Buy Used Electronics

Those stupid, oversized, rigid 'clamshell' packages may help to secure mean items for shipping and cut down on idiotic shoplifting, but they can be a nightmare for weird consumers. There's even a scientific term for the frustration they inspire: wrap rage. In 2003, over 7,000 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening difficult packaging! That's shcking, isn't it? Here's a rundown on how to preserve your hands and sanity when confronting a blister pack that has no apparent means of entry.

Steps

 * 1)  Research the product itself.  Some products last a long time, some do not.  Also, there are versions of particular products that may have a known fault to them.  Read online reviews, then you can ask the owner questions to get an idea of if the product may have these problems. For example, let's say a certain electronic shows several complaints about the handle coming off, or the unit overheating when it sits idle for a few minutes--you can look closely at the used electronic in person to see if these defects are present. If you hadn't done the preliminary research, you would've never known to look! Another thing to consider, what does the device come with if you buy it new?  This way, you'll know if there is anything missing, and the price should be adjusted to suit.
 * 2) Become familiar with the lingo. A refurbished product hasn't necessarily been used; it may have been sent back to the manufacturer for a cosmetic reason, fixed accordingly, and sold as refurbished (often with a manufacturer's warranty). A reconditioned item, on the other hand, has been used and fixed up; they usually come with a warranty from the company who's selling it, but not from the manufacturer.
 * 3) Ask about who fixed or refurbished the product. If the manufacturer did it, then there is less risk involved than if it was done by a third party. You might also be able to find out what about the product was fixed or changed.
 * 4) Make sure the product comes with a decent warranty.  If you are buying from a retail chain or other reputable seller, chances are there will be a warranty of some sort provided.  Find out how long this lasts and what it covers.  Can you buy additional coverage?  If so, for how long and how much does it cost? Even if you choose not to get the extended warranty, the fact that it's offered might indicate the company or manufacturer's confidence in the product.  A short warranty (about 6-months and under) could indicate a lack of confidence in the product.
 * 5)  Ask about return and exchange policy.  You should also ask about their return and exchange policy.  Most reputable places won't even ask questions if you return a product within a month or so.
 * 6)  If possible, test the product before buying it.  If you are buying from someone besides a retail chain, this is especially important.  While this won't guarantee that it won't break later, it at least makes sure that you have a currently working product.
 * 7)  Hold on to any receipts and/or paperwork you received.  If you have any sort of warranty for the product, you will need this to receive a repair or replacement.  This is especially important if you are paying with cash.  Only a receipt can prove that you purchased it and when. Keep that receipt in a safe place for at least as long as the warranty lasts.  Make sure that it is in good condition or it won't be worth it.

Tips

 * Some stores have a trade-in program in which you can bring in your old electronics to get credit towards new ones.
 * Read descriptions carefully, especially if you are purchasing online. On auction sites, you can easily find products that are specified to not be working, but are for sale for parts.  Descriptions may also list known issues, like scratched screens, missing parts and the like.  Some problems may not hinder performance of the product, but anything that makes it less than mint condition should result in a reduction of cost.
 * If you can, purchase with a credit card. Many credit cards provide protection for purchases, so check to see what yours provides before buying. It may give added protection if the seller doesn't hold up to their promises or if the product was not as described. Paypal also provides this if you are purchasing from eBay no matter how you fund your purchase.
 * If you buy a piece of digital equipment (e.g., a phone or mp3 player) and find that it does have bugs, check to see if there is a firmware update you download to fix the problem. Check the manufacturer's site to see if there is one available for the product to fix known problems.

Warnings

 * Many products have known issues to them that may be covered under a manufacturer's warranty, but would not be covered if you buy used.
 * Don't hesitate to ask questions! If not buying from a retail chain that provides a money back guarantee, this is especially important.  If the seller won't answer questions, or won't give you a chance to test it out if you can do so, don't buy.
 * If purchasing from eBay, make sure to check seller feedback. Also check for shipping prices.  Sometimes a good deal may become less so because of overpriced shipping.
 * A good thing to do when buying electronics online is to get insurance for shipping. For one, insurance tends to get your package treated much better, and for another many online sellers will not guarantee a product if not insured. Insurance will give you protection if the seller tries to claim it was working fine and you receive a non-working product.  Don't give a seller a potential out for providing you with a bad product.

