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?

[rolenboy01]

Just have them return for refund no point in trying to argue condition with someone you aren't going to change their mind.

[luckythewinner · Accepted solution]

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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. 

On eBay, it does not matter what you think eBay's condition means. The only thing that matters is what the buyer thinks that eBay's condition means.

So that means you take prudent steps to minimize the chance of a misunderstanding - and that means completely and accurately describing the actual condition of the game, not relying on eBay's vague generalities about what the condition might be. 

IMHO this is a moment that you either learn from and become a better seller, or get defensive about and learn nothing.  

[yuzuha]

I see absolutely nothing confusing about the condition qualifiers and I sell video games.  "No scuffs, scratches cracks, or holes" means just that-- no scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes, period.  Doesn't matter whether they're on the case, the manual, or the disc.  Also, if there is a crease in the manual, that alone would knock it down from "Very Good" condition.

[orin69090]

Altough it's irrelevant, as I've already decided to give up fighting it and just adjust my future listings, I'll offer this response:

If that is the case and there can be no mar on any part of the game, then it does not differ from "Like New" at all, and the "Very Good" condition is pointless.

It's vague in describing how a disc's condition affects the rating. "Very Good" has the awkwardly worded statement 'No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches cracks, or holes' which can be read the same way it is written for "Good", but without the imperfections (i.e. that it directly refers to the case and item cover. "Good" breaks down that no scuffs, scratches statement to the jewel case and the item cover, but does not mention the disc at all until the same spot it is mentioned in "Very Good". "Acceptable" is even more vague with only mentioning it will have significant wear to the item. I hardly believe that a few scratches qualify as significant wear.

The interpretation is not specific and is unclear as far as the disc is concerned. It's understandable as it is a general condition for CD, DVD, VHS, and Video Games, but I feel that it should be more clear. Too much of this is based on personal opinion.

Also, as far as the manual is only required to be present for it to qualify for "Good" and "Very Good" condition, according to the wording.

[yuzuha]

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wrote:

Altough it's irrelevant, as I've already decided to give up fighting it and just adjust my future listings, I'll offer this response:

If that is the case and there can be no mar on any part of the game, then it does not differ from "Like New" at all, and the "Very Good" condition is pointless.

It's vague in describing how a disc's condition affects the rating. "Very Good" has the awkwardly worded statement 'No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches cracks, or holes' which can be read the same way it is written for "Good", but without the imperfections (i.e. that it directly refers to the case and item cover. "Good" breaks down that no scuffs, scratches statement to the jewel case and the item cover, but does not mention the disc at all until the same spot it is mentioned in "Very Good". "Acceptable" is even more vague with only mentioning it will have significant wear to the item. I hardly believe that a few scratches qualify as significant wear.

The interpretation is not specific and is unclear as far as the disc is concerned. It's understandable as it is a general condition for CD, DVD, VHS, and Video Games, but I feel that it should be more clear. Too much of this is based on personal opinion.

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I think it's pretty clear from the overall wording of the description-- the item is not supposed to show any sort of significant wear on any part of it.  It even specifically says "Minimal wear on the exterior of item."  Why would the disc somehow be held to a different condition standard than the rest of the game parts?

Also, those are more than a "few scratches."  When I worked at GameStop, that was the sort of disc that we wouldn't even accept as a trade-in until we'd taken it into the back and tested it to make sure that it really did work.  It's pretty banged up.

[coolections]

Many people would not waste their time returning a cheap game that was not describe correctly. There was no Ebay game here, just an unhappy buyer. Do not fall into the scamming buyer mistake like bubble suggests. It was an item not as described correctly and it was an unhappy buyer expressing their opinion. No one has to contact you, and if they did you would be agreeing with the bubble and think it was a buyer fishing for a partial. That is the main reason buyers have decided to stop contacting sellers.

[castlemagicmemories]

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wrote:

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.

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And the Ebay condition definition says:  

Used: An item that has been used previously. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.

[lonewanderer1553]

If there are any scratches on the disc, I would swing for 'good' or even 'acceptable.' More importantly, thoroughly test the disc to ensure the scratches haven't compromised the data layer. It's not enough to pop the disc in and watch the intro movie or play the game for 5 minutes before shutting it off. I've received scratched game discs that had lockups or stuttering movies several hours in. This is why I don't bother reselling games that I've received second-hand, unless I've actually played through the games and can attest that they're fully functional.

[newview]

Generally, when I list a Video Game ... I note every detail, every scratch, every crease, every mark AND take photos of them and notate the description with the photo number. It's called CYA ... for instance:

Item Specifics: Good playable condition. Has a 1" scratch as noted in image #4. Also has a smaller 1/2" scuff as shown in image #5. Manual has a small dog-earred crease on the right front corner as shown in image #3 but no torn pages.

I also copy & paste the Item Specifics AGAIN into the description of the item, so it's in TWO places.

Yes, it's tedious ... probably why I don't list very many Video Games.

[erkosuniverse]

when listing there is a coluumn printed as CONDITION ,you can indicate very good, or GOOD, and more,Indicating GOOD shows a drop down explanation of ebay guideline to this condition,according to e-bay this means the item may have cosmetic flaws,etc.,etc., but is other wise functioning

If selling game discs,just mention-games play,discs have normal wear scratches,to make perfect they need re-surfaced but do work.

Also at end of listing mention due to old vintage age this item being sold in as is conditon no returns although is working.

be a little creative,many buyers think that a 5-10 year old game item that still works should be in MINT FINE CONDITION-Unfortunately the buyers feel that way

So just be Honest,Short to the point and describe its good points and bad points

Remember to look at that CONDITION column about indicating GOOD or whatever you choose,,it automatically shows a drop down of e-bays "USED" Guidline.

Hope This Helps