Best Buy Open Box Return Policy: Easy Refund & Exchange Guide 2026

An open box product often costs less than a brand- item making it an attractive option for electronics, appliances, computers, televisions and other premium products. Before buying one be sure you understand the Best Buy Open Box Return Policy.

Best Buy says open box products are covered by its Return and Exchange Promise. The standard return period for most products is 15 days. Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive a 60 day return period on most products.

Some products have different rules, including activatable devices. Restocking fees can also apply to certain merchandise.

For a broader explanation of the retailer’s rules, read our Best Buy Return Policy guide.

What Is a Best Buy Open Box Product?

An open box product is not the same as a brand new, factory sealed item.

Not every open box product looks the same. Best Buy says these are items returned to a store, so one may appear nearly new, while another could have slight wear or minor cosmetic damage.

The price is usually reduced based on the product and its condition.

Open box products may include:

• Laptops
• Desktop computers
• Monitors
• Televisions
• Headphones
• Speakers
• Appliances
• Gaming products
• Smart home devices

Read the product information carefully before buying.

Can You Return an Open Box Item?

If you buy box merchandise Best Buy says it is protected by the Return and Exchange Promise.

A product is not considered sale simply because it was opened before you purchased it.

However, you still need to meet the applicable return requirements.

The return period begins on the day you receive the product.

For most standard purchases, this period is 15 days. Eligible Plus and Total members generally receive 60 days for most products.

Does Membership Affect the Return Period?

Yes, membership can make a major difference for many purchases.

A standard customer generally receives 15 days for most products.

Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive a 60 day return period on most products.

This extra time can be useful for an open box computer, television, monitor, or appliance because you have more time to test the product.

However, do not assume membership extends every category. Some items have special rules.

What Should You Check Before Buying an Open Box?

Inspect the condition carefully whenever possible.

For an open box laptop, check:

• Screen
• Keyboard
• Trackpad
• Body
• Charger
• Ports

For a television, inspect:

• Screen
• Frame
• Remote
• Stand
• Power cable

When looking at appliances do not miss dents or scratches. It is also important to make sure the shelves, trays, hoses and other parts are there.

Do not let minor cosmetic damage discourage you. If performance is unaffected a lower price can still be a deal. Just be clear about what you’re buying.

Check the Listed Condition

Open box products can vary in condition.

Some items may look almost untouched. Others can have cosmetic marks or signs of previous handling.

Read the listing before paying.

If you shop online, review the product description and condition information.

Once you receive the item, compare its actual condition with what you expected.

Do not ignore problems after delivery. If anything important is **missing** or the **condition** is worse than **expected** address the matter before the *applicable return period** comes to an end.

Test Open Box Electronics Early

Do not leave an open box electronic product unused for several weeks.

Test it soon after receiving it.

The state of a laptop is more than how it looks. Check the Wi Fi, Bluetooth display, battery, charging, speakers, webcam and keyboard to make sure everything works properly.

For a monitor, check its ports, display, resolution, refresh rate, and stand.

For headphones, test sound, Bluetooth, microphone, charging, and controls.

Early testing gives you more time to identify problems before the return deadline.

What If Accessories Are Missing?

Open box merchandise can sometimes have different included items depending on its condition and listing.

Before buying, check what is supposed to come with the product.

Important accessories may include:

• Charger
• Remote
• Stand
• Cables
• Adapter
• Mounting hardware
• Manuals

If something is missing, decide whether the discounted price still makes sense.

A cheap laptop may not be a great deal if you immediately need to purchase an expensive replacement charger.

Can You Return an Open Box Laptop?

Open box laptops generally follow the applicable Return and Exchange Promise.

Test the computer as soon as possible.

Before I start using my device I need to inspect things. I will look at the display. Check the battery health. Then I will test the keyboard, ports, storage, Wi Fi, webcam and charging system.

Before making a return, back up your files.

Then sign out of:

• Email
• Cloud storage
• Browser accounts
• Microsoft account
• Apple ID when applicable

Erase your personal information using the appropriate reset process.

Can You Return an Open Box TV?

Open box televisions are also covered by Best Buy’s return promise.

Inspect the screen carefully before setting everything up.

Check for:

• Cracks
• Dead pixels
• Display problems
• Scratches
• Missing remote
• Missing stand
• Damaged ports

Test picture and sound soon after purchase.

If the television was sold with known cosmetic damage, do not confuse that disclosed condition with new damage discovered after bringing the product home.

What About Open Box Appliances?

Since transportation and installation can be difficult, large appliances should be inspected carefully.

Best Buy tells customers to inspect major appliances when they receive them.

