Selling for parts or not working

[pacificchihuahua]

Hi all, I'm a fairly new seller on another account.

I've read a number of posts re confusion over selling/buying "for parts or not working" category and I'd like to set out on the right foot to avoid problems:

I've found some very old audio equip. from the 50s-70s in our garage but I honestly have no idea what they are/do (i.e. little amplifier box but no idea how or what it would connect to, etc.)

I'm clear that I should list it as FPONW but my confusion is the description. For example, if an item powers on but other than that I've no way of knowing what else is or isn't working, which of these should I, or should I NOT, include in the description:

1) item powers on, but I've no idea if it works as intended

2) Please note that this item cannot be returned if it does not work, therefore, please purchase with the assumption that it does NOT.

And related: If I state that something's NOT working and they receive it and it does, can they complain that it was an INAD?! LOL,  I'm not entirely kidding- I mean, you might say why would someone complain about that, but it's just one of those bizarre things that could just happen to me 😆🙄

Does this all makes sense??

Please let me know if you need me to clarify.

Thanks for any replies, folks!!

[divwido]

Save yourself the trouble and DO NOT LIST IT.

Buyers don't read, they think everything will work perfectly and they get mad if it doesn't.  And they will complain, loudly in your feedback.

Some things are left better to local buyers.  This is one of them.

[pacificchihuahua]

Ok interesting response! I love this eBay community forum since you start getting info of all different kinds from everybody until you finally come to a conclusion!

Well I'm definitely familiar with the people not reading problem....

What if I listed it like this: "BROKEN AMPLIFIER"

??

[babclassics]

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@pacificchihuahua wrote:

Hi all, I'm a fairly new seller on another account.

2) Please note that this item cannot be returned if it does not work, therefore, please purchase with the assumption that it does NOT.

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Your 2) is not enforceable, they can always return it if not as described. Stating no returns means you dont want it back, but they still get their money back. Try using returns accepted, buyer pays.

FPNW is the best choice.  I would put it in the title also, or at least not working.

Vintage parts electronics has a good demand.  Be sure to take clear photos of the model number and specs labels.  Also disclose visible damage or missing parts.  They can sell well if you are 100% transparent.  Returns are still possible though so build that into your pricing.

[lamber9347]

@pacificchihuahua This platform offers a money back guarantee to every buyer.  Anything that you list for sale on this platform can be returned by a buyer. Posting this item cannot be returned will almost insure it will be returned. It makes no difference how you describe these items. Makes no difference that you wrote they don't work for parts only. Makes no difference if you write I told you so. If a buyer doesn't want it, they can and will claim item not as described and you will be forced to accept the return, or eBay will simply refund the buyer. 

You can still list them and most likely someone will purchase who is looking for these exact items and will know how to fix them up. Most sales go without a hitch. Just understand there is nothing you can do to avoid a buyer claiming INAD and getting a return. Best of luck to you....

[fashunu4eeuh]

There is heightened risk when selling broken items.

Sometimes buyers simply do not read. And yes, they can still claim SNAD regardless of listing disclaimers. There is no way around it, so the bottom line is how much risk can you tolerate? And listing  broken items with a No Returns policy doubles the liability by setting the transaction up as a potential Not As Described case.

It will go this way: When the non-reading buyer receives the broken item unknowingly, they will want to return it , see the No Returns policy and be tempted to open a bogus NAD claim. Even if they lose the claim, which they rarely do, eBay keeps track of cases opened against sellers, and unhappy buyers leave unhappy feedback.

In addition, there is little advantage in listing untested items. If the basic functions cannot be tested, you are better off garage-selling them. As for listing an unfamiliar item— without knowing something’s purpose, pricing is difficult, as well as writing proper titles and descriptions. There is also a potential for selling something unsafe.

All the way around, broken items are a headache to list on eBay.  It is not a “buyer beware” platform. There is no “as-is” condition here. The seller absorbs all the risk. Not eBay, not the buyer.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[pacificchihuahua]

Oh hey, lots of good info there babclassics, so thank you!!

So to clarify your comment about them still being able to return it, can you pls lmk if I'm following correctly?:

I  state "this may or may not work so please by assuming that it does NOT" 

and:

"Please note that this item cannot be returned for the reason that it is not working. Please purchase assuming that it does NOT".

Someone buys it as a gamble.

Turns out it doesn't work.

