Sure, not to beat a dead horse, but why not chime in, eh? That purchase through OP was not bait-n-switch per se in the traditional sense though it could be argued as transgression unto the letter of the law.
OP decided to interpret Demo/Open-Box/Counter-Display/Purchased-Returned-Within-30-Days/Fixed-Under-Warranty-Refurbished or Examined-Accredited-Fully-Functional as one and the same. Everything revolves around length of warranty and OP leading the consumer to believe they are receiving a value that may or may not exist. The value conveyed is the length of warranty.
OP would have you believe that they purchase Demo and Refurbished, not only at the same price, w/o knowledge of being one or the other. OP claims through action that they purchase "Grab-Bags" guaranteed w/90 day warranty w/some perhaps having full warranty though all sold at value of having full warranty. Howevah, they offer these discounted wares at the higher value of Demo instead of determining if it really is a demo or a refurb hence differing terms of warranty.
They could just as easily offer all as Refurbs, but that is not conducive to increased sales. So, they would rather offer all as Demo shipping out the Grab-Bag whilst accepting full shipping charges both ways. Intent to deceive? Most surely intent not to hamper sales. That's all fine und dandy except that is false advertising. OP claims a mix in Demo/Refurb. I can allege they are all Refurbs using the guise of Demo as a hook to boost sales.
The only way to avoid the shadow of impropriety would be either to offer all as Refurb, all Nikons anyway, or acknowledge shipping random Demo/Refurb mix at the same price. OP will not as that could adversely impact sales, so the slight of hand continues w/well worn out assurance being that you can ship back on their dime.
Now that this line has been crossed how far unto selling Demos as NOS? Same warranty and if we apply the argument offered by Bruce paraphrased, sliced, diced, julienned, rendered, in a nutshell naught matters representation wise unto condition, entwined w/warranty, if shipping is paid both ways by OP should purchaser upon inspection care to return.
OP might screw you if you do not realize the difference in terms of warranty or know what you bargained for upfront. It's known as shoddy salesmanship. No amount of white-washing, due to OP paying shipping both ways, can cover that stain. Pick a hand, left or right, as one of them behind me back may contain a Demo w/full warranty. Regardless, you will receive one or the other. You know multiple people surely must have purchased Demo only to receive Refurb w/o realizing the difference.
As an offense maybe jaywalking. Certainly not a pigeon drop though gambit just the same. Perhaps a rake jaywalking whilst littering contemplating leering at girls. Distasteful scofflaw lacking moral fibre, yet requiring not notification of proper authorities. More of a scourge unto himself or those unfortunate enough to have made more than acquaintance.
More repulsive than raising prices, in order to offer a sale/10% off everything NOW! at these prices, though not bait n switch offering merely two excessively discounted items per store. Knowing full well it will drive substantial traffic to brick n mortars all the while demand greatly exceeding the availability of sale items. Which is illegal.
I may still purchase from OP though I prefer dealing w/Dudley Do-Right over Slim Shady.
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