I am very tempted by a “used - like new” option for something I wanted. They advertise this as “looks and functions as new, but minor packaging damage observed during inspection”. Not sure exactly what that means. Outside box has damage that didn’t affect the product? “Sold by Amazon Resale, ships from Amazon.”
Anyone have experience with “used - like new” products?
At worst, I can return it if it proves to be defective.
I’ve bought these “used products” multiple times - a small gas grill, landscape lights, shower head, and so on. All have arrived in perfect condition. At first - I expected the items to be damaged or have something missing but every item has been like new. Now - if I see “slightly used” on a item I want - I buy it.
Nice. Thanks for sharing your experience. I placed my order and am keeping my fingers crossed. It was 30% cheaper than the true “new” option.
I’ve done it, but usually don’t. Generally they’re offering a dollar or two off, and it’s located in a warehouse in East Jabip or somewhere so it will take a week to arrive. The times I’ve used it was when the savings were fairly substantial, and I had no time demand to get the product. And the product has always been 100%, at least the few times I have done it.
Thanks. In my case, the savings were a substantial 30% off a $90 regular new price, and it would still arrive in a few days (rather then 1 or 2 days for most new things with Prime). There might also be more of a delay now during the Black Friday frenzy.
I’ll reply when I receive the item - hopefully all will be well, though I am a perfectionist to a fault! 
Not me but here in Portugal supermarkets often have discounts on merchandise approaching use by date, mostly fresh cheese and fruit., sometimes meats.
The Captain
You suspect that Amazon does not restock returned items but resells them under the “used” label. Presumably checked out but still advising buyer. Not unlike “open box” sales at some retailers. They also sell refurbs.
Backed up by good return policy.
Hey, I just realized I could game the system by buying both a “used - as new” product, plus a true brand new product, then just return the new one but replace the box contents with the used one! Then I’d get the true new product at the used price. Not really ethical, but quite possible.
Similar games get played all the time. Vacuum cleaner used for a messy job gets returned as new. Printer gets returned w/o ink cartridge.
Open box purchases can be risky. Amazon return policy handles it well. Other retailers less so.
Well, I received the “used - like new” item I ordered, and yes, the box has some damage, as advertised, and maybe it had been opened before (though doubtful), but everything inside seems totally untouched and indeed, “like new”, where “like” means “brand”. 
This was a blender, BTW, and so far, it functions “like new” as well.
I’m a happy camper and will definitely consider buying “used - like new” items in the future if the price discount is significant, as it was in this case.