Disclosing Items Come from a Smoking Environment

[kalyoth]

I was always curious - why does ebay not require this disclosure from it's sellers? There is quite a large group of people that can't stand items from smokers. Then there are also the damages dealt to various forms of merchandise from smoke that discolor or ruin collectibles.

[hartungcards]

eBay should also require sellers to disclose whether their storage facility is a peanut-free facility.

[chapeau-noir]

I agree it would be nice to know, but I think requiring that would open a can of worms insofar as compliance issues. On the other side of the coin, I once got a return that reeked of smoke - the buyer hadn't even had it in their house for a few days.

[playwithitagaintoys]

Don't forget latex allergy disclosures in case sellers wear latex gloves while handling items. 

[luckythewinner]

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@kalyoth wrote:

I was always curious - why does ebay not require this disclosure from it's sellers? 

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Probably because eBay knows that honest sellers already do this, and that dishonest sellers would just lie. 

If you are sensitive to smoke, why not just ask before you buy? 

[ajs_coins_and_alchemy]

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@chapeau-noir wrote:

I agree it would be nice to know, but I think requiring that would open a can of worms insofar as compliance issues. On the other side of the coin, I once got a return that reeked of smoke - the buyer hadn't even had it in their house for a few days.

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Speaking of coins, I hate getting coins that reek of smoke ... you'd think it'd only be things like clothing but oh god can coins smell like smoke ... yuck!

[greatmidwestcoin]

I believe the answer lies in the first reply you received about a peanut-free facility, too.  This would open eBay up to all kinds of lawsuits, IMO. Say they required smoking and peanut homes to be disclosed but didn't add homes with lead paint, COVID, bananas, coconuts, perfume, etc. The required list could contain hundreds of disclosures. Then there are also other sites like Etsy, Amazon, etc., or any online business, for that matter. They are not required to have disclosures. I believe also the number of homes or facilities is very few out there that have smoke issues. I have bought probably over 10,000 items off of eBay in my 24 years of being here and could count on one hand the number that I felt came from a smoking home. The number from my own experience is much less than .5%, although this could be different from other categories, which I cannot attest to.  Just my thoughts, but a very good question.

[kensgiftshop]

A lot of stuff comes from GoodWill, thrift shops and yard sales.

How is the seller going to know if the item come from a smoking environment or not?

[greatmidwestcoin]

Good point.

[gamersbaystore]

I've had buyers claim their items reek of smoke and demand a refund, this is despite the fact I quit smoking cigarettes years ago and no one smokes in my home.

Scamming buyers have used "It smells like cigarettes" as an excuse to beg for refunds for the longest.

What sellers do in their personal lives is also none of your business or anyone elses to begin with.

Another thing to note here is that many postal workers smoke, and they do handle and inspect packages.

Platform's like Mercari wont accept "It reeks of cigs" as an excuse to file a return, they will simply deny the request and tell you to go pound sand.

[albertabrightalberta]

@kalyoth 

Do you also think that Walmart should have a sign at their entrances saying that they sell peanuts in the store and if you're allergic, do not enter? 

Or that there may be customers inside the store who are smokers and if you pass them in an aisle, you might have an asthma attack from the odor sticking to clothes? 

Or a sign prohibiting those who wear perfume not to shop there because other customers might be sensitive? 

Sheesh! If something is that important to you, ask the seller if there are any (specific) odors or allegens that the item may have come into contact with. 

[kalyoth]

Considering it IS in the metrics now for Amazon...found that out today creating a listing as Amazon's returns policy has changed...and where one goes, others usually follow.

To those of you who have gone out into left field answering - I am a buyer & a seller / collector. I try to consider the recipient of my products. I can see the majority with flippant answers truly do not care as much for the buyer as they perhaps should.

Was I calling for the declaration of an entire DNA tracing of what it was placed inside for 30 seconds? No. Just the actual product alone, which in multiple markets across the world, do have emerging restrictions similar to this question of mine.

You all continue to be you. I have not once dealt with a smoking return issue as an excuse as a seller. As a buyer, I did deal with 30 NRFB MIB collectibles refused from grading due to the excess smoke residue. So it IS a real concern in the world. Be aware of it, as it can expand your sales.

[dbfolks166mt]

     Then it would become how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? There are hundreds of different allergies pet dander, metal allergies (especially nickel in jewelry), latex already mentioned, peanuts, dust/pollen, mold................... 

     It's like requiring eBay to prohibit/restrict any listing that offends somebody. Before long you would not be able to list anything. 

[jamiesbodega]

I sell vintage and collectible magazines. 90% of my stock comes from buying large collections and with old prints there are usually unique smells. I do a store them in air tight containers with baking soda to help but smells a tough to remove. That is why I have a disclaimer in the description that reads:

"We highly encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the condition of the magazine you're interested in. If you would like additional photos to assess the quality, we are more than happy to provide them. Our goal is to ensure you are fully satisfied with your purchase, and we are committed to transparency and open communication to achieve that.

By making a purchase, you acknowledge and accept the unique qualities that come with used and vintage items, including any smells that may be present despite our best efforts to neutralize them.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to providing you with a piece of history that you'll treasure for years to come." 

This has worked for me so far.

[pargran3]

The replies you are getting are not flippant.  They are illustrating just how impossible your idea would be to implement. Personally, I think Fabreze should be banned from use worldwide. Not going to happen. Nor is it likely that there will ever have to be a disclaimer about air fresheners, scented detergents and so on and on to infinity.