Tyee,
My first EX-111 came doubled boxed - the original Sharp box inside an Overstock box with airbags as padding. Everything was brand spanking new.
My second one came packed the same way but the Sharp box was beat to hell and had about four layers of clear packing tape sealing up the top (not all put on at the same time, by the way). The cast paper supports/padding that protected the amp inside the Sharp box was soft and all beaten up, and the amp was clearly used - it had crud built up in the crevices, a burnished/used looking finish, fingerprints on the display, and someone had clearly started to peel off one of the stickers. The antennae wires were loose and all over the place, the remote had the batteries already installed, and the bag that held everything was ripped and tied in a knot at the top. In addition, the warranty card looked like it had been dunked in water and then dried out.
I looked on Overstock's policy page and unless the item specifically states that it's factory refurbished or customer returned, the item you receive should be brand new. I called them and they immediately emailed me an RMA return label. UPS picked it up and I received a brand new unit about a week later.
Overstock took care of it right away, so I commend them on that. I wonder, though, if this just slipped through the cracks or if they were trying to pass off a used one on someone who wouldn't care?
Unfortunately, now that everything is sold out your only recourse may be a refund if you're really unhappy about it. For this price I could live with a used one, but only if there's no other choice.
Best,
KT
