Condition: Used: ...but is fully operational and functions as intended..." But, seller says "as-is"

[neutronium_cat]

I don't often post in the forum. I don't want to mention the sale  ID in case I'm all wrong on this, so..

It is a pet peeve regarding ethics and regards a very common form of seller "ebay condition" -vs-"seller's text description"  inconsistency, so I can at least post about it once.

For example, a seller has listed a large expensive laser tube for $2800.  Seller chose eBay condition of "used", which means, according to eBay's definition, that it works. It must be in working condition. (This isn't a toy/pointer laser by the way, it's part of the an industrial cutting tool)

eBay Condition the seller chose:

"Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all (ebay) condition definitions."

Then in the text, the seller backpedals to 'as-is, no returns:, and otherwise 'too bad for you' type of sketchy disclaimer language.

This is not a 'description of any imperfections' as defined by the eBay Condition classification.

I find this dishonest and annoying. There is no enforcement of the TRUTH on eBay "Condition:" outside of their own narrow definitions. 

The type of attempted junk equipment scam mentioned above can't be reported through the system. 

The way it works with this kind of seller is that they are recyclers or scrappers. They buy big piles of junked industrial gear to clean out a site, knowing nothing about it. They may pay very little money, like 10 cents a pound, then they put it on eBay for high prices as though it has been checked and works, selecting "used" to imply that it works. But no it's unknown scrap-level stuff at the price of known good used parts. Is that honest?

When eBay has customers willing to pay $2800 for an industrial laser tube that is Used (working according to ebay), then it should be forbidden to to say "as-is, no return, no warranty" in the description. The result of course is no sale, waste of time for prospective buyers, and no money for ebay.

The reason for this complaint of mine, especially on high-tech items which can only be tested by a qualified technician once in-hand at the buyer's shop, is that the buyer is too easily cheated when the seller ships garbage and then says "oh, too bad" while grinning like a possum in a persimmon tree. Very colorful image there.

To simplify, a junk $2800 laser tube looks exactly like a working $2800 laser tube. There is no way to see if it's working at all. It has to be powered up using the associated gear like the power supply, cables, controller, chiller, etc.

This is pretty annoying. What is the eBay policy on deceptive listings like this?

How can eBay seller be forced to use the proper condition such as "not working or for parts" category for obvious leftovers/non working stuff like this.

Sure that would force the seller to a lower price, but the thing in particular is worth maybe $300 if it is a gamble as to condition and the cost to get it serviced and working. Since the  seller is already so sketchy due to the inconsistency, I can't trust them enough to even offer $300 and gamble that I could drop $2500-5000 into it and have a working tool.

[tdumonde2014 · Accepted solution]

There are over a billion listings on ebay, with 100,000s coming in daily and there is no possible way to review them. Sellers throw all sorts of conditions in their listing with most be unenforceable and most know this, but they count on buyers not knowing that they are. It is up to the buyer to be aware of ebay's Guarantee and to exercise some common when shopping here.