Bargain hunters can save 30 percent on open box flat panel TVs, including LED, LCD and plasma, said Dale Vosika, manager at Open Box TVs (8564 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins, 952-938-3677). The TVs are display models, returns or refurbished. Some have had the screen glass removed. Stands are extra on most models and the TVs don't have owner's manuals. No refunds are offered (but TVs can be repaired within 30 to 60 days). Brands include Vizio, Philips, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Apex and Magnavox.
Prices are hit-and-miss. To its credit, the retailer puts a printout of a Google price search on some TVs to show comparative prices and all model numbers are prominently displayed. But do your homework anyway by bringing a smartphone or writing down make and model to compare prices online. A Sony 32-inch LCD (model KDL-32S3000) was $275 last week ($550 online), but a Vizio 26-inch LED (model M260VA) for $250 could be purchased refurbished at Amazon.com for $195. The store has a variety of sizes from 26 to 55 inches, but a new shipment of 70- to 90-inch TVs is expected soon. Note: The phone almost always goes into voice mail and signs to the location are inadequate. It is next to Curves and near the Goodwill store. The retailer currently has an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau because of two unanswered complaints.
The store has been open for about a year, said Vosika, but I had not heard of it until recently when a co-worker mentioned it. Anyone who's shopped there or bought there want to weigh in?
