Are auto part core deposits a total loving scam?

[Soukuw]

Like think about it: You give extra money to the store so they can then ransom that loving money to you so you bring them scrap metal for free.

Like no matter what you do you always lose money to the core charge, you either don't return the old part and lose your deposit or you return the part and only get back the money you gave them while also losing money by giving them the scrap/travel expense.

This also leads to situations where you can't fix your old parts. I wanted to fix my old starter as it appeared the only issue was that the very accessible copper wire split but I couldn't because I wanted my core deposit back.
I've heard it keeps prices lower. -> I personally doubt this as they charge what people will pay for. This is just another variation of trickle down economics.

I've heard at least for batteries it's good as then they get disposed of properly. -> I think in that case it should be state run like bottle deposits are.

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[Rigel]

What's a core deposit? I'm not gonna look it up so you have to explain it to me.

[Conan]

seems like its when you buy a part you get an extra charge called a core charge. its returned when you return the part after its broken.

the reasoning is 1) incentivize ppl to return stuff for remanufacturing/refurbishing 2) lowers the price of the part since the manufacturer can rely on a influx of old parts they can repair and resell for cheaper vs making a completely new part


whether or not its a reasonable idea/done properly aside, if you can repair the part and get more lifetime out of it, that should still be eligible for core refund when you do finally return it, no? i dont see how a core charge refund disincentivizes you from repairing the part when you have to get a replacement one anyways if you dont repair it.

[Soukuw]

What's a core deposit? I'm not gonna look it up so you have to explain it to me.

seems like its when you buy a part you get an extra charge called a core charge. its returned when you return the part after its broken.

the reasoning is 1) incentivize ppl to return stuff for remanufacturing/refurbishing 2) lowers the price of the part since the manufacturer can rely on a influx of old parts they can repair and resell for cheaper vs making a completely new part


whether or not its a reasonable idea/done properly aside, if you can repair the part and get more lifetime out of it, that should still be eligible for core refund when you do finally return it, no? i dont see how a core charge refund disincentivizes you from repairing the part when you have to get a replacement one anyways if you dont repair it.

You're misunderstanding one very important part (harhar): When you buy a part with a core charge you have to pay it and if you don't bring in your old part even if it's not fully broken you still lose that core charge. You don't bring back the part you bought you bring back your old part.

E.g. Imagine buying a GPU and getting charged $300 extra for a core charge, then when you give them your old GPU you get that $300 back. It's insane and everyone just accepts it.