Please Interpret this Seller's Statement: "We Add Our Identification Marks"

[mangorunner]

In the description of a battery-operated electronic item, a seller wrote something like this:

"We test, add our identification marks and include battery covers." 

What do they mean by "add our identification marks"?  What kind of marks would a seller add?  Where on the item would a Seller do such a thing?  The item is being sold as New in Original Box so I'm confused. 

Thanks in advance!

[dflkj-70]

I am not sure why everyone here seems to lean towards "invisible" ink.

Some people may prefer the invisible ink method...

But with other sellers the mark(s) are clearly visible and they're letting you know so you are informed the item will not be in "unmarked" condition when you receive it. Yes, some buyers can get upset because their item was marked, this seller is simply informing buyers about that upfront.

As for me I took my lessons from the car junkyard up the road from here, they also clearly and visibly mark all their items.  When I asked them about that they told me they didn't want anyone to think they were being entrapped. They said every buyer can see our marks before they leave, they know exactly what they are paying for and there are never any surprises this way.

And that is how I mark my parts and components, clearly and visibly but not so it deters from any potential cosmetic aspect ... If there is cosmetic aspect then the mark goes on the back or somewhere it's not visible after installation.

Further I include that mark in at least one picture.

Again clearly and visibly, upfront.

I just don't believe in being backhanded about these things.

[2013fitzp]

I disagree, it works for my business, extremely effectively, cool if it doesn’t work for yours.

[bigdeals.etc]

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@luckythewinner wrote:

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@abfabvintage wrote:

@beez5720 

Where can I buy that pen. Seriously. 

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ROTFL. 

Did you consider searching eBay? 

Try searching for "invisible ink pen".

You'll find hundreds of them. 

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Or you can just say you have those invisible marks there and really not have anything on there at all. That in itself will probably deter some scams without even spending a penny. 

[lja440]

I mark all my LP's. Both sides and the back of the album cover. Totally invisible except under a black light. My mark is simple and small but placement is key.

[robot-hands]

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@tunicaslot wrote:

- but this gives the ones who may think about it 2nd thoughts.

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Scammers will laugh because they know that won't help the seller  in the slightest.

[luckythewinner]

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@mangorunner wrote:

In the description of a battery-operated electronic item, a seller wrote something like this:

"We test, add our identification marks and include battery covers." 

What do they mean by "add our identification marks"?  What kind of marks would a seller add?  Where on the item would a Seller do such a thing?  The item is being sold as New in Original Box so I'm confused. 

Thanks in advance!

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A few random thoughts: 

• A seller mentioning the use of invisible marks may indeed deter a fence-sitting scammer. But might it also inspire a seasoned scammer to "prove a point" to the seller? 
  
  
• Has anyone ever won an eBay case based on an invisible mark? 
  
  
• Even if it does not help win a case, I can see a situation where adding an invisible mark would help a seller determine his fraud rate for his own information, especially when the items are hard to distinguish (computer parts, etc.). 
  
  
• Has anyone every gotten a returned item with a "response" from a buyer written in invisible ink? (Sorry, but that would just be hilarious). 
  
  
• Has anyone ever gotten a complaint about a seller "damaging" an item by using an invisible mark?  (ex. on a rare collectible)? 

[hillbillymedia]

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@dflkj-70 wrote:

I am not sure why everyone here seems to lean towards "invisible" ink.

Some people may prefer the invisible ink method...

But with other sellers the mark(s) are clearly visible and they're letting you know so you are informed the item will not be in "unmarked" condition when you receive it. Yes, some buyers can get upset because their item was marked, this seller is simply informing buyers about that upfront.

As for me I took my lessons from the car junkyard up the road from here, they also clearly and visibly mark all their items.  When I asked them about that they told me they didn't want anyone to think they were being entrapped. They said every buyer can see our marks before they leave, they know exactly what they are paying for and there are never any surprises this way.

And that is how I mark my parts and components, clearly and visibly but not so it deters from any potential cosmetic aspect ... If there is cosmetic aspect then the mark goes on the back or somewhere it's not visible after installation.

Further I include that mark in at least one picture.

Again clearly and visibly, upfront.

I just don't believe in being backhanded about these things.

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Yes, Much the same as a serial number or "tamper proof" sticker. We have a saying around here: "a lock only keeps honest folks out". Same principle IMO. Can you steal from me?...yes, of course, but NOT without some type of opposition.

[hillbillymedia]

*tagging*

I`ve been stole from. My house was broken into and every nook and cranny of my possessions (and life) was gone thru, over turned, many items broken etc. while I was on a 5 day vacation. Not only were items stolen but my home was trashed. The thieves were bold enough to drink sodas from the fridge, eat and smoke cigarettes. They spent much time inside the house. My doors and windows were locked. I didn`t find any amusement in it what so ever.

It seems a few folks here on this thread are amused that sellers are trying to protect themselves from theft even though we know ebay will more than likely not back a seller up. I realize what happened to me is apples and oranges from an internet sale gone bad but is it really?

Should I have just left my doors and windows unlocked or should I have taken further steps in hopes to prevent myself from being burglarized?

[e-cheddar]

usually it's a bluff to thwart would-be buy n switchers.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

Sorry that happened to you. BTDT

Bad enough to be broken into and have items stolen (some irreplaceable) but when they also got to great lengths to trash the place it leaves an even worse taste in your mouth.

We had it happen twice within a month or so. Cops said it was  most likely the same thieves hoping we were insured and had replaced items. They see that a lot. So lesson learned. Don't be in a big rush to replace stolen items.

[points13]

Is this really new in original box anymore. If I am buying new in box I want it as it was leaving the manufacturer. If you break the seal and mark it or even just to take pictures its not new in box IMO.

No doubt the seller is trying to stop fraud in some way.

[dirk12955]

I remember a shop at a mall full of fake video cameras. LIttle red light glowing, slowly panning left to right and then back again.

Recording nothing. Didn't do anything but keep the shoplifters away.

[lja440]

I wonder, did you say anything on-line about going on vacation? That's one thing you should never do, and never post any pictures while you are away. 

My Mother in Law is extremely stupid. She posted on Facebook when I went down to Disney with my youngest on a band trip and said that there was no one on the farm. Luckily I was able to call a friend and she ran over and camped out. Literally, they brought out their boys and set up tents in the yard for 3 nights. 

[bigdeals.etc]

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@luckythewinner wrote:

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• Has anyone ever gotten a complaint about a seller "damaging" an item by using an invisible mark?  (ex. on a rare collectible)? 

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No but I get plenty of buyers complaining that they got an invisible item. Which pretty much means INR with tracking that says delivered. 

[impalajohnny]

Years ago I went out to a nightclub with a friend wearing a vintage shirt he bought on eBay and the sellers "mark" lit up under the black lights. Naturally I found this very amusing.

Many collectibles are authenticated using black lights and an invisible mark is considered just as destructive as a visible mark. I've seen collectors go ape over it.

I'd suggest disclosing if your are going to mark anything up with invisible ink. Because a lot of people own black lights and don't like any sort of graffiti on the item no matter what it is. 

Even then you are likely to discourage a lot of honest buyers and encourage scammers to show you how little it means.

Visible markings or seals on appropriate items that you disclose are a different story.