Retail, Bare, OEM, Bulk (White/Brown Box), Refurbished & Open-Box
Retail
The "Retail" version of a product is what you would expect to see on a store's shelf. It is intended for an end-user, and is usually packaged in a fancy box along with a user's manual and sometimes "extras" such as a software bundle.
Bare Drives
Bare drives have a great price, but do not come with cables, drivers, or other software--unless stated otherwise. In addition, generally bare drives are packaged only in an anti-static bag, not a box, and come with minimal or no user instructions. In many cases, however, a user's manual can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. (If you require a user's manual we recommend that you double check that before you buy.)
Hard Drive Warranty Information
Most hard drives sold by ZipZoomfly are bare drives. All warranties listed for hard drives take effect from the date the drive is first manufactured. The manufacturing date is located on the physical drive itself.
OEM & Bulk Products
The OEM and bulk versions of a product generally have some variations from the retail version, but often a much better price. Below is a list of the most common variations you may encounter.
No fancy packaging. OEM/bulk products come in a white/brown box or simply in anti-static wrap or plastic.
Accessories may differ. Accessories such as cables and screws may not be included.
User's manual may differ. User's manual may be abridged or not included. If you find you need more installation information, it is usually available at the manufacturer's website.
Software bundle may differ. Although OEM/bulk products usually include any necessary* drivers, they may not come with the more extensive software bundle that sometimes accompanies a retail product. (*Note that some Plug and Play devices only require the standard Windows drivers, and therefore additional drivers may not be included.)
Technical support may differ. Many manufacturers will not offer full technical support to end users who have purchased OEM/bulk products. Part of what you pay for when you purchase retail hardware is technical support, should you need it. That cost is not included in the price of OEM/bulk products.
Warranty period may differ. This is not normally the case, except with CPUs. Usually the retail version of a CPU has a 3 year warranty, while the OEM/bulk version's warranty only lasts between 30 days and 1 year.
Please note that although rare, variations besides these are possible, so it is always recommended that you compare the specifications of the OEM/bulk and retail versions to ensure that you are aware of the differences.
Refurbished Products
A product is considered Refurbished if it has been released by the manufacturer as a reconditioned product or if the retail seal has been broken at some point. Manufacturer's warranty, if applicable, varies per product and will be stated in the warranty section of the product's detail page.
Open-Box
There are certain products which, once opened, even if they have not been used, can no longer be sold as "new." Therefore, we drop the price on these products. Open-Box items may or may not include all accessories. Manufacturer warranty is provided on most Open-Box products -- please see each product's warranty section for details!
No Refunds accepted for Open-Box products. Products that are defective can only be returned for repair/replacement. Arrangement for a return must be made within 30 days from the date the item is shipped. All returns must also follow the return procedures mentioned in the Returns Policy.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a non-retail product is a great way to save money -- especially if you are so savvy that you don't require all of the manuals, cables, and/or other accessories. Just make sure to keep these differences in mind so there are no surprises when you open up your package!