what's a b-stock?

[mike c]

used?
old model?
soon to be phased out model?
defective? (and fixed)
refurbished?

 

[brian32672]

used?
old model?
soon to be phased out model?
defective? (and fixed)
refurbished?

Well that depends. A lot of times it is just extra inventory. Or overstock, that needs to be sold to make room for other equipment.
Also sometimes it is equipment that was used, for a home demo, then brought back to factory to make sure all is 100% A-Ok.
Very rarely will it be defective - then fixed (that would be closer to refurbished)
If there was a small defect in the demo (shipping etc..) Then usually the company of good standards will state this.

 

[majorloser]

Brian hit it on the head.

Most of the time B-stock is excess merchandise they needs to be cleared out of the warehouse or discontinued items. Sometimes it may be an item that has a cosmetic blemish that prevents it from being sold as new (rare). Usually a manufacturer will state when something is refurbished or repaired.

Either way, if you buy factory direct you shouldn't have any problems from reputable manufacturers.

 

[mike c]

thanks guys!

 

[BMXTRIX]

B-stock can truly mean anything unfortunately.

Floor model, extra inventory, old items, returns, refurbished, etc. It is basically a superset that can include all types of inventory with any number of explanations. A-stock is generally considered brand new, in unopened factory packaging. Anything less than that, no matter what it is, could be called b-stock.

It is important to know why an item is called b-stock, but quite often there is a full warranty with b-stock items that covers you if there are issues with the product when you get it.

Other terms:
NOS - New Old Stock - A prior year model that is still in the unopened factory box.
NIB - New In Box - Anything that is in an unopened factory box

 

[mike c]

I prefer NOS and NIB over refurbished then ... thanks!

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

For loudspeakers it could also mean New & Unused, but with cosmetic blemishes, such as rips or marks in the vinyl.