eBay

quazar5 · ‎12-14-2022

Good afternoon. I like buying old audio equipment from eBay the was sold new in the 80's and 90's. On many of the items listed, they are listed as "used" in the item's description. eBay's definition of used is:

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. S

So, eBay's "used" description is for an item that is "fully operational and functions as intended." However, further down in the items description, where sellers can type in specific information about the item, they often say "untested, sold as is."

And, in addition to that, almost all of those sellers state that they do not accept returns.

Now to me, that contradicts eBay's description of "used" that the seller has selected to describe the item. So, as a buyer, when I receive the item:

!. If there is something wrong with it, where the item doesn't work as intended, ie, it is not fully operational, what is my recourse to resolve this?

2. Since they stated "as is" at the end of the item's description, and they don't accept returns, am I stuck with the item as it is?

Of course, I am referring to an item that was properly packed and not damaged in shipment.

I do not have a pending case with anyone on eBay, regarding this issue or any other issue. But I am hesitant to purchase items that are listed in this manner, because I could be left with an expensive item that isn't what I thought is was, based on the description.

So, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this situation. If I buy a "used" item from eBay, that also has in it's description, "non tested - sold as is," and seller doesn't accept returns, do I have any recourse to return the item for a refund, or get a partial refund?

Thank everyone for taking the time to respond to this.

Quazar5

eburtonlab · ‎12-14-2022

eBay's money back guarantee trumps the seller's personal policy.

If an item is not as described -- such as a "used" item that turns out not to work -- the buyer can return it at the seller's expense (or the seller can refund without return).

However, when a seller includes in the description that the item is "untested", that is often a good indication that the item does not actually work. Some sellers may avoid testing if the seller thinks testing may reveal something bad. In other words, a much higher percentage of "untested" items are actually non-working than statistics might otherwise indicate.

If you want to avoid having to resort to using your money back guarantee, you may want to avoid self-described "untested" items that you suspect are questionable -- particularly if you buy a lot of old audio equipment and you may need to rely on the guarantee in the future.

eBay's money back guarantee is quite good, but it is not unlimited. If you use it too often to return items, eBay may eventually conclude that you are purposely seeking out broken items and withdraw its guarantee for future purchases you make.