Best Buy Open Box Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know
By Andrew Pizzello, CPA ยท 2026-04-17
The number one question people ask before buying Best Buy open box is: "What if I don't like it?" Good news. Best Buy open box items come with the same return policy as new products.
The Standard Return Window
Best Buy offers a 15-day return window on most products, including open box items. If you are a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you get 60 days. My Best Buy members get the standard 15 days.
This is the same policy that applies to brand new items. There is no separate or reduced return window for open box purchases.
What You Can Expect
- Full refund. If you return an open box item within the return window, you get a full refund of the price you paid.
- Exchange option. You can exchange an open box item for the same product (new or open box) or a different product entirely.
- No restocking fee on most items. Best Buy eliminated restocking fees on most products. The exception is special-order items and custom-installed products.
Condition Grades Explained
Best Buy grades their open box items into condition tiers. Understanding these helps you know what to expect:
Excellent / Certified
The product looks brand new. It was likely returned unopened or barely used. All original accessories and packaging are included. Geek Squad has inspected and certified it. This tier typically saves you 10 to 15% off the new price.
Satisfactory
The product works perfectly but may have minor cosmetic imperfections. Light scratches or scuffs that do not affect functionality. Some accessories might be missing. Savings are usually 15 to 25%.
Fair
Noticeable cosmetic wear but fully functional. May be missing accessories or original packaging. This tier offers the biggest savings, often 25% or more off retail.
Warranty Coverage
Best Buy open box items come with the manufacturer's warranty, the same as new products. The warranty starts from the date of your purchase, not the date the product was originally sold.
You can also add a Geek Squad Protection plan to open box items just like you would with a new purchase.
What Makes Best Buy Open Box Different
Unlike buying used or refurbished from third-party sellers, Best Buy open box items are:
- Inspected by Geek Squad before being listed
- Backed by the same return policy as new items
- Covered by the full manufacturer's warranty
- Available for pickup at your local store
This is why we built the Best Buy Open Box Price Tracker. We track prices over time so you can see when a deal is at its lowest and buy with confidence knowing you have the same protections as buying new.