How do I list a cosmetically broken product

[sam-597106]

How do I list a product that’s broken cosmetically but otherwise functions perfectly? For example, if I was to list an iPhone X but the back glass is completely shattered would I list that as for parts because it might not be practical to use the phone anymore or should I list it as used since it still works fine?

[albertabrightalberta]

Personally, I'd never sell a broken item on ebay, even if it works. 

For an item like this, I'd sell locally, meet the buyer in a public place and let them try it before paying cash. 

[chapeau-noir]

@sam-597106  I sell busted stuff from time to time.  THE most important thing is to list it correctly, under for parts or repair, whether it works or not, even if the damage is just cosmetic. 

[katzrul15]

@sam-597106 

Would only list it, if you're ready to give it away for free.

Used cell phones with zero damage are scammer magnets.

HARD pass.  Especially as you are a low FB seller also. 

Consider donating it - Women's shelters everywhere need working phones.  Great tax write-off.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, it is a dilemma for certain, whether to risk listing a damaged piece as used, or for parts. Used is preferable in reaching the intended market of buyers. But to be cautious, i’d lean toward listing it for parts/not working. If you are serious about selling an imperfect item, include the additional info in the description field that the damage is only cosmetic and that it is a working item. Carefully highlight the flaw in the title. And document the damage in crystal clear pictures.

That said, i won’t list an item that is not pristine, or has damage. The reason? Some buyers don’t do their due diligence anymore. They look at the price, and the pictures and maybe the title. The end result is an uninformed buyer who is then outraged that the seller sold them a busted item. SNAD waiting to happen.

About the only way this might work is if the item is rare, highly coveted, and in high demand, where a cosmetic flaw would not effect the value.

[chapeau-noir]

---

@fashunu4eeuh wrote:

Hi, it is a dilemma for certain, whether to risk listing a damaged piece as used, or for parts. Used is preferable in reaching the intended market of buyers. But to be cautious, i’d lean toward listing it for parts/not working. If you are serious about selling an imperfect item, include the additional info in the description field that the damage is only cosmetic and that it is a working item. Carefully highlight the flaw in the title. And document the damage in crystal clear pictures.

That said, i won’t list an item that is not pristine, or has damage. The reason? Some buyers don’t do their due diligence anymore. They look at the price, and the pictures and maybe the title. The end result is an uninformed buyer who is then outraged that the seller sold them a busted item. SNAD waiting to happen.

About the only way this might work is if the item is rare, highly coveted, and in high demand, where a cosmetic flaw would not effect the value.

---

Just in general:  The statements highlighted are where problems happen.  Stating 'used' with a shattered back screen is not really 'used' - it needs to be repaired.  Stating 'used' means that it works, but with a lot of cosmetic damage, particularly an electronic, it really isn't because it's not fit for purpose without being repaired.  I think this is where transactions go awry - over-describing. 

Damaged cell phones do tend to be junk sold in bulk, but the OP did not ask for my opinion of what they were selling, just how, and may have a phone that's perfectly repairable and desirable repaired - we have entire small businesses locally that do just that.  If he/she wants to still sell it, it's up to them, but they need to be careful with listing (which they asked about).

[coolections]

---

@sam-597106 wrote:

I was to list an iPhone X but the back glass is completely shattered would I list that as for parts ?

---

Yes, since it is junk list it for parts only.

[maxine*j]

---

@sam-597106 wrote:

How do I list a product that’s broken cosmetically but otherwise functions perfectly? For example, if I was to list an iPhone X but the back glass is completely shattered would I list that as for parts because it might not be practical to use the phone anymore or should I list it as used since it still works fine?

---

"Cosmetic damage" means a small scratch or a tiny dent or ding.   A cell phone with the "back glass compleely shattered" is a lot more than "broken cosmetically." even if you can still manage to make a call with it.  

If you want to list it on eBay, the only correct way to list it is as for parts / not working.

-

[1tuna]

I find it always best to put parts or repair right in the title

be sure not to gloss over the problems in the description

you need to make sure the looker know for sure that the item has problems

you also need to make sure that you will take it back

busted items are not immune from a return because you say so

returns are just a part of selling on ebay

@sam-597106 

[m60driver]

---

@sam-597106 wrote:

How do I list a product that’s broken cosmetically but otherwise functions perfectly? For example, if I was to list an iPhone X but the back glass is completely shattered would I list that as for parts because it might not be practical to use the phone anymore or should I list it as used since it still works fine?

---

Given the relatively low cost of the repair, don't take it to an Apple store where the cost is too high, just replace the broken glass and sell the thing locally as selling even broken iPhones on Ebay has a very high risk for being scammed.  Or order the glass part and try fixing it yourself by going to iFixit.

[onefootflipper]

I would sell it for parts / repair and put BROKEN SCREEN in capital letters as the first two words in the title. This will go a long way towards filtering out the people who read nothing and actually expected a working phone.

[chapeau-noir]

One could just put it in a case, but again that's a repair - with a shattered back screen I wouldn't just carry it around as-is.

[krazzykats]

---

@chapeau-noir wrote:

 - with a shattered back screen I wouldn't just carry it around as-is.

---

I've cut to size and used clear packing tape to cover/hold a cracked screen temporarily. 

Then I usually purchase a new phone.  LG is out of the smartphone business, so some of their latest models are dropping in price.  😊

[sam-597106]

Actually it was my phone for a year or 2 and I carried it around with a broken back glass. I had to deal with occasionally cleaning out the loose pieces of glass. A case was a must because it contained the glass from stabbing me. 

[sam-597106]

One problem is you need specialized equipment in order if separating the glass. You have to use a laser machine that burns off the glue. So I can’t just replace it easily otherwise I would.