If I were the buyer in that situation, I would call it a gamble that I lost and eat it. However, are you saying that for those unwilling to accept the result of their gamble, might deface it or otherwise break working parts on it etc in order to get the refund? ( I'm not naive, I'm just making sure I understand you correctly regarding the attempt to return item)

[lightlily_arts]

I tend to be more positive.  Perhaps someone may have a reason to buy someone else's broken junk for parts or whatever.  So definitely be very accurate in describing an item missing parts, rust, corrosion, and etc.  Just know that anyone can file a claim for any reason to get a refund even when selling brand new never opened items.  I just think that when selling  items "doesn't work for parts only" is a higher risk on returns.  People will buy them thinking that it might get it to work, and when it doesn't will just file a claim.  They don't care if the seller takes a hit.

[slippinjimmy]

Ignore the "don't sell it" crowd, Millions of Dollars of vintage "for parts only" electronics are sold on eBay successfully.

Dump #2, buyers can still open claims on parts only listings because in some situations it is warranted.

Regarding #1, that specific example could be problematic, it might not power up when it arrives, potentially an issue with  audio gear of that age.

Include FOR PARTS ONLY and/or UNTESTED in the Listing Title

[pacificchihuahua]

Thank you so much for your reply! Yes, so far in the measly 5 mos I've been selling, I haven't run into any requests for returns but I know of course they'll happen. Good to know your experience has been mostly positive with buyers though!

I just realized I should have stated my post this way:

I've heard that if you are selling something that is partially working, partially not,  you should just say it's completely broken, doesn't work at all. 

Do you other sellers agree with this and if so, why?

(BTW, I'd be asking where I originally read it, but I don't remember where and have read this by several sellers).

My instinct would have been to describe what is, i.e. "It powers on when I turn it on, but no idea if it connects properly, does what it is supposed to, has faulty wiring, etc."  so I am selling this as for parts or not working."

So, not looking even on the returns front for a moment, what do you think of their suggestion on how to describe it?

Thanks in advance:)

[chapeau-noir]

Agree with @slippinjimmy  I sell busted stuff for parts, broken items, etc.   Usually small electrics with a verifiable source for replacement parts, and which would cost several hundred dollars new, but with a few parts and some tinkering will work fine.  I test as far as I can.  One item I sold I'd actually started tearing down for a rebuild, but was working two jobs and selling here, and just had no time to really finish it, so replaced a gasket since I had the part aleady, put it back together and sold it here to a happy buyer.  They're probably enjoying their $300 coffee grinder that they got busted from me for $45.

This place is a great market for refurbed, replacement parts, but they need to be described properly, and I test everything.

[babclassics]

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@pacificchihuahua wrote:

Oh hey, lots of good info there babclassics, so thank you!!

Turns out it doesn't work.

If I were the buyer in that situation, I would call it a gamble that I lost and eat it. However, are you saying that for those unwilling to accept the result of their gamble, might deface it or otherwise break working parts on it etc in order to get the refund? ( I'm not naive, I'm just making sure I understand you correctly regarding the attempt to return item)

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I'm afraid its worse than that.  They don't have to prove anything / break anything to do an INAD return. If you dispute it and prove they are fibbing, eBay will still let them return it in almost all cases.  The only partial cure for this is to be top rated seller offering returns.  In this case you may be able to charge a 50% MAX partial refund but only if not in same condition as shipped and they don't contest the partial refund.  if it comes back in same condition you likely will have to give a full refund.

Keep it simple, state not working and not tested unless you did try to test.  Just state the facts.  Don't try to spin the return wording.  It wont serve you well.  

[chapeau-noir]

I put text "For parts or repair" in the gallery photo.  Don't care if it's an eBay no-no - nobody wearing dark glasses and Soviet-era black suits has come to arrest me yet.

[lonz55]

I have sold quite a lot in parts or repair and have done well, just describe the item accurately and take lot's of pictures. I do allow returns and have never had one returned, knocking on wood!!

[lamber9347]

I think you are getting too caught up with wording. You are coming across like you are trying to find the perfect way to describe your item and avoid a return. This is where you'll fail.

Just describe it period. Most folks will want the item for parts or to repair and make it workable again. You have the highest of probability that all will be fine with your buyer. This sounds just fine-- "It powers on when I turn it on, but no idea if it connects properly, does what it is supposed to, has faulty wiring".

Stop concentrating on how best to word your listing and just list it. It is what it is, there are no magic words. Best of luck to you....