Dyscern specializes is selling store returns,
overstock, refurbished and excess merchandise. This allows us to offer
exceptional value on fully functional items. We specialize in handheld
computers (PDAs), MP3 players and digital imaging products.
We operate a full repair facility at our Sterling,
Virginia location. We process thousands of units every month. This
allows us to make sure you are able to purchase the latest electronics
at a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.
Don't take our word for it. We encourage you to shop around. You will find, consistently, we are the lowest price.
Are these new items?
Unless the product you purchase is specifically
labeled new, none of our products are brand new. All our items are
either refurbished, store returns that were brought back by the
customer with the unit itself unopened, or open box returns which were
tested at our facility and either confirmed fully functional or
returned to a fully functional state. If you are looking only for new
items, we do have them from time-to-time, but it is not our specialty.
Do you refurbish items?
We do restore items to factory specifications, but
we do not label them as such. They will be listed as items in excellent
condition, light use, etc. Any item listed in our store as
"Refurbished" will be received as such sealed from the manufacturer and
will have been refurbished by the manufacturer. Cosmetically,
refurbished items are usually identical to new items. They were simply
manufactured, found to have a defect or defects, and fixed by the
manufacturer. Since it left their production line, it can no longer
legally be called new (really). Thus, manufacturers call these products
"refurbished" or "remanufactured."
What do the different conditions mean?
As most of our items are store returns, their
condition varies widely. We have a classification system that lets our
customers know in advance how their unit will appear to them.
Our conditions are as follows:
New
Exactly what it sounds like. New items
will be sealed in the box and will not have been opened. They almost
always will carry their full manufacturer's warranty.
Refurbished
These are units that have been
restored to original factory specifications by the manufacturer.
Cosmetically, they are indistinguishable from new. They will usually
carry some manufacturer's warranty.
Sealed Unit
This is not as uncommon as it
sounds. This is an item that has either been returned to the store
unopened or was replaced by the manufacturer. The accessories and box
will be open, but the actual item listed as a Sealed Unit is guaranteed
to be unopened and in perfect condition.
Excellent Condition
These items will be in
near perfect condition. As they have been handled by the original
owner, the store, and our facility, they may have a few very minor
scratches. However, they will need to be sought out and will not be
immediately evident without a close inspection.
Light Use
Items listed as light use will
have minor scratches on the front and back of the unit. The LCD on
these units will be clear of scratches.
Will these items work worldwide?
With a few exceptions, yes, these items work
globally. All our items are by default in U.S. English, and all
documentation and software provided (if included) will be in English.
The AC adapters included with these products are almost always
110V-240V, but will have U.S. prongs. Plug adapters can usually be
found for under US$5 worldwide. However, certain product lines, Palm in
particular, ship items with 110V U.S. adapters only. If you are not
certain, contact us.
Almost every digital camera and camcorder works on both NTSC and PAL settings. Feel free to contact us if you are not certain.
Do these items have a manufacturer's warranty?
Unless specifically stated on the product page, we
do not promise nor guarantee any item will have any of its
manufacturer's warranty remaining. The rules vary by manufacturer.
Please check the manufacturer's guarantee on their webpage if this is
important to you.
All our items do come with a 30 day guarantee on the unit's functionality.
Are these items in the original manufacturer's box?
All new and refurbished items will be sealed in the
manufacturer's box. Refurbished items are usually sealed in a "brown
box" by manufacturers. Items classified excellent condition, light,
moderate or extensive use are not guaranteed to be in their original
box. If they are, please note that sticks, notations and other marks
are often placed on these boxes by the store before we receive them.
The condition of the original packaging is not guaranteed. However, all
items will be safely packed to ensure they are received safely.
Questions About Payment
What method of payments do you accept?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Paypal for payment. In addition, you can checkout using Google Checkout.
Can you accept a cashier's check or money order? Can you accept a wire transfer?
We do accept these forms of payment but we do not recommend them. We will not be able to ship your item until your payment has been received and processed.
