Reminds me of a particular seller currently selling some old vintage computer gear (old Mac classics etc...). He gave the usual spiel about "pulled out of a working environment" or "worked last time it was powered up" or something equally non-descript and useless. But then also goes on to state (and I paraphrase) "I will not power this unit up under any circumstances. This is the buyers responsibility".
If it's not been powered on for years and you still want to buy it, then I see nothing unfair in him advising that testing is up to you. He is not hiding the fact that it may have a problem, you have to accept that computers decades old fail without warning unless they have been fully restored and stress tested.
If it's not been powered on for years and you still want to buy it, then I see nothing unfair in him advising that testing is up to you. He is not hiding the fact that it may have a problem, you have to accept that computers decades old fail without warning unless they have been fully restored and stress tested.
Oh I fully understand that, however if you're unsure of it's working condition, you say so. Don't beat around the bush. Especially if it's being sold as "used" rather than "not working/for parts". I think it's a little rich that a seller won't take a few moments to plug it in and switch it on, yet still expect several hundred dollars for what could be an expensive door stop. It's not a lucky dip.
A bit of a rant about eBay Sellers:
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I decided to do a little more poking around, and found something that bothered me. Firstly, the listing was re-listed after being sold (I've been watching it for a while to see what would happen) with the exact same pictures.
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If you listed it as "used" and not clearly state that the item has defects or does not work, you will have to take the item back as it deviates significantly from the item description.
What is a 'working environment' anyway, the place people work at? The place that is functional after all the defective stuff was removed...?
personally, I find this really problematic as for example the German ebay store tells you to not list items as "used" when you don't know if the item is in working condition.
If you look at the definition of "used" it says (loosely translated):
"items is used, may have signs of wear but is in good shape and fully operational. The item may be a demo unit or a return. Read the item description for details of possible defects or faults."
So if you don't list exactly what is wrong (within your best abilities of course) the buyer must assume that the condition is according to the definition used by the German ebay store. At the very least you should know if it "powers up but seems to have issues" (and then give an example of an issue). An obscure item description is usually coupled with an "as is, no returns!", but that just doesn't work this easy in the German ebay. If you listed it as "used" and not clearly state that the item has defects or does not work, you will have to take the item back as it deviates significantly from the item description. You're best off giving a good item description with pictures of all the problematic spots you could find, or list it as "defect".
This seems to be different in ebay.com (and other ebays perhaps?). Especially the US ebay, I pretty much assume that the item is defect when listed as "used" but "as is" or worse "pulled from a working environment"
What is a 'working environment' anyway, the place people work at? The place that is functional after all the defective stuff was removed...?
If it's not been powered on for years and you still want to buy it, then I see nothing unfair in him advising that testing is up to you. He is not hiding the fact that it may have a problem, you have to accept that computers decades old fail without warning unless they have been fully restored and stress tested.
Oh I fully understand that, however if you're unsure of it's working condition, you say so. Don't beat around the bush. Especially if it's being sold as "used" rather than "not working/for parts". I think it's a little rich that a seller won't take a few moments to plug it in and switch it on, yet still expect several hundred dollars for what could be an expensive door stop. It's not a lucky dip.
I guess I am a little confused about what the proper response should be. The choices that might apply in EBay's list are "New", "Used" and "Not Working, for Parts Only".
One group here wants untested gear to be labeled "Not Working...". Clearly at least potentially inaccurate. I believe the same group wants the device tested and possibly calibrated, but doesn't want to pay any premium for this service. If I am going to take the time and effort to turn on and evaluate something I sell I am going to ask more for it.
One group here wants untested gear to be labeled "Not Working...". Clearly at least potentially inaccurate. I believe the same group wants the device tested and possibly calibrated, but doesn't want to pay any premium for this service. If I am going to take the time and effort to turn on and evaluate something I sell I am going to ask more for it.
Another way of saying this is, when something is listed as unpowered, or untested, or whatever there is some buyers risk. If you want to reduce that risk you move up the quality chain. At the high end of the chain you buy new, warranted items. They do cost a great deal more.
Personally i cant abide chinese sellers who mark an item as dispatched yet the hermes or other tracking number shows it has not even hit their system or been picked up days later
Personally i cant abide chinese sellers who mark an item as dispatched yet the hermes or other tracking number shows it has not even hit their system or been picked up days later
You mean the tracking numbers you get work? all the china post ones I have gotten barely show any info at all.