Regarding used Video Game conditions

[orin69090]

I have a question I want to ask the general public here. I'm selling through most of my old video game collection and after selling hundreds of games, I had a buyer challenge the condition of the game due to a few light scratches on the disc (The photos he sent with the case are attached to aid in judgement). To be fair, he also wrote that there was sticker residue and a crease in the manual, but both of these are clearly visible in the photos.

Now, I don't get into crazy detail when I list, I look at the game and make a judgement based on the established conditions for used. To explain, I listed the item as "Very Good" condition. I did not describe the game at all beyond its title and system, but set photos of the front and back covers and of the case, wide open.

As described by ebay:

Very Good

An item that is used but still in very good condition. No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches cracks, or holes. The cover art and liner notes are included. The VHS or DVD box is included. The video game instructions and box are included. The teeth of disk holder are undamaged. Minimal wear on the exterior of item. No skipping on CD/DVD. No fuzzy/snowy frames on VHS tape. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.

Now, as I read this, it says "No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes." My interpretation of this is that is a poorly worded sentence that means "No damage to the jewel case or item cover such as scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes."

As written officially, there is no mention of the condition of the disc at any point except that it should not skip. The condition descriptions are fairly generic and vague, leaving a lot up to opinion.

The real question is this: what do you think--is this item in violation of the condition description?

If you agree that it is not, do you think it is possible that ebay would side with me or has the buyer won already?

[jason_incognito]

not elaborating is what caused your problem. You didn't go into "crazy deatail" that was on you.

[coolections]

In your listing did you show the potential buyers what you just showed us ? Did you mention the item had scratches in your description ? Did you mention there was a sticker removed and residue is still of the booklet ? When listing an item you cannot just have a generic "very good" two word description. YOU have to tell buyers what they are getting and don't rely on the Ebay generic description as Ebay does not see the item you are selling.

[deusxlunatii]

Hello.

I do agree that the wording eBay has used for the condtion lacks precision, and can lead to some confusion.  I have learned over the years selling DVDs/CDs that buyers expect a disc that is listed as 'Very Good' to have a clean playing surface that is free of scratches. 

I have sold some lightly scratched discs, but have always listed those as 'Acceptable' and have included that in the written description.  I have found that scratches are very tricky to photograph properly. 

eBay will most likely agree with the buyer in a dispute/claim of the type you are dealing with as it will always be decided mainly on the buyers opinion of the item.  Unless the buyer has an egregious track record or inadvertently admits that it is a 'remorse' return, facts really are not going to play a big part in the Money Back Guarantee process.

[bubbleman2010]

Just a reseller hoping you'll refund and abandon. Just tell them to return it for a refund you'll get back some junk they have on hand,but thats how the games played...

[lex-talon]

From here on out, you need to describe in detail any flaw or 

any damage to the item. Pictures are not enough, an honest 

description will clear up any issues a buyer may have about an items condition. 

[bubbleman2010]

The loophole they are using is you listed it as in very good condition,but this statement you made is the loophole...   The game has been used, but is in excellent condition.... It can't be both should have been very good instead of excellent....

[sockmonkeydave]

@orin69090

If I took that disk into the pawn shop, they would not take it because of the scratches.

[thallidguy]

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wrote:

Now, as I read this, it says "No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes." My interpretation of this is that is a poorly worded sentence that means "No damage to the jewel case or item cover such as scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes."

I read it differently. The first clause refers to the jewel case/cover. The remaining clauses are not limited to the jewel case/cover. But I agree that it could be worded more precisely.

Personally, I wouldn't consider a disc with even light scratches on it to be "very good" condition.

When selling items where condition is an important consideration, it's always smart to play the expectation game. Grade conservatively, because it's much better to have a buyer who is pleasantly surprised than unpleasantly surprised, even if it forces you knock a little off of your asking price.

[coolections]

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wrote:

The loophole they are using is you listed it as in very good condition,but this statement you made is the loophole...   The game has been used, but is in excellent condition.... It can't be both should have been very good instead of excellent....

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So you've seen the light and it was NOT just some scammer. Thanks for letting us know.

[bubbleman2010]

Just pointing out the loophole the reseller used has nothing to do with seeing the light  most folks here just don't understand the rules when playing the game...

[bubbleman2010]

OP just needs to move to rule 2A section B now to continue the game.....

[orin69090]

I'm almost inclined to agree with you simply because the buyer has done this in the past and his comment for the ebay case ended with "...so it s always regrettable when I have to waste time contacting a seller. Please do not waste more of my time with a return."

First, he never contacted me. I had to reach out to him after I saw a negative feedback.

Second, he's basically insinuating that he wants a refund and to keep the item.

However, I am curious: what does the next section of the rules state?

[bubbleman2010]

The next rule of the game is now you do everything in your power to do exactly what they don't want you to do. You'll lose a couple bucks,but the item must be returned for a full refund they'll return something it won't be what you sent thats just how the games played....  Once you get the I returned your item please refund now email be sure and cross reference it with their twacking number because during the game no twacking no refund.....

[orin69090]

Perhaps so.

Granted, I understand that the scratches should be mentioned and normally I do. I perfectly understand that was an oversight on my part. The question is what constitutes a Very Good condition on a disc. 

My judgement of used games stems from buying them at stores such as GameStop and EB Games, where they sell a used game in any condition for the same price, regardless of scratches--as long as it plays.

A Like New game should have absolutely no scratches, but, in my opinion, a few light scratches is part of normal wear from use and handling and is to be expected on a used game that is anything less than Like New. Again, I realize that it should have been stated in the item description, but since ebay makes no mention of disc condition in its condition description, I feel that it is not a viable complaint--at the very least, not enough to drop negative feedback without contacting me and demanding a refund (and not wanting to return the game).