Buying reconditioned or second hand items is always a tricky proposition.  While many people take the label “B stock” to mean merely overstock or returned, this view can be a dangerous oversimplification.  In the case of B stock speakers, a low price tag alone is not enough to dictate whether an item is worthy of purchase.  Here are three factors to consider when shopping for new (or as the case may be, “like new”) speakers.

Returned or refurbished?

In store, there are few tip offs that an item may have been broken and refurbished.  B stock products will likely be found in different packaging than their brand new counterparts, but store owners desperate to get rid of their merchandise aren’t likely tell you if the items have been factory reconditioned.  The online realm, on the other hand, requires that refurbished items be labelled as such.  If you are going to be shopping in store, make sure you’re buying from an authorised dealer and that you listen to the speakers before you purchase (I recommend listening through Sennheiser ear pads, which will pick up any small inconsistencies).  Cosmetic issues may not alter your decision to buy, but bad sound caused by irreparable damage certainly should.

The warranty issue

Many B stock items will carry the same warranty as the A stock equivalents, but you should never assume this to be the case.  Before purchasing, always make sure that a full warranty is offered should your speakers fail soon after buying.  The key here is that you should be getting a deal, so expect that your speakers have exactly the same components and warranty as the A stock merchandise and see to it that the merchant delivers.

B stock for an A price

When all other considerations are exhausted, take into account the asking price.  If the difference between brand new and B stock speakers is £20, it’s probably worth it just to pay for the new ones.  However, if the price difference is £100 and the speakers show only slight scratches on the cabinets, you may have a good deal on your hands.  Make a list of what you value most – sound quality, warranty, appearance – and then make your decision from there.

Got any B stock purchase horror stories?  We’d like to hear ‘em in the comments section below!

Did you know?

Buying B stock merchandise may require thought, but the risk is likely smaller than you’d think. Studies have shown that over 80% of “refurbished” items are actually not damaged in any way.

-Jeff O.

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