Open box vs refurbished vs certified pre-owned: what is the difference?
At Canadian Outlet, every product is sold in one of three conditions: Brand New, Open Box or Certified Pre-Owned. The condition is written on every listing before you add it to your cart.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
The short answer
Brand New
Factory sealed and never opened.
Open Box
The box has been opened, and the product is unused or close to new. It may be a customer return, a display unit or overstock. We inspect and function-test it before listing, it includes all accessories, and it is typically as new cosmetically.
Certified Pre-Owned
Previously owned, then fully inspected, tested and cleaned by our technicians, with the cosmetic grade stated on the listing.
Other stores often use the word "refurbished" for previously owned devices. At Canadian Outlet, previously owned devices are sold as Certified Pre-Owned, and each listing states its cosmetic grade so you know what you are buying.
Side by side
| Brand New | Open Box | Certified Pre-Owned | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Factory sealed, untouched, as the manufacturer shipped it | Box opened; unused or close to new; a customer return, display unit or overstock | Previously owned, then inspected, tested and cleaned |
| Packaging | Sealed retail packaging, all original accessories | Box opened, all accessories included | As stated on the listing |
| Checks before sale | Not opened | Inspected and function-tested before listing; typically as new cosmetically | Battery and function verified; cosmetic grade on every listing |
| Store warranty | 90 days (1 year on the Canadian version of the Galaxy S26 series, Z Fold8, Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 Ultra) | 90 days | 90 days |
| Return window | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
Is open box worth it?
Open Box and Certified Pre-Owned cost less than Brand New, and they carry the same 90-day Canadian Outlet store warranty as most Brand New products. If you want the lowest price and do not need a sealed box, they are worth a look. If you want a factory-sealed product, choose Brand New.
Warranty
Canadian Outlet gives a store warranty on everything it sells:
- 1 year on the Canadian version of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- 90 days on all other products, including International versions of those models.
The store warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware malfunctions under normal use. It does not cover physical or liquid damage, software issues, battery wear from normal use, or damage from improper use or unauthorized repairs. A manufacturer warranty may not apply. To make a claim, call 647-786-4344 or visit the store with your proof of purchase.
Returns
You can return or exchange a phone, tablet, laptop or appliance within 14 days of purchase, in its original condition with all packaging and accessories.
- Brand New, unopened and unused: refund minus a 3% transaction fee and shipping costs. If the seal is opened but the product is unused, a 15% restocking fee also applies.
- Open Box and Certified Pre-Owned: return in the same condition as received. A restocking fee of up to 15% may apply if the product has been used or activated.
- Return shipping is paid by the customer, unless an Open Box or Certified Pre-Owned item is defective or not as described.
Full terms: Returns, Exchanges and Cancellations Policy.
Unlocked
Every phone we sell is unlocked, with no carrier lock and no contract.
See them in person
You can see Brand New, Open Box and Certified Pre-Owned products at our store at 1431 Yonge St, Toronto (our only store), open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Phone 647-786-4344.
