Discount retailer Target begun testing online sales of used electronics, including video game consoles, personal electronics, portable media players, and even high-definition flat panel televisions.
According to Target, the “pre-owned” items on sale via the Web site are inspected and, if necessary, refurbished by “a manufacturer-authorized or Target-managed third party. In a conference call discussing quarterly financial results, the company said it started offering the used electronics late last month after noting many electronics items were being returned to the stores in working order. Target is offering the pre-owned items with the same 90-day return policy it applies to new goods sold through its online and retail locations.
So far, the deals on pre-owned electronics don’t represent a substantial discount over new goods, but for folks looking to brighten up the holidays with a previous-generation iPod or maybe a Nintendo GameCube, the offers may bear some consideration. If the program is successful, Target could conceivably expand the range of used merchandise offered via its online store.
