Best Buy Open Box Grades: Excellent vs Satisfactory vs Fair
By Andrew Pizzello, CPA ยท 2026-04-17
When you see a Best Buy open box deal, the condition grade tells you what to expect. But the labels can be confusing. Here is exactly what each grade means, how much you save, and which one is the best value.
Excellent (or Certified)
What it means: The product is in like-new condition. It was either returned unopened, barely used, or has been restored to like-new condition by Geek Squad. All original accessories and packaging are included.
Typical savings: 10 to 15% off new price
Best for: Buyers who want a nearly new product with maximum peace of mind. This is the closest you can get to buying new without paying full price.
Our take: If the savings are 15% or more, Excellent condition is a no-brainer. You are getting a product that looks and works like new with full warranty coverage.
Satisfactory
What it means: The product works perfectly but has minor cosmetic imperfections. Think light scratches on a laptop lid or a small scuff on a monitor bezel. These are purely cosmetic and do not affect how the product performs. Some accessories might be missing.
Typical savings: 15 to 25% off new price
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who care more about performance than appearance. If a laptop lid scratch does not bother you, Satisfactory offers the sweet spot of savings and quality.
Our take: This is often the best value tier. The "imperfections" are usually so minor you would not notice them in daily use. We recommend Satisfactory for monitors (the bezel does not matter), desktops (they sit under your desk), and any product that goes in a case.
Fair
What it means: The product has noticeable cosmetic wear. Visible scratches, scuffs, or dents. It may be missing original packaging and accessories. However, it is fully functional and has been inspected by Geek Squad.
Typical savings: 25% or more off new price
Best for: Maximum savings hunters. If you are buying a component that goes inside a PC case (GPU, motherboard, RAM) or a product where appearance does not matter (a router tucked behind your desk), Fair condition gives you the biggest discount on a fully working product.
Our take: Fair is underrated. For PC components, networking gear, and any product that is hidden from view, it makes no sense to pay more for cosmetic perfection. A GPU with a scratched backplate performs identically to a new one.
How We Track Condition Pricing
Our price tracker records prices for each condition tier separately. On any product page, you can see how Excellent and Open Box pricing compares over time. This helps you decide whether the premium for a better condition grade is worth it.
For example, if an Excellent condition GPU is $50 more than the same GPU in Satisfactory condition, you need to decide if cosmetic perfection is worth $50 to you. Our charts make this comparison easy.
Which Grade Should You Buy?
Here is our simple framework:
- Products you look at every day (monitors, laptops, phones): Go Excellent unless the savings on Satisfactory are significant (20%+).
- Products that sit on a shelf or under a desk (desktops, routers, NAS): Satisfactory or Fair. You will never notice the cosmetic wear.
- Internal components (GPUs, motherboards, RAM, SSDs): Buy the cheapest grade available. Once it is installed, you cannot see it.
- Gifts: Go Excellent. The recipient does not need to know it was open box.
No matter which grade you choose, all Best Buy open box items come with the same return policy and manufacturer warranty as new products.