Don't get stuck with a junky converter box

Do your homework before you buy a CECB. After you do your homework and decide to buy one, don't use the coupon on the initial purchase. First purchase without using your coupon and try the box out. If after all your homework and you like it after trying it, then you take it back to the retailer for a refund and repurchase using your coupon.

Verify the following first

Make sure your retailer will accept returns on the CECB if a coupon is not used. Most retailers allow you 30 days from the date of purchase for returns on electronics.

Originally Posted by 1inxs

Do your homework before you buy a CECB. After you do your homework and decide to buy one, don't use the coupon on the initial purchase. First purchase without using your coupon and try the box out. If after all your homework and you like it after trying it, then you take it back to the retailer for a refund and repurchase using your coupon.

Verify the following first

Make sure your retailer will accept returns on the CECB if a coupon is not used. Most retailers allow you 30 days from the date of purchase for returns on electronics.

Great idea, the consensus on this forum is about the same for those wanting to buy a antenna too. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE RETURN POLICY.

Stores with a return policy (Verify the links first!)

Best Buy (30 day policy and no restocking fee for purchasing a converter box or antenna. This does not apply to all items. Laptops and Iphones will have restocking fees applied.)

Wal-Mart (All merchandise purchased from Walmart.com may be returned either to a store or by mail within 90 days of receiving it, unless otherwise noted here)

The inclusion of antennas is a good idea. I think most retailers have 90 days to return an item with the exclusion of electronics. Definitely CHECK THE RETURN POLICY at your retailer.

Interesting idea, especially with the quality boxes apparently sold out. I would think, though, that the better boxes will resurface eventually. After all, what happens if one gets damaged? And I seriously doubt these things have a life-long shelf life. My cable boxes have to be switched out all the time.

Originally Posted by Orrymain

Interesting idea, especially with the quality boxes apparently sold out. I would think, though, that the better boxes will resurface eventually. After all, what happens if one gets damaged? And I seriously doubt these things have a life-long shelf life. My cable boxes have to be switched out all the time.

Agreed. We've already seen a ton of complaints about converters burning up or going out. Most have terrible warranty's. I predict we'll see prices come down on them after the transition, so at least the cost to replace will not be that bad.

I bought boxes even before I had coupons. RCA, Magnavox & Best Buy. I eventually sold them to folks, sometimes for just the $10 and their coupon. The early RCA boxes were mostly junk. All the others still work OK.
Some one told me their "coupon RCA box" from Wal-Mart went bad after the 90 days. They bought a new one at Wal-Mart for the $49 then put the defective one in the new box & returned it.
..That really is not that dishonest because WM just enters the return into the computer & throws the unit away. RCA sends them a freebie with the next shipment. No questions asked.
PS. Wal_Mart still selling for $49.95.