And get away with it?

I just wondered if anyone has done this. Unethical maybe, but what if the older unit is defective, etc...

If I did I would "never" admit to it.....

Not a very good idea. The serial number gets checked for more expensive items.

It's called 'honesty' peoples.

------------------
Regards...
Drinker of much Pepsi, trainer of Dingo's and Jack's Aussie Moonshine importer...
John 3:16

...so that'd be a no, then, right?

No.

oh boy!!
some of these posts are degenerating to the point bordering on criminality???? Where are
you DVD Forum????

That is the most freakin' annoying thing to do. I don't really care that it screws over the store considering since it's a minor hit to them. But usually, the restock it and sell it as new. Next Joe Schmo comes in and buys it, opens it, sees that it's not what it's supposed to be, brings it back and complains, the store accuse him of trying to rip them off, the store calls the police, and Joe ends up being some fat guy's girlfriend in jail or something.

I've been burned a couple of times by this lame ass tactic...certainly never on the hundreds of dollars scale, but still a financial hit to me. I once bought a $50 sound card at Fry's to find out it was an old crappy NIC inside the box. I brought it back to Fry's and told them what I got and they accused me of lying. I left the box and card there with them and left, pissed off and out $50. It's also happened to me with software.

Well with all the negativity surrounding this issue I can't believe I'll admit it:
It was a long time ago though, if that counts for anything, and didn't get recycled to another unsuspecting customer.
I bought a Playstation when they first came out. It worked great for about 17 months and then broke. Heartbroken and broke in the wallet, I bought a new one (borrowed the money temporarily). Put the old broken one in the box and returned it. Telling them it was broke, they asked if I wanted an exchange but I said no I just wanted the cash because if that one is broke right off the bat I don't want to keep taking chances with future ones "maybe" breaking a couple months from now. I know it was wrong and have really no excuse now for it.......

With that being said I heard people yesterday talking about the SAME thing in line getting Playstation 2 yesterday at Best Buy. Because they were trying to push the WARRANTY for $39.99 for 3 years saying NO QUESTIONS ASKED, we will just give you a new one if yours breaks. Some people in line said they would just buy a new one and put the broken one back in the box and return it and save the $39.99