miso@sushi.com wrote:

> Actually, what is returned at Fry's is handy to know. If there are lots
> of returns, try something else. I know those on this usenet group are
> Linksys fans, but most of what is returned to Fry's is Linksys.

I would say that's hard to judge. In the WiFi sections (more than one,
since there are some dedicated sections, including Linksys), there are
many empty shelf spaces, usually for the item you want, plenty of items in
the wrong shelf space, and some opened/returned/markdown units, with
markdowns of 12-15 cents, which fascinates me.

I would guess that they don't give Linksys their own dedicated space unless
they move lots of units, so the number of returns on the shelf would have
to be noted against the number sold.

Wifi is still an emerging market. Many of the units are purchased with
unreasonable hopes, like using Wifi while commuting on Caltrain... okay, so
that works now; or getting free access anywhere, or full coverage in a
home. Those units probably come back, maybe for refund, maybe to exchange
for a different brand.

The motherboard section is full of returns, often with no new units on the
shelf. For stores other than Sunnyvale, I don't know what that means, but
in Sunnyvale, I have overheard engineers selecting motherboards to take
back and test/certify against some product or another, after which it will
be returned to Fry's. But these are the same guys trying to make sure they
get one that is unopened.

> If I think there are going to be problems with something, I always go
> to Fry's because they will take back anything.

The home of the thirty day free trial for almost anything.
I have seen people return stereos with no packaging.

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5