Questions About Shipping
How do you ship packages
We ship via UPS to all U.S. and International street addresses. We ship via the United States Postal Service for items being sent to post office boxes. We reserve the right to use the United States Postal Service for items going to remote locations.
How long will it take to receive my package?
Orders are processed for shipment within one
business day, almost without exception. If you choose expedited
shipping, your package will be delivered within that time period. You
can view UPS Ground delivery times on our UPS Delivery Map.
Please
note international shipping can take longer due to customs delays.
Please make sure to include a correct phone number to ensure any
customs delays are handled promptly. UPS and/or the customs house will
contact you directly in the event of any delay.
Can I buy insurance?
No need. Your shipping costs include insurance on
all our shipments. In addition, all our shipments are sent via a method
that provides a tracking number.
Can I pick my purchase up?
As the warehouse is
not set up as a retail operation, we are not able to accomodate pick ups.
Can you send internationally via the U.S. Postal Service
Unfortunately, we cannot ship internationally via
the U.S. Postal Service under any circumstances. We can only ship via UPS.
Questions About Taxes
Are taxes due within the United States?
We collect sales tax for sales delivered to the states of Arkansas, California, New Jersey, Texas, Indiana.
The sales tax will be added to any order being sent within either state.
No tax is due for delivery anywhere else in the United States.
What are the taxes, customs and duties in my country?
All international orders are subject to customs
duties and taxes at their destination point. These fees vary
significantly by country. Each customer is responsible for the customs
duties and taxes for their shipment. Dyscern LLC and its
representatives are not responsible for these fees. Note that we do not
estimate customs duties and taxes for orders, as the amount can vary
greatly from the actual fees.
If you have questions about the customs duties and
taxes for your country, please contact the appropriate government
agency for your country.
Can you send the item as a gift?
Unfortunately, we cannot ship as a gift. We several
hundred packages a month outside the United States and commercial
shippers cannot send packages in this fashion, we do apologize.
Can you declare a lower amount on my shipments?
Unless you are purchasing a new product, we do list
all our items as used electronics, which will sometimes help with the
customs and duties levied. Given these items are either store returns
or refurbished units (except when listed as New), this is an accurate
description for customs purposes.
We are required to list the sale price on the invoice for customs purposes.
Questions About Our Guarantee/Return Policy
Do you offer a guarantee on your products?
Absolutely. We have a platinum-standard 30-day
guarantee the functionality of every unit we sell, valid from the date
of purchase.
We guarantee the item we sell will be the item
described on the product page and will include everything listed under
the package contents. We also guarantee the accessories included with
the unit. In the unlikely event of a functional problem, we provide a
full and complete refund or an exchange (if available).
Upon receipt of a returned item, we evaluate the
item at our facility for functionality. If the item is defective, a
full refund will be provided. If the item is not defective, a refund of
the purchase price will be given, minus a 15% restocking fee.
The items Dyscern sells are all store returns,
unless otherwise noted. We do allow returns for cosmetic reasons up to
7 days after purchase on a case-by-case basis. We do not pay return
shipping for cosmetic returns and will refund the purchase price minus
a 15% restocking fee.
Please note shipping costs are provided for
customers within the United States. Customers outside the United States
will be responsible for returning the item at their own expense.
Customs, duties and taxes are not reimbursed. International customers
can file for a refund of taxes with their respective governments. They
will need to save the return receipt as proof the item was returned
back to the United States.
Can I return the item for any reason?
As we specialize in selling store returns, we do
guarantee the functionality of all our units. We allow for cosmetic
returns up to seven days after the date of purchase. For returns that
are fully functional, we can refund the purchase price minus a 15%
restocking fee.
What happens if I need to return my purchase?
For returns that are due to a functionality issue,
we will provide a UPS call tag for ground shipping within the United
States. For customers in Alaska and Hawaii, we will reimburse return
shipping via USPS Priority Mail.
International customers will be responsible for the
shipping on the return of any item. We recommend that such items are
sent with a tracking number and insurance, as we can only proceed upon
receipt of the item.
For cosmetic returns or returns for issues other
than functionality, customers are responsible for returning the item to
our Sterling, Virginia facility.