Question about what "condition" to declare an item when selling

[electrola_man]

I'm an experienced seller, but not of new-in-box items.  I have an older flatbed scanner still packaged in the original box.  It has clearly never been opened, though the box has some scuffing and minor damage, and someone wrote, "never opened" on it in ball point pen.  What should the condition be declared as?  I can see points for all:

New:  I can't see using this, since the box has damage, and it is actually probably 10 years old.

New (other):  It could be this, but it seems wrong to apply the word, "new," to something that is quite a few years old.

Used:  It actually is not used, so this doesn't seem right.

For parts or not working:  Since I have not taken it out of the box and tested it, and it has sat around for years, I have no idea if it actually works.   Generally this type of thing is pretty reliable, so it probably works, but it seems unlikely someone would take a chance for this much money with no guarantee.

Other people have sold this same model sealed in the box for over $60, and out of the box for $30-$50.  Would it be better to open it, test it, and then sell it as, "used," but say it was only used for a few minutes to verify that it powered up and performed properly?  Is it just more work and hassle than it is worth to sell it online at all?  Thanks for advice.  

[a_c_green]

I'd vote for "New Other" and leave it sealed. There's some slim chance that it's gone DOA after so many years in the box, but that's a chance that I would take; it'll probably be physically fine. 

Here's a detail that I would be more concerned about: whether it will be compatible with a current-day OS such as Windows 10. I've seen a lot of decent hardware get left behind when an operating system got upgraded, including in particular a really nice scanner belonging to my Dad. I don't recall what brand it was now, but the manufacturer never issued updated drivers for it, and we couldn't get it to work otherwise.

I would be sure to prominently list the OS compatibility in your description, as copied off the box, and also spend a couple of minutes on the manufacturer's website to see if updated drivers for that model are available.

[18704d]

"I'd vote for "New Other" and leave it sealed."

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I'd think with a damaged box, it should be opened and inspected for physical damage.

I'd then go with Used, just in case

jmtcw,

Lynn

[southern*sweet*tea]

ooooh, this is a hard one! It's brand new, but it's old stock. Ebay really needs a NOS designation for situations like this.

I would not want to sell an older electronic item as "new" unless I knew it worked. The only way to do that is to open the box. I would not want to sell an older item unless I could verify physical damage. The only way to do that is to open the box.  For all you know it could be DOA with a cracked cabinet.  This isn't a collectible item where the box is important.

I would list it as used, and in the condition box write that it is new old stock, opened to check for damage and to photograph.

[ebbyisme]

For condition I would use "used"

In the detailed area and body of description state something along the lines of,"Never used, in original box, listed as "used" due to condition of packaging, age of item and opening of box for inspection".

[dougsue123b]

If its a printer too the ink will be dried up, snad waiting to happen.

[threshold.sales.group]

OP, "New Other" is the correct designation. Note that the outer box has wear in your description. Also, double check the unit to make sure that hasn't been used (look for scratches on the prongs on the plug for any indication that its been used).  

[electrola_man]

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@dougsue123b wrote:

If its a printer too the ink will be dried up, snad waiting to happen.

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It's only a scanner, so no ink.  I think most of those have rubber drive belts.  I'm leaning toward opening it up and testing it.