I recently purchased a brand new 12 volt AGM motorcycle battery.
When I got it home I measured it with my volt meter and it read 11.81 volts. I took the battery back to the bike shop and tried to explain to them that this battery was in extremely poor state of charge for a brand new battery. They tried to replace it with another one which also read 11.9 volts, which I also politely pointed out was completely discharged and not fit for sale.
After the ensuing verbal spat, telling me in not so uncertain terms what a freak I was and that they'd seen plenty of batteries come back to perfectly serviceable life after dropping to two volts. I got my refund but it wasn't a pleasant experience.
I've bought more than a few batteries over the years and have learnt that it's a good idea to take a volt meter along to test a battery before I buy it. My cut off point is about 12.4 volts, anything lower I won't buy it.
Am I being a bit over zealous, what do you think a respectable voltage is for a brand new 12 volt battery? I like to see at least 12.6 volts.