What's better, "as-is" or "used"?

[omgitlightsup]

I have a photo enlarger lamp that I want to sell. I'd be content to toss it, but I know that they are fairly rare and worth more than the value of scrap metal to someone who would use it. It's in perfect working condition.

I do not, however, want to hassle with a reseller who wants to juice me for a few more bucks if there's a problem with it. I have no idea how many hours are on the lamp or whether it exposes at the proper value. It could work for a million prints, or three for all I know.

Is it OK to list it as "as-is or for parts" with a photo that shows that it works? Is there any risk, other than a lower selling price, in not listing it as "used"? 

Does listing it "as-is or for parts" give me any protection whatsoever from SNADs or other post-sale issues? For the price I intend to insure it (and pack it properly), just in case it arrives smashed to bits.

After reading these forums a while I get this paranoid feeling that someone would buy it and extort me for a few more bucks because the label is slightly peeled away or because there's a kink in the power cord.

[retrose1]

I would list it As Is - For Parts only and Do NOT, show or even hint that it works.  If you hint that it works in any way, the buyer will file a not described dispute because something about it doesn't.

If you do not imply it works, the buyer cant complain it doesn't.

Used implies that there is nothing wrong with it.

[*eponymous*]

There is no as-is.  eBay allows a case for not as described. For parts only is for non-working items, which can also end up with a SNAD case. All online sales are this way because the buyer cannot inspect