Item description

[fpneves]

Hello,

I often notice that sellers put in item description something like this:
"For condition, see pictures"

However I think that some sellers use this scheme to not mention flaws that could go unnoticed in the pictures.

Ebay states:
"Clearly state the item's condition, such as new, used, or still under warranty. Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs."

So, my point is, must sellers mention flaws or repairs, nevertheless the pictures ?

Thank you

[rolenboy01]

It's not usually a "scheme" it's usually laziness, and no they don't have to mention things but it's probably a good idea or it will leave them wide open for picky buyers and scammers or returns from even the most reasonable buyers if the damage is bad enough, I would advise any reasonable buyer who is unsure on anything to ask first and if the seller doesn't answer properly DO NOT BUY.

[dhbookds]

They should state the flaws..........and best to repeat them in Item Condition box.  It's been reported here that if there is a Snad Claim, if they aren't mentioned in that box, Ebay will not consider that seller has informed the buyer. 

[*madison]

However I think that some sellers use this scheme to not mention flaws that could go unnoticed in the pictures.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, some sellers do it for that reason.

And some sellers do it because they are too bone idle to type out a description..

[fashunu4eeuh]

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@fpneves wrote:

I often notice that sellers put in item description something like this:
"For condition, see pictures"....

...So, my point is, must sellers mention flaws or repairs, nevertheless the pictures?

---

The short answer is yes, you should. Ebay expects a professional listing utilizing Item Specifics, a full description, appropriate keywords in title and plenty of clear pictures. It is not helpful to buyers to merely say refer to pictures for condition. That is a cop-out.

But you asked "must" sellers mention flaws or repairs? No, sellers are free to ignore ebay's Best Practices and thereby are free to shoot themselves in the foot, invite SNAD cases to be opened, and lessen their overall chances to sell. 

I do a good bit of shopping on ebay. If a seller states "see pictures for condition", i hit the back button. (Same for listings with blurry pics and lack of measurements.) FWIW.

[luckythewinner]

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@fpneves wrote:

I often notice that sellers put in item description something like this:
"For condition, see pictures"
However I think that some sellers use this scheme to not mention flaws that could go unnoticed in the pictures.
Ebay states:
"Clearly state the item's condition, such as new, used, or still under warranty. Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs."
So, my point is, must sellers mention flaws or repairs, nevertheless the pictures ?

---

Some sellers do this to hide flaws.

Some sellers do this to save the time.

Some sellers do this because pictures are the best way to show the flaws. 

Some sellers do this because they are betting the buyer won't care. 

In some cases any of the above reasons are reasonable, and in some cases any of the above reasons are deceptive.

But in the end buyers almost always win "not as described" disputes (even when they are lying) so IMHO it all comes down to whether a seller is willing to take the risk of not describing each flaw in detail. 

You will notice that I completely avoided trying to define what a seller "should" do, because IMHO there is no blanket answer that covers all cases. 

[fashunu4eeuh]

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@luckythewinner wrote:

 "...You will notice that I completely avoided trying to define what a seller "should" do, because IMHO there is no blanket answer that covers all cases. "

---

OK, ...did not mean to say it does. Use of the word "should" is meant to imply the seller has a choice, not that they "must" do something, if that is what you're suggesting. Not attempting to be an ebay dictator here commanding the troops, just a fellow poster trying to help.  

[mistwomandancing]

Some sellers here are great.  They are absolutely truthful in their descriptions and disclose pretty much every single tiny flaw they notice on their offered items.  Others.. not so much.  It's a buyer beware thing.  And some listing descriptions are truthful, but intentionally puffed up, or misleading, or made to sound better than they are to buyers who aren't familiar with terms, use English as a second language, etc.  I just saw a listing for a handbag that stated it was 'Genuine Faux Leather'  ..I guess to prevent buyer confusion between genuine faux leather and that fake faux leather 

Sellers come here all the time complaining about "undeserved" negatives, buyers filing SNAD cases against them, demanding returns, etc. and I'd wager a guess that many of these instances are caused by just the sort of thing you are mentioning here.  Simply NOT disclosing the flaws in items being listed.  Because, yes.  You can show photos by the dozens that skim over, minimize, and diminish flaws, and telling buyers to judge by those photos is trying to con them to my way of thinking.

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@fpneves wrote:

I often notice that sellers put in item description something like this:
"For condition, see pictures"

---

And it's always one or two dark, fuzzy pictures

I came across a seller (wish I had bookmarked them) whose entire 500+ listings were that way.  They sold a lot of stuff, but also had scattered neuts and negs for SNAD.  Two dark, fuzzy pics and absolutely NO description whatsoever.

[994john]

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@fpneves wrote:

Hello,

I often notice that sellers put in item description something like this:
"For condition, see pictures"

However I think that some sellers use this scheme to not mention flaws that could go unnoticed in the pictures.

Ebay states:
"Clearly state the item's condition, such as new, used, or still under warranty. Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs."

So, my point is, must sellers mention flaws or repairs, nevertheless the pictures ?

Thank you

---

I see this way too much.

A buyer is expected to find the flaws in the pictures that the seller is hesitant to simply mention.

I never liked playing "Where's Waldo" anyway, but if I'm paying money I want to know EXACTLY what I'm getting. And I expect to read about any detractions in the description.

[omega-glory]

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@mistwomandancing wrote:

Some sellers here are great.  They are absolutely truthful in their descriptions and disclose pretty much every single tiny flaw they notice on their offered items.  Others.. not so much.  It's a buyer beware thing.  And some listing descriptions are truthful, but intentionally puffed up, or misleading, or made to sound better than they are to buyers who aren't familiar with terms, use English as a second language, etc.  I just saw a listing for a handbag that stated it was 'Genuine Faux Leather'  ..I guess to prevent buyer confusion between genuine faux leather and that fake faux leather 

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And then you have the confusion between whether it is a genuine red faux or gray faux leather or is it memorex?  And them Falken Islands fauxes, those could be the fake fauxes.  

[yuzuha]

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@mistwomandancing wrote:

Some sellers here are great.  They are absolutely truthful in their descriptions and disclose pretty much every single tiny flaw they notice on their offered items.  Others.. not so much.  It's a buyer beware thing.  And some listing descriptions are truthful, but intentionally puffed up, or misleading, or made to sound better than they are to buyers who aren't familiar with terms, use English as a second language, etc.  I just saw a listing for a handbag that stated it was 'Genuine Faux Leather'  ..I guess to prevent buyer confusion between genuine faux leather and that fake faux leather 

Sellers come here all the time complaining about "undeserved" negatives, buyers filing SNAD cases against them, demanding returns, etc. and I'd wager a guess that many of these instances are caused by just the sort of thing you are mentioning here.  Simply NOT disclosing the flaws in items being listed.  Because, yes.  You can show photos by the dozens that skim over, minimize, and diminish flaws, and telling buyers to judge by those photos is trying to con them to my way of thinking.

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This is exactly why I always try to overstate any flaws in my listings.  Buyers are generally happy to receive items that are in better condition than they had expected, NOT the other way around.