Argh another pointless return because buyer didn't read the listing...

[gwzcomps]

I try to spell it out quite clearly what people are getting in the listing when it comes to my laptops and desktops.  Despite this I still get people who are surprised when they get a computer that doesn't boot to an operating system.  I genuinely don't know how to dumb it down further short of wasting characters in the title saying something like "No Windows"  Maybe I just need to put in all my listings PLEASE DON'T BUY MY ITEMS! to get rid of the buyers who don't know what they are doing.  I am so tired of losing time and money because people are too lazy to read the listing. Example listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372935788523

[mtgraves7984]

Well, I certainly think your "If you don't know how to work on computers please don't buy this." disclaimer should work. Not to mention all your other truths.

Marketing 101 teaches to match Features to Benefits, and I certainly think you covered it. Freebie: 'Truth in Advertising'.

Bless your heart!

[gramophone-georg]

---

@gwzcomps wrote:

I try to spell it out quite clearly what people are getting in the listing when it comes to my laptops and desktops.  Despite this I still get people who are surprised when they get a computer that doesn't boot to an operating system.  I genuinely don't know how to dumb it down further short of wasting characters in the title saying something like "No Windows"  Maybe I just need to put in all my listings PLEASE DON'T BUY MY ITEMS! to get rid of the buyers who don't know what they are doing.  I am so tired of losing time and money because people are too lazy to read the listing. Example listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372935788523

---

I hear you.

I'd point out that perhaps instead of  condition "used" you should select "for parts or not working", but I won't do that because we have seen overwhelming evidence that doing this won't protect you either. It's about as useful as selecting "no returns".

It just doesn't matter here anymore.

[gwzcomps]

---

@gramophone-georg wrote:

---

@gwzcomps wrote:

I try to spell it out quite clearly what people are getting in the listing when it comes to my laptops and desktops.  Despite this I still get people who are surprised when they get a computer that doesn't boot to an operating system.  I genuinely don't know how to dumb it down further short of wasting characters in the title saying something like "No Windows"  Maybe I just need to put in all my listings PLEASE DON'T BUY MY ITEMS! to get rid of the buyers who don't know what they are doing.  I am so tired of losing time and money because people are too lazy to read the listing. Example listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372935788523

---

I hear you.

I'd point out that perhaps instead of  condition "used" you should select "for parts or not working", but I won't do that because we have seen overwhelming evidence that doing this won't protect you either. It's about as useful as selecting "no returns".

It just doesn't matter here anymore.

---

Trying that with this listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/372885303455 Mostly due to the really bad cosmetics. I might need to adjust the price some more, but I don't think it will ever sell. eBay's search manipulation hides parts repair listings in the computers category when sorted by price lowest first.  I might be better off selling laptops somewhere that isn't eBay since they are the bigger chunk of my returns.  Used to be a good place to sell laptops though.  Maybe I just need to illegally install unlicensed Windows like everyone else.

[chapeau-noir]

I think you're going to have to break down and put NO OPERATING SYSTEM in your title - people will simply have to read your specs list.

Lenovo Thinkpad T440 14" Laptop Intel i5-4300U 1.9GHz Dual Core NO OPERATING SYSTEM

Or something like that.

[chapeau-noir]

That Lenovo thinkpad would be great for someone like me who can just load my own OS and software onto it, so I don't think I'd list it under "parts/not working" as I'm certain there are plenty like myself in this camp. 

I will say that this:  Dell Latitude E6540 15.6" Intel i7-4800MQ 2.7GHz Quad Core AMD 8790M HEAVY WEAR

Is a darned sight better looking than my last two laptops - one was missing keys on the keyboard and had the lid taped on with electrician's tape.  The second one was also missing keys and the screen looked like everything was under water LOL - I used to do a lot of traveling.

[gwzcomps]

I am going to have to rethink my titles. I am not sure what people value for title information these days. "Laptop" is obviously a waste of a keyword. Most of the title is a waste of keywords assuming item specifics are consistently searchable. My personal intent with the titles is speed. Anyone knowledgeable should be able to look at the title and know the specs of the laptop without having to look at the listing.

[chapeau-noir]

I understand - but one of those specs is "no operating system" - we're kinda stuck with the number of title characters we have.  Maybe try putting the title specs in the "condition" box - it'll be right under the title itself.  I end up having to do this with listing my computer peripherals, keyboard bundles, etc. - sometimes it's almost a Hobson's choice and really frustrating.

[gwzcomps]

---

@chapeau-noir wrote:

That Lenovo thinkpad would be great for someone like me who can just load my own OS and software onto it, so I don't think I'd list it under "parts/not working" as I'm certain there are plenty like myself in this camp. 

I will say that this:  Dell Latitude E6540 15.6" Intel i7-4800MQ 2.7GHz Quad Core AMD 8790M HEAVY WEAR

Is a darned sight better looking than my last two laptops - one was missing keys on the keyboard and had the lid taped on with electrician's tape.  The second one was also missing keys and the screen looked like everything was under water LOL - I used to do a lot of traveling.

---

LOL I don't know what people do to their laptops.  My primary laptop is now 10 years old.  It is slower and worse that 95% of the laptops I am selling.  I use it as a dinner tray occasionally because IDGAF.  I leave it out in sub zero temps.  I gently toss it on my couch or other soft objects.  I will carry it by the screen for no particular reason.  It is somehow in one piece and in reasonable condition.  I should quit being mean to my laptop 😛

[gwzcomps]

In some of my listings I have been toying with putting more of the negative words first. Like: "Dead Damaged HP 650 G2 15.6" Laptop Incomplete Parts Repair " I might start trying that with other listings. To test it out on the Lenovo T440 laptops I listed today I am changing them to "No Operating System Lenovo Thinkpad T440 14" Intel i5-4300U Dual Core 4GB Webcam" They should be priced to sell fast so we will find out how the titles fare.

[chapeau-noir]

Gotta be nice to your faithful laptop! 

What happened to mine was international travel - especially the older laptops which weren't as sleekly designed could really take a beating being run through those scanners and hauled around. One year I flew 100,000 miles - I didn't travel for my work, either, but I had to bring my work with me on my travels due to never it seemed getting time off (lean staff) and having to telecommute. 

Also, I'm horrible on keyboards - I type 130 wpm and bang like a maniac for some reason - all the years I spent as a copy editor being paid by the line, it was like hammer or starve.

Still have my Palm Pilot with little foldable keyboard, though.

[chapeau-noir]

LOL "Horrible Old Dead Damaged Boat Anchor ThinkPad No OS No Hope" - put it on auction and it'll fly. 😄

[gwzcomps]

That would make a fun game. What can you sell with the worst title? Winner gets to sell their item, that is all.

[ittybitnot]

LOL "Horrible Old Dead Damaged Boat Anchor ThinkPad No OS No Hope" - put it on auction and it'll fly. 

The problem still remains:  Buyer SNAD...items doesn't work, not as described applies regardless of the description.  

[orangehound]

---

@gwzcomps wrote:

I try to spell it out quite clearly what people are getting in the listing when it comes to my laptops and desktops.  Despite this I still get people who are surprised when they get a computer that doesn't boot to an operating system.

---

I understand that you are trying to be clear, and you may hate me for saying this ... but you are listing it incorrectly.  The buyer cannot fully be blamed here.

The definition of "used" is An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. 

If you are selling a laptop without an operating system, then it is not fully operational and it cannot function - regardless of how you might want to caveat that condition.  You are listing it incorrectly.  That is, you can't in one part of your listing say it is fully operational, and then in another part of your listing say that it is not.  That's confusing.

You either need to put an OS on it, or list it as "For parts or not working".