We’ve all purchased a high-ticket appliance and instantly had buyer’s remorse. There’s no shame in returning a purchase, but have you ever wondered what happens to those freshly opened packages that have gone back to the merchant? One person’s return may be your treasure.
The rise of open-box and overstock shopping reflects broader changes in consumer behavior and retail logistics. Returns are at an all-time high, driven by the rise of online shopping, and warehouses are overflowing with surplus goods. Traditional retailers often lack the infrastructure — or the desire — to resell these items themselves. That’s where platforms like REBEL come in.
By curating and reselling open-box and overstock products, the company has built its business model around giving these items a second life. It’s a budget-friendly play as much as it’s a sustainability one: Rather than destroying or dumping unsold goods, companies are extending the life cycle of perfectly usable items for up to 70 percent off. REBEL is a Certified B Corporation, too, meaning the company meets some of the most rigorous standards of social and environmental performance.
While REBEL originally sold products for parents (because many baby items, such as strollers, car seats, and monitors, often get returned), the retailer has vastly expanded its offerings . Now, you can get deep discounts on name brands like KitchenAid and Dyson, and even luxury furniture brands like Sabai and Hearth and Heaven.
But what exactly does it mean to buy an “open-box” or “overstock” item, and how should consumers approach these deals?
What does “open box” mean, and are items guaranteed to work?
As you may have already guessed, “open box” refers to a product that’s packaging has been opened. That doesn’t necessarily mean the item has been used extensively. In many cases, the product was opened and then quickly sent back because of something as simple as the wrong size or color, or a last-minute change of mind.
REBEL frames open-box items as gear that is “new or like new,” often handled briefly but not used in any meaningful way. The items undergo a quality inspection before being resold, which, in theory, reassures buyers that the stroller they’re buying hasn’t seen months of heavy use. However, in practice, the definition of “open-box” can be slippery. A crib that has been assembled and then disassembled still counts as “open-box,” as does a floor model that has been handled by dozens of people in-store. The takeaway here is that while open-box shopping can yield near-perfect items, buyers need to read descriptions carefully and, ideally, confirm what condition they can expect when the package arrives.
To give you peace of mind, REBEL has an in-house quality check to ensure all its items are in working order before they’re listed on the site, and their condition is stated. That means full transparency on any wear or damage, all parts are accounted for, and expiration and manufacturer dates are reviewed.
We tested a few REBEL products ourselves, and they passed with flying colors — no issues, missing pieces, or even scratches were found! Now that you can rest easy, check out the most shocking finds on REBEL right now.
