Ok, let me start this out by saying I knew better than to purchase a refurbished product from Stootsi, but I did it anyway. A few days ago a deal came across the wire from Stootsi that had the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 for just $9.99. For those that pay attention to keyboards, this is not only one of the best keyboards out there, it is also a very good deal for one. I saw that it was refurbished, and, as a matter of rule, I never buy refurbished products. If it broke once it is probably going to break again. However, for merely ten bucks, it was just too good to pass up. I did some searching on Stootsi and although they weren’t rated one of the best retailers out there, they weren’t too bad.

So, I bought it and about a week later it arrived. Pretty good shipping time for a fire-sale joint like Stootsi. Got the keyboard out, and it was obviously used, but still in good shape astheticly. So I plugged it in and first thing I did was download the software for it so that I could test all of the quick-buttons on the keyboard. To my delight, they all worked fine. Ne-t test, do all of the letters and numbers work. This one passed e-cept for the letter missing from the words in this and the previous sentence (still typing on the ‘new’ keyboard). So, obviously, the product wasn’t actually refurbished, it was simply repackaged. There is the first ding for Stootsi.

Well, the worst part of it is Stootsi’s return policy, which I neglected to read prior to purchasing from them:

Every item we sell, whether it is on our homepage or in the store, has a "warranty" graphic beside the item explicitly stating the type of warranty, if any, that is offered. Based on the condition of the item (new, refurbished, overstock/liquidation, returns), there may or may not be a manufacturer's warranty. Any problems with a product that is under manufacturer warranty will be handled directly with the manufacturer. Stootsi will however assist you in receiving warranty support with the manufacturer if neccessary. Due to the ridiculously low prices that we offer, no returns are accepted for buyer's remorse. Ideally, you will just sell your item that you don't like on ebay, and maybe even make some money in the process. If no warranty on a product is given, and it arrives defective or Dead On Arrival (DOA) you must notify us within 3 days via email at rma@stootsi.com. After 3 days all sales are final. Return shipping will be at your own expense. Stootsi does not offer replacements in any situation and you will receive a refund of your sale price only.

So, the shipping cost is on me both ways which in this case adds up to more than the product cost. My net gain by returning the defunct item would be a measly $3 and I would end up with no keyboard. Stootsi is running a scam; repackaging broken/defective products.