Do you only expect PERFECT working condition when buying used & older?

[sakic92710]

When selling items that are in working order but, are about 40, 50, 60 years ago, do you think buyers expect perfect working condition?  If it works & is used, shouldn't it be common knowledge not to expect, at least, a minor flaw?  I am not dealing with any problems right now but, just curious for any future sales.    Good luck to all.   🙂

[dhbookds]

I think most buyer of older stuff can accept flaws IF they are disclosed.  I really try to look for something to disclose, because I think that shows buyers I've examined the item thoroughly. 

[ed8108]

I expect minor flaws to be present in New and never used !

[kim_y_buran]

It depends on the price, don't you think?  If the item is beat up and not fully working or you lack the ability to make sure that it is operational it should not be described as "mint" and priced as such.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@dhbookds wrote:

I think most buyer of older stuff can accept flaws IF they are disclosed.  I really try to look for something to disclose, because I think that shows buyers I've examined the item thoroughly. 

---

Exactly.  Non disclosure just sets the tone for a SNAD; buyers don't like unexpected surprises upon delivery.  All the info a buyer needs to make an informed buying decision should be in the listing.  

Someone posted that they had sold antiques and collectibles here for twenty years and never had a problem because they are accurate and complete in their listings.

[castlemagicmemories]

I don't think buyers expect perfect.  They do, however, expect to get the item in the condition specified~this is where an accurate listing is imperative~as if it isn't, then it's a SNAD and can prove costly for the seller.

I buy with tolerance and just decide to live with whatever was not disclosed on many items.  That does not make them any less SNAD.  When it is so far as to be unacceptable, and if the seller is abusive, then it's time to open a case.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@kim_y_buran wrote:

It depends on the price, don't you think?  If the item is beat up and not fully working or you lack the ability to make sure that it is operational it should not be described as "mint" and priced as such.

---

I've seen items labeled as "mint" that look like they were in a tug of war with a dog, and the dog won.

[fuzzyfurball]

"I've seen items labeled as "mint" that look like they were in a tug of war with a dog, and the dog won."

I never use mint nor excellent.  As a buyer, I want to know the main defects like does it work??? I'll put my ad as "working fine" for a used 16 year old vaccuum-tubes tv which means exactly that AND II'll even describe how old it is, how heavy & bulky with a photo of front & back and a pic of the model number so they can look up the specifications online.    I would NEVER sell it if it didn't work.

[fuzzyfurball]

I had a buyer ask me all that info which made him not buy.  You'd think i would be mad he wasted my time, but no, i thanked him that it gave my ad more & better details to help buyers  make their decisions.  And on offerup where they have to pick it up, i even let them know we haven't used the dvd function for a long time so they should test it with their own dvds before buying.  The great thing it's non-refundable cash pick up only!!!!:-)

[gracieallen01]

I think that many buyers who would buy something 40 - or more - years old, are old enough to know that if they work well, there is a good chance they probably will for some time to come and if there are hiccups, well, they'll see about fixing them.  Then there are those that figure, 'for me', it WILL work perfectly (usually people under 40 years old)!

Collectibles are a whole 'nuther story - they had better work!  I think people hope and pra(e)y that they will work perfectly, are disappointed if they don't, but not too surprised - however, they will raise a fuss.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@fuzzyfurball wrote:

"I've seen items labeled as "mint" that look like they were in a tug of war with a dog, and the dog won."

I never use mint nor excellent.  As a buyer, I want to know the main defects like does it work??? I'll put my ad as "working fine" for a used 16 year old vaccuum-tubes tv which means exactly that AND II'll even describe how old it is, how heavy & bulky with a photo of front & back and a pic of the model number so they can look up the specifications online.    I would NEVER sell it if it didn't work.

---

Many would say as you do, never use mint, but still, you have to wonder what some people think the word, "mint", means.  Perhaps their item has a wonderful minty fresh fragrance and that is what they mean as it surely can't mean what we think it means!

[treasure.hunter.d]

I think buyers expect to get exactly what was described. That includes a quite reasonable expectation that anything you are aware of should be plainly and accurately described in the listing. I see way too many people who do the "Items we sell are used so expect some blah blah blah"...Not acceptable in my opinion. You sell used then take the time to carefylly examine the item, test it, whatever is required so that when you list it you can feel comfortable that the buyer is not going to be surprised by anything.

Cheers

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@treasure.hunter.d wrote:

I think buyers expect to get exactly what was described. That includes a quite reasonable expectation that anything you are aware of should be plainly and accurately described in the listing. I see way too many people who do the "Items we sell are used so expect some blah blah blah"...Not acceptable in my opinion. You sell used then take the time to carefylly examine the item, test it, whatever is required so that when you list it you can feel comfortable that the buyer is not going to be surprised by anything.

Cheers

---

There are some sellers who think the less you put in the description the better.

How about those who simply say, see pictures?  SNADs just waiting to happen.

Expect some is not adequate~if there is "some", then that needs to be spelled out in the description.  I agree with you, carefully examine, etc, and the craft the listing so there are no surprises post delivery.

[annasunicorns]

I find, as a buyer, that my first purchase of a new item/type/line, I have no questions I just want the thing that seems the best. Sometimes that means buying something and finding out that there are a whole lot of flaws that the sellers figured were normal but I do NOT. Second time round I prefer detailed listings with clear pictures and excessive details as to what to expect. Tell me everything, Ill be happy and come back to you.

[fuzzyfurball]

"Many would say as you do, never use mint, but still, you have to wonder what some people think the word, "mint", means.  Perhaps their item has a wonderful minty fresh fragrance and that is what they mean as it surely can't mean what we think it means!"

To me, it's a way to superficially increase its worth to the buyer so they'll be more eager to buy it and for a higher price.  I've bought from 100% positive sellers who use those terms and no way were they mint or even excellent. Unless they were in such mint environments the many years they've been owned, there's no way a seller should say mint.  In general, I actually avoid sellers who use those terms.  I'd prefer to deal with more honest sellers and sellers who are detailed and careful how they list.  I'd rather have a satisfied buyer rather than one that feels ripped off or wants to return because they thought afterwards that the price was too high compared to the description.