Condition question

[southern*sweet*tea]

I have a new in package vintage ironing board cover. It's sealed, but the plastic packaging is pretty beat up, and there's a tear in the package.  Category is ironing board covers and accessories. Conditions in the dropdown are new, open box, manufacturer refurbished, seller refurbished, used and for parts/not working.

So...is it NEW, since it's unopened and still sealed in the package? Or is it USED, because even though it's unopened, the package is so beat up?

This is why we need a new old stock designation - for stuff like this.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

You would probably be better off to say used unopened then describe the damage to the packaging just to be safe. Also make sure you mention this item has been previously owned. 

[slippinjimmy]

I would list it as used and then describe it as you did in your post.

If the packaging is at all beat up it's not new at least not as eBay would consider it and not new as most buyers would consider it.

In the Home and Garden category eBay considers "new" as this:

New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details.

For other categories you can check the definition of the various conditions here:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/item-conditions-category?id=47...

[packratville]

I agree with the others about choosing used.

I just want to mention this because I've run across it with new but vintage items that have elastic, as the ironing board cover might. Due to age, the elastic could be shot, stretching out but not stretching back to the original position since it has lost its elastic properties. My sister and I ran across this several times when going through items in my mother's estate.

[coffeebean832]

I would use "open box" as this would apply even if you didn't have the package. In the description field state that the item is new but the outer packaging is damaged.

Edit- and definitely follow the advice of the above poster to check the elastic.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Thank you guys and gals

And no worries about elastic - it has a drawstring and doesn't appear to have any elastic.

Will list as used - unopened, never removed from package, with damage to the package, etc, etc.

[eunster1313]

New-Open Box replaced (New Other). Your choice with the original box.

You can sell it with the box or without the box. Just make sure photos

and description match as far as the box goes.

[this*old*attic]

Seems like open box might work - I realize it’s plastic packaging but that’s what you have.... NOS deadstock item in open or damaged packaging

[slippinjimmy]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

Seems like open box might work - I realize it’s plastic packaging but that’s what you have.... NOS deadstock item in open or damaged packaging

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The OP described this as a VINTAGE item, NIB should only be used for current goods or those that have been discontinued fairly recently.

I sell mostly new old stock (usually but not always sealed), I do list most of the sealed items as "new" but in my descriptions I clearly indicate that it's 20 or 30 or more years old.

If it's not sealed I use "used" and in the description explain that it's in unused condition and new old stock from xxxx (fill in the year).

I just don't think describing a "vintage" (ie: 20+ years old) as "new" is a good plan. A lot of buyers would not think "new" is right for a decades old item.

[fossil_diver]

Ebay needs a NOS category.

[moondogblues]

"Ebay needs a NOS category."

I agree...I buy a LOT of vintage/NOS jewelry which technically is not 'new'. It is old(ish), but never used or worn. I know the difference, but do most buyers?

[gracieallen01]

I wonder how many, other than collectors and dinosaurs like me, even know what an ironing board is or what it is used for - or HOW to use it?  Isn't that what 'the cleaners' is for?    Think any of the current, whatever the generation is called, has ever seen one, let alone used one? 

Yeah, I also think 'used' (but a qualification of 'never used, w/original packaging, NOS - if applicable') would be the safest route.

[this*old*attic]

Um..... all I sell is vintage.

As a buyer, I would not be offended to see NOS or deadstock described as both new and vintage.

How else do potential new affianados get introduced?

[this*old*attic]

Don’t even get me started on the disappearance of slips and hanging-out bra straps.

One of these days I’m going to march up to some gal and say, “They make strapless bras, have you heard? It’s called UNDERwear for a reason!”

[mewgirl1]

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@packratville wrote:

I agree with the others about choosing used.

I just want to mention this because I've run across it with new but vintage items that have elastic, as the ironing board cover might. Due to age, the elastic could be shot, stretching out but not stretching back to the original position since it has lost its elastic properties. My sister and I ran across this several times when going through items in my mother's estate.

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Doesn't even have to be all that old for elastic to lose its elasticity. I remember putting on panty hose, brand new but probably in my drawer for three years. Put them on and they were fine in the house for 45min before I went out the door. After 30 minutes driving, then being in my client's home for a couple minutes, the waist was down at bikini line level. Every time she turned her back  I'd hoist the things back up. By the time I left I was walking like a penguin with the darn things at my knees --thank goodness for a long flowy skirt!