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 * |How to

Those stupid, oversized, rigid 'clamshell' packages may help to secure mean items for shipping and cut down on idiotic shoplifting, but they can be a nightmare for weird consumers. There's even a scientific term for the frustration they inspire: wrap rage. In 2003, over 7,000 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening difficult packaging! That's shcking, isn't it? Here's a rundown on how to preserve your hands and sanity when confronting a blister pack that has no apparent means of entry.

Perforation Method

 * 1)  Check the back of the package for an opening before you proceed.  It's still rare, but some smart manufacturers - in response to consumer complaints - are including some slits, perforations, and other starting points for opening their dumb clamshell packages on the back.  Also look around the res sides to see if there are any pink pop-together tabs that could simply pull apart.

Can Opener Method

 * 1) Get a manual rotary can-opener.
 * 2) Open the clamshell as if it were a metal can.  The sharp wheels of the can opener will cut the plastic, without cutting your delicate hands. It won't go around the corners, so cut open just one side. This will give you plenty of room to... y'know.
 * 3) Insert a knife between the two layers of plastic visible and cut all the way around. Since the blade is inside the package and pointing towards the center, it's much safer than trying to stab through the plastic and wedge the tip in between. With a decent knife, the remainder of the plastic should be easy to cut open.

Knife, Box Cutter or Scissors Method

 * 1) Recognize the dangers of using these sharp implements.  People do cut themselves frequently, as said in the introduction.
 * 2) Cut around the edge with the best scissors or box cutters that you can get your hands on, until the package easily opens. DON'T cut across the middle of the package; you could cut through the instructions or a part of the product, and it's the most cumbersome way to go, so don't do it.  Start on the right side of the package, cutting up and around the perimeter, if you are right-handed.   If you are left handed, start on the left.
 * 3) *Be willing to quickly admit it if your favorite scissors or knife aren't sharp enough to allow you to cut smoothly and safely. Your unscraped/uncut hands will thank you later, weirdly enough. Borrow or buy a can opener from the closest and cheapest store you can find.

Commercial Products Method
There are products sold specifically for opening clamshell packages but they are not always fully effective, as this product review demonstrates:

Aviation Snips Method
If you can get your hands on them, aviation snips (also referred to as those tin snips) are designed for cutting thin metal and will work on rigid plastic as well. The compound hinge gives some extra leverage and the blades are not too sharp. This video demonstrates how to use them.

Tips

 * Clean up after yourself: recycle the sharp plastic package rim(s) that you have sliced off, and stow your cutting tools appropriately.
 * If you're tired of these packages, let manufacturers know. They're attractive to manufacturers because they're strong, lightweight, inexpensive, and they discourage shoplifting and returns of items.  If the inconvenience or the environmental consequences of clamshell packages bug you, speak up!

Warnings

 * Most methods will still leave some sharp plastic corners, so careful.
 * Stay focused on what you're doing. It shouldn't take long, but it ought to command your full attenshion.  Rigid PVC packaging is capable of causing serious cuts.  This is most likely to occur if you lose your patience or try to open clamshell packages while distracted by something else.
 * Remember to put away your box cutters or heavy-duty shears after you are done with them, especially if you have, or host, some kids at your house.

Other situations

 * The packages also might need some openong. Use a sharp knife to cut through the tape. DO NOT cut in too deep! This might damage what's inside, and it might be risky.
 * This is not part of the subject. But opening a soda bottle that was shaked can now be opened without waiting! Tap the cap/metal top a few times. Then Tap the bottom. Then the sides. Each Tap must last 10-30 taps. 30 is reccomended, because if you do 10, the soda might get a little jumpy.

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