Review: Sony A1 OLED 55inch from Sony eBay factory refurbished (seconds)

Hi peoples, I though I would share my experience with buying a TV from Sony eBay factory seconds.

For those don’t have time to read my reasoning and details of the experience, here is a summary – Everything is good, speedy delivery, TV is working out of the box no issues to report so far.

So let’s get to my experience…

Initially I had reservation and resistance in getting factory seconds, but after some research and reading through Sony eBay’s customer reviews, soon I realize most are positive. After analyzing the negative reviews, I see the reasons for negative feedbacks are; 1) unhappy about Sony eBay selling units that are unavailable due to overselling 2) third party courier services not showing up in the expected time frame, 3) disappointed in product’s performance that do not match expectation (not fault related). In cases where customers had issues such as faulty products, most are dealt with refund and return. Only 1-2 customers had lengthy back and forth issues with Sony due to communication or unsatisfactory repairs. To me, it indicates the out of box failure rate is just about the same as new products. However, I am aware any product failures after leaving a review is not documented on eBay reviews.

It’s a calculated risk and managing expectation. From experience of a friend in the TV repair industry, there are very few return to factory repaired TV units for sell. Most TV issues are dealt with technicians going to customers’ homes and replace any faulty parts if they can correctly diagnose. Returned units are mostly used for some time and had multiple repair attempts on site, these units are almost always had original packaging tossed out, and by then are probably deemed very dead not worth repairing. I may be wrong but it’s the impression I received.

The description of “seconds products” on Sony eBay is pretty scary, but bear in mind the same words apply to all other seconds products, such as head phones, camera, sound systems… the smaller goods may potentially experience more handling if has been opened, and often the repair/exchange policy is post return to manufacturer.

Back to the A1, it’s very unlikely to get a box damaged only unit, as this is an expensive product. To take a wild guess, I speculate the source of seconds A1s come from customer returns, other than cosmetically damaged units, I assume many A1s are returned because customers realize the design doesn’t suit their home, the leaning backwards and how much room it takes when it sits on table top or hangs on wall. The price of the A1 is also uncompetitive according to many reviews, therefore may have a few returns to exchange for more value for money models. (I could have gotten a new LG C8 55” brand new for the same money, but at the time of purchase LG was out of stock so I was hoping for the best with Sony seconds.) Still, without any knowledge about this part of Sony business…it is a high risk high return game…

Here it goes, I purchased on a Thursday and it was processed and delivered to Melbourne metro area next Tuesday morning. All communication from Toll courier was good. No issues other than the delivery guy loudly complained this TV is too heavy. Can’t blame him, it’s 39kg with packaging.

The box came in a horrendous condition. Cuts and tear taped up in multiple places. The first sight wasn’t very reassuring. Definitely is a repacked unit. A complimentary note from Sony eBay store is on the box and a bar code on the side of the box saying “Sony Seconds”. Once opened the box, all the protection is there, foam, board, plastic wrappings. Some foams are a bit chipped but not too concerned. All the bits and screws are available, repacked in plastic bags and tape sealed. However nearly all loose bits are left in the box to fly around.

Once the TV is out of the box, a quick inspection found no damage or scratch to the screen surface and frame. I found a gold coin sized scratch on top of the subwoofer but it’s out of sight unless you have lights to lit the back side of the TV for it to appear. All screws on the unit have no marking, suggest it has not been gutted. The wall mount accessories and screw holes had minor marks from normal installation, suggesting it was on a wall. No dust collections anywhere, unit was thoroughly cleaned with no finger prints.

Once it is installed the unit turns on. It also had factory re-set done prior to shipment. A couple days of viewing found no issues. I have yet found time to carefully inspect any burn in but so far noticed none from general viewing.

In summary, it is value for money —- depending how you feel about seconds. This unit turn up on time and it works, apart from no known history and a little cosmetic scratch in an unnoticeable place, it has been very good and can’t complain.

I will continue to report if any issue occurs. Otherwise assume everything is fine.