What's in a box?

The author finds out a cheaper way to buy expensive gadgets

I have often wondered what happens to something I buy online on a whim and then return it because it doesn't meet my expectations. It only gets more complicated with electronics. Once the original seals and packaging are opened, those expensive smartphones or latest headphones can no longer be classified as new. And that's where the unboxed and refurbished category comes in.

An unboxed product, quite simply, means that it has never been used, has no cosmetic blemishes or dents and no functional defects. It also comes with a limited warranty. Such products are typically those whose packaging has been damaged in transit or returned by the buyer. Refurbished products have defects that have been repaired by the manufacturer. Websites such as Overcart and Togofogo, which sell refurbished, unboxed and pre-owned electronics and media, have quality checks in place that buyers can rely on. In turn, they help both online and offline retailers and manufacturers liquidate such stock. "The demand for unboxed and refurbished devices has increased significantly in recent times - for every product sold on our platform, there are six people signed up for a notification," says Saptarshi Nath, managing director at Overcart. When you consider the attractive prices, it doesn't seem too far-fetched, especially in case of mobile phones.