Definition of Brand New

[kkat424]

The buyer wants to return the blu-ray he purchased because he said it was not brand new as described. It was brand new, the shrink wrap is still on the package but there was a slash in the bar code, does that make it not new as described? And if I give him the requested refund can he still leave negative feedback?

[1786davycrockett]

@kkat424 

That's a tough call.  Here are eBay's actual definitions for "Brand new", as well as the next lower grade, "Like new":

Movies & TV, Music, Video Games

• Brand new: The item was never opened or removed from the manufacturer's sealing (if applicable). The item is in original shrink wrap (if applicable). See the seller's listing for full details
• Like new: The item looks as if it were just taken out of shrink wrap. It has no visible wear, and all facets of the item are flawless and intact. See the seller's listing for full details and a description of any imperfections

Sounds like the ISBN number on your Blu-Ray had been de-listed, resulting in the slash through the bar code.

So it sounds as if it would technically still qualify as "Brand new," according to eBay's grading system.

However. . ..

Realistically, that slash through the bar code would NOT be considered as "Brand new" by the actual retail establishment, but rather as a "discounted" or "bargain" item -- a status which is not addressed by eBay's condition guide.

Just to be on the safe side, I would re-list as "Like new," with the explanation that the shrink-wrap is unbroken, with the only "defect" being the slash through the bar-code.

Re-list and resell.

Good luck.