Selling Used item as Untested, vinyl records
I've seen online that normally the seller will have to take the responsibility for used items not working, but with certain mediums like books, and more specifically, vinyl records, I feel like there is a much greyer line. I can look at a vinyl record and tell it has a few scratches and will still play the music, but if the buyer thinks it is not up to their standard could they claim that it isn't working properly. DVDs and CDs have an "acceptable" item condition option, but I feel like that should also exist for vinyls.
This happened to me recently actually as a seller, and we agreed on a partial refund and for the buyer to just keep the records. But I photographed all sides of the vinyls I was selling, so it seems like the buyer should have been able to judge their general condition based on that. At the end of the day though, I don't have my record player with me and haven't been able to test the records so I would have appreciated an "acceptable" option to use.
steve_stuff
·2 years agoI've been selling records for over fifty years - first by mail order, then stores and shows, then adding ebay to the mix. Learned that a whole lot of people shouldn't buy records 'sight unheard'
Grading records, even using the 'decades-old, widely accepted grading system' is still just the grader's opinion. One of the people who worked here once did a 'test' - this was with a comic but it's the same 'deal' - They took it to the six comic stores in town and got six different grades, ranging from a 'maybe a five' to 'solid nine'. Then eight, nine months later took same book to the same places ... and each place gave it a different grade then the first time.
And to the person who said [really typed] 'scratches or surface imperfections. Those are, for the most part, worthless' is, for the most part, incorrect. True record collectors will buy 'playable' copies of records they want just to have a copy till they get a better one. Even cracked records sell - [see below] -
Buyer in Switzerland paid $60 total and said it played with a 'slight' pop every rotation.
luckythewinner
·2 years agoif the buyer thinks it is not up to their standard could they claim that it isn't working properly
Any buyer can file a dispute about any item and claim it is not up to their standards. As far as eBay is concerned, there is nothing special about records.
DVDs and CDs have an "acceptable" item condition option, but I feel like that should also exist for vinyls.
Vinyl record collectors have a decades-old, widely accepted grading system that does not include "acceptable" as an option.
This grading standard is in the item specifics and has separate grades for the cover, the vinyl, and the inlay. The options are something along the lines of: mint > near mint > excellent > very good plus > very good > good > fair > poor
Fort most collectors, "acceptable" would probably translate to "good" which is not a very desirable condition.
farmalljr
·2 years agoThere IS a grading system to records, all records. If you don't know it, then records is not a category you are experienced enough with, to sell in.
Don't care what anyone says, grading by sight alone isn't accurate. When I was heavily selling, I had a LOT of records listed, and I play tested every one listed. Sight grading is good to be part of the grade, but if you don't play them, you never honestly know IF the grade you give them is right or not. I've had a few that looked better then they played.
Just assigning a grade like "acceptable" will ensure you hardly sell a record and when you do, expect a fair amount of returns. You'll never see much money out of them either. As in it's a waste of your time, just throw them away or send them to a local auction. No one buys junk grade records. No one wants a record that skips, pops, or crackles.
m60driver
·2 years agoI never test LPs as I don't even have a working turntable. But I only sell LPs that look in excellent condition and I accept that some will be rejected by the buyer. Some 50 years ago I use to work in a record store and there were always a few returns, usually for "skipping", and so I just accept the fact that some LPs, even those new in the shrink wrap from the factory, can be defective.
jg.mason
·2 years agoPersonally I don't like to sell anything untested. I have sold a couple VHS tapes and 8-tracks that weren't tested. I think I've only happened upon a few LP's that didn't have at least a single light scratch on them, I figured they would play fine but had to listen to them just to be sure.
Cd's the same way I can look at them and tell if they'll play alright or not but if I see any marks I'll listen to them because I want to be sure. For cassettes I check the pads before and again after I listen to them and I listen to all of the ones I list individually. I do sell untested lots but I still check pads and make sure they aren't tight.
Fortunately I like all music and like to play with my vintage stereo system plus I'm retired and have a lot of time on my hands.
baydealz
·2 years agoHighly agreeing with jg.mason. You're at extreme risk anyway. I used to sell untested items, but 1) people will assume that means it doesn't work and will value it appropriately, or 2) though you're at their mercy anyway, you may as well prove to yourself (and prove without a reasonable doubt in listing) of the condition. I didn't sell junk, just didn't test (like a leftover power adapter that doesn't 'go bad.') Not only do I test all now (or don't list), but I document in photos, with videos or sound if needed. I'm very leery of 'partial refund.' Often they seem to simply be seeking an unwarranted kickback. This is also avoided if you truly know and list everything about it - no snow job of 'you didn't mention that slight label chip on the inside.' If you know, you can call their bluff. I had one guy ask a question like that pre-purchase, which I found odd, but then when he got it was able to say, 'I thought you said there was no...' There wasn't, I suspect he swapped item. Ebay authorized...
Another risk, regretful buyer gets it and simply doesn't like, they can just mark it up and claim damaged in shipping or 'not as described.' I used to sell when there was more trust and most things worked out. Now it's more likely that they don't work out. Find another venue, I bet there's a collectible marketplace with proper procedures.
fm2000
·2 years agoThere are easier ways to test CDs than listening to the whole album. You can use special software to test the readability of the CD, and some software like Exact Audio Copy can also tell you how accurate the tracks are compared to known good copies for a given album. DVDs and Blu-Rays can also be tested with special software. All automated and saves lots of time. Regretfully, there is no automated texting software for vinyl records or analog tape formats.
jg.mason
·2 years agoNever knew that, wouldn't work for me though, it would take all the fun out of it and make it like a real job.😀
fbusoni
·2 years agoI've sold thousands of pre-owned LPs on eBay over the last 26 years. I have found that being fully transparent is the best policy.
I do not sell LPs that have scratches or surface imperfections. Those are, for the most part, worthless, and if you are selling one to an experienced record collector, he / she will know in very short order just by looking at the photos.
In my listings I always make crystal clear that because listening experiences can differ, I will gladly pay for returns should a buyer have any issues with the record he / she is purchasing.
I've had only a few returns. Most of the time, if there is a problem, I do what you did -- partial reimbursement.
You don't need to mention partial reimbursements in your listing. You can, however, add a note to that effect on the shipping invoice / notice of purchase that you place in the box.
bonjourami
·2 years agoNever depend on your pictures to show the items condition. If you dont describe any flaws, you will always lose a case.
chevymontecarlo88
·2 years agoIts a tough category and i have always tried to grade these conservatively than what they actually are. Ebay does have a set of guidelines that you can use to help walk you through the grading process. Its not perfect and there are some buyers that will take advantage of mistakes in your listing (knowingly or not) to work a better deal. Some sites like Discogs are good places to get an idea of what others sell theirs for and/or how to grade yours if you need more help. Keep in mind that although there are different grading systems use what Ebay suggests at the end of the day if you list here.
Ebay Listing Condition Guidlines