that wants your money
good luck