Look for dents, scratches, cracks, or missing components.

Also confirm:

• Correct model
• Correct size
• Correct finish
• Included parts

If you discover damage or another issue, contact Best Buy promptly rather than waiting.

Large product problems are usually easier to address before installation is fully completed.

Are There Restocking Fees?

Certain Best Buy products can have restocking fees.

The fee depends on the product category and applicable policy.

For example, Best Buy lists restocking fees for certain activatable devices and some other products.

Do not assume every open box product has a restocking fee.

Instead, check the product category and current return terms before purchasing.

This is particularly important for expensive items where a percentage based fee could make a return costly.

What Should You Bring for an In Store Return?

Prepare everything before visiting the store.

Bring:

• Product
• Proof of purchase
• Included accessories
• Packaging when available
• Payment information when needed

Best Buy asks customers to return items with their original contents and packaging.

Missing major components or accessories can create problems.

Keep everything together during your return period, even if you believe you will keep the product.

How Are Refunds Issued?

Best Buy generally reimburses qualifying returns using the same payment method used for the original purchase, with certain exceptions depending on payment type.

Refund timing can depend on your bank or payment provider.

Keep your return receipt until the money appears correctly.

For a mailed return, keep tracking information as well.

Do not throw away return documentation simply because Best Buy has accepted the product.

How Does Best Buy Compare With DSW?

The DSW Return Policy focuses mainly on footwear and accessories, so its conditions are very different from open box electronics.

Shoppers looking for current footwear information should use the DSW Official Store rather than applying electronics return rules to shoes.

Each retailer sets its own product conditions and deadlines.

How Does Target Compare?

So what does the Target Return Policy actually do for you? Well it lets you return electronics and clothing and household merchandise and groceries if you are not happy with them.

Its return periods and exceptions should be checked separately.

If you are comparing the same television or computer across several stores, look at both price and return flexibility before choosing where to buy.

What About Walmart?

The Walmart Return Policy also covers a large range of merchandise and uses category specific exceptions.

Do not think an open box or a refurbished item purchased from Walmart has the return window as one bought from Best Buy.

Always check the seller and product category.

How Is Costco Different?

The Costco Return Policy uses a broad satisfaction guarantee but places a specific 90 day return period on certain electronics and major appliances.

This is very different from Best Buy’s standard return structure.

Return flexibility can therefore be an important factor when comparing expensive technology purchases.

Does Home Depot Follow Similar Rules?

The Home Depot Return Policy is for things like home improvement products and tools and appliances and plants and building materials.

There can be some overlap with Best Buy in appliance categories, but the return rules are not identical.

Check each retailer’s current requirements before choosing where to make a large purchase.

Best Buy Open Box Return Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you return open box products to Best Buy?

Yes. Best Buy states that open box products are covered by its Return and Exchange Promise when they meet the applicable return requirements.

How long do I have to return an open box item?

A 15 day period generally applies to standard purchases. In comparison, eligible My Best Buy Plus and Total members usually qualify for 60 days.

Can I return an open box laptop?

Yes. Open box laptops generally qualify under the applicable return rules. Remove personal files and accounts before taking the computer back.

Can I return an open box TV?

Yes. Open box televisions are covered by Best Buy’s return promise. Keep accessories and test the screen, ports, speakers, and remote promptly.

Do open box products have restocking fees?

Not every open box product has a restocking fee. Certain product categories can carry fees, so check the current terms before purchasing.

When does the open box return period start?

Best Buy states that the applicable return period begins on the day you receive the product, including new clearance, open box and refurbished merchandise.

Should I keep open box packaging?

Yes. Do not discard the packaging or any accessories, cables, chargers and other included components if you may need a return or exchange later.

Are open box products final sale?

No. Open box products are not automatically final sale. Best Buy states that they are covered by its Return and Exchange Promise.

Final Thoughts

The Best Buy Open Box Return Policy makes discounted technology less risky because open box products are covered by the retailer’s Return and Exchange Promise.

For most products, standard customers generally receive a 15 day return period beginning when the product is received. Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive 60 days for most products.

The key is to test an open box purchase quickly.

Check its physical condition, included accessories, and important functions as soon as you receive it. Compare the actual product with the condition described when you bought it.

Before you decide to keep the item, hold on to your receipt or order information as well as the packaging, the chargers, the remotes, the cables and all the included components that came with the item.

For computers and other devices containing personal information, back up your files and erase your data before making a return.

Open box products can offer excellent savings, but conditions can vary. Checking the item carefully and understanding your return deadline gives you a safer way to take advantage of the lower price.