How is this not a mystery auctions? are mystery auctions not allowed?

[standardrecovery100]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224435798193

He says it may or may not have a battery... would this kind of description not be allowed?

[itolduandso]

I don't think it's mystery auction. It's clear definition of outcomes, the worst outcome being there is no battery, so you getting battery as a bonus. Still there portion of the listing is clearly described so it's not a mystery.  Here is definition from Wikipedia:

Mystery auction is an auction where bidders bid for boxes or envelopes containing unspecified or underspecified items, usually on the hope that the items will be humorous, interesting, or valuable.

[fab_finds4u]

He sells broken laptops listed for parts or not working. In that case they aren't functioning and the seller doesn't have to know if the battery is good or if it even has a battery. 

[quiltgeek]

"Mystery" listings don't tell you what's in the item. This seller is describing several items, some with batteries, some not.

The listing is "for parts, not working". The battery missing comment is that some of the items have a battery, some don't.

Did you miss the part where the seller says there are several items available for sale?

[soh.maryl]

"Mystery boxes" are listings in which the seller pictures a group of items and doesn't itemized what they are.

It's like a "grab bag".

This particular listing does not fit that definition at all.  

[Anonymous]

The item is listed for parts/not working. Personally I would remove all the batteries and list them as not having them, especially given issues with lithium ion batteries, but that's just me. Is it ok to list it like this? Yes. Is it unwise to list this like this and does it open you up for issues? Absolutely.

The real issue with the listing is that the seller states "AS IS-no returns" which A) Doesn't mean squat and B) they actually offer returns if you look at their return policy

[standardrecovery100]

The battery on this unit is the only part of the item that has any value.

If I am selling shoe boxes and state some may have a $100 bill and some might - how is this any different? 

[Anonymous]

@standardrecovery100  I disagree...the screen, keyboard, etc. can all be parted out and sold as replacement parts.

[standardrecovery100]

So can the cardboard in my shoebox example...

How is he allowed to sell 2 completely different items with one listing and choose what he sends? Why isn't he required to setup 2 auctions one with battery and one without? 

[standardrecovery100]

and dont try to tell me cardboard has no value

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124667666401?hash=item1d06c59fe1:g:OCkAAOSwFRxehTJk

[jer_kje_mpb7329]

why don't you contact the seller and ask him to sell you batteries since that's all you care about......

[standardrecovery100]

I dont care about some broken batteries, what i care about is its not fair, why cant i do mystery auctions.. i want to list 10 cardboard boxes and say it may or may not contain a laptop, you can make a killing on mystery auctions

[jer_kje_mpb7329]

I have 20 years exp. in building/repairing pc's, everything you've stated is false these do have value with or without a 10 year old worn out lithium battery and if you don't think so don't buy it....

"The battery on this unit is the only part of the item that has any value."

"I dont care about some broken batteries"

make up your mind.