Like New

[katzrul15]

Just curious - as a Seller, when you classify an item you are listing for sale, what does "Like New" mean to you?

What would make you not call it "Like New"?

[bbravo65]

..."like new" probably can't apply to beauty & health category...specially eau de parfum...

...for women handbags, "Used" is used...but also there is "New Without Tag"...

...but then I haven't listed any of my "vintage" from storage yet...and there are so many things were bought brand-new 30+ some years ago, never used, tags are still attached...

[bigdeals.etc]

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@1786davycrockett wrote:

I have access to what are referred to as "publisher review copies" of books, which are not "retail new," but neither are they "used," since most have never even been opened and/or read.  So I refer to them as "Like New," so long as they do not show any shelf-wear.

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Yea I’d agree with you on calling those books like new. Sorta like one piece of exercise equipment I purchased that was “like new”. I got it direct from the manufacturer who had the item for display only in trade shows (was never plugged in, powered on, or used).

[bigdeals.etc]

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@katzrul15 wrote:

Have seen clothing listed that is vintage, seller says has been laundered, listed as Like New I don’t buy vintage clothing but I very likely would disagree here upon seeing the clothing.

Books that are missing Dust Jackets listed as Like New I’d be okay with this if that’s the only difference from brand new.

Books, stated as read once, Like New I might have issue with this one. Read once = used (once).

Electronic item missing the Box - Like New I’d be okay with this.

Electronic Item, Refurbished - Like New No. Refurbished items can be used or new. Because of this, I would just use the term “refurbished” condition and not use anything related to new or used. Does eBay even allow that in this category?

New Toy, opened and factory batteries replaced - listed as Like New No. Something obviously caused the batteries to drain out. Used.

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[toysaver]

I use Like New when the item has been bought second hand but appears unused, still has the tags or is still packaged.  I try to refrain from ever saying anything in my inventory is brand new.  Brand new is fresh off a glistening store shelf not an unopened package that may have been sitting in a garage for the past 20 years.  I prefer my buyers have low expectations so when the item arrives there are no surprises.

[chapeau-noir]

I thought the original intent of the OP was wondering about description rather than a category - a lot of stuff is described as 'like new' without being in a category that has, actually, a 'like new' designation. 

At any rate, I pretty much don't sell anything 'like new' unless I know the provenance.  I can't look at every page in a book that I'm selling (that is not mine).  So, only if it's my book and I had an extra new copy do I list as 'new', or 'like new' if I've thumbed through it.  Same with, say, CDs missing the shrink wrap but not played - 'like new'.  If I played it, it is no longer 'like new'.

I go round and round with my spouse and helper who keeps calling used equipment 'excellent' and I have to change it to 'very good' - excellent to me means mint and it's not mint.  He says "well, it only has a few scratches" - that means 'very good' to me.  He starts muttering and I say "It's my store, so it's my rules" lol.

Shows you how subjective this is, though!

[gjs_16]

AFAIK it really doesn't matter what I think these various condition descriptions mean... If I list on eaby it matters only what eaby think it means, so it is best for me to follow eaby's condition description specifications even if I disagree with it, because to do things any other way is to ask for an INAD.

[cstpos]

@katzrul15  As a seller, I avoid phrases like "Like New" because that's a matter of opinion. A buyer can claim an INAD if they find ANY flaw or defect. Ebay will side with them automatically because the condition  is a matter of opinion. I prefer to post a lot of pics showing every aspect and ask prospective buyers to message requesting more pics.

[luckythewinner]

@katzrul15 wrote:

Just curious - as a Seller, when you classify an item you are listing for sale, what does "Like New" mean to you?

What would make you not call it "Like New"?

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It does not matter what Like New means to me.

What matters is eBay's definition of "Like New", because that is what the buyer will see. 

And eBay's definition of "Like New" is not the same across all categories:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/item-conditions-category?id=47...

[fern*wood]

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@katzrul15 wrote:

Just curious - as a Seller, when you classify an item you are listing for sale, what does "Like New" mean to you?

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It means I'll get my listing pulled if I put that in a title.  I didn't realize that in my earlier selling days, but sure won't use it again.

[donsdetour]

II do not use like new or NEW old stock... Both are usually very misleading.

[soh.maryl]

To me, there are so many variations possible with "like new" that I doubt I'd list it as "like new".  To me, it's either new or it isn't.  Maybe would say not new, but in very good condition, or something like that, depending on the item.

[katzrul15]

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@fern*wood wrote:

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@katzrul15 wrote:

Just curious - as a Seller, when you classify an item you are listing for sale, what does "Like New" mean to you?

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It means I'll get my listing pulled if I put that in a title.  I didn't realize that in my earlier selling days, but sure won't use it again.

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Spot On.  See it though, but would not use that myself.

[glasser]

I would not use like new as a descriptor. In eBay's terminology it is pretty much new (all original never opened) or used (some gray area in the middle).

That said, it is better to just be accurate about condition using more descriptive words and of course photos. I sell mostly in antiques so it's pretty clear everything is used. So items are either in excellent condition or damaged. Yes, there an be nuance and some wear is typical or expected, but all condition is marked down from being perfect or pristine.

As for NOS, I have no issue with that along as it is NOS. I would say using this designation should be reserved to items you know are older, perhaps no longer made.  I sometimes buy and sell watches and old store inventory (watches and bands) that's never been used do come onto the market with some frequency. It's an accepted designation in those categories.

The fact that there is even a new option is a bit of joke though there a lot of new reproductions in some categories.

Better to say things like used a few times or looks great not sure how much it has been used, etc.

BTW, a book without a dust cover, from a collectors perspective,  would never been in excellent or unused condition. No problem as reading copy.

[katzrul15]

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@luckythewinner wrote:

@katzrul15 wrote:

Just curious - as a Seller, when you classify an item you are listing for sale, what does "Like New" mean to you?

What would make you not call it "Like New"?

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It does not matter what Like New means to me.

What matters is eBay's definition of "Like New", because that is what the buyer will see. 

And eBay's definition of "Like New" is not the same across all categories:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/item-conditions-category?id=47...

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Correct.  Only 2 categories have a "Like New" grade, but you see it used in every category.

It shouldn't be, but it is.

Highly subjective, based on the Seller. 

Seller's select "New/Other" and state Like New in description.  No wonder so many Buyers are unhappy??

I Don't use the descriptor but see many listings with it.  E-Bay evidently allows a Seller to do so.  To me something is either "New" or it is not.  New to me means "New".  Used/pre-owned grading can and should be varied, especially based on age, condition, but not New.

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@katzrul15 

Haven't read all the posts which I'm sure they are all great, but I like the word " gently used". I find the younger collectors gravitate toward that term better. I also refrain from using the term " 20th century" as again, the younger crowd believes it to mean year 2000 and above!

     I try to place the year if possible but if I cannot narrow it down exactly, I use circa 1950s or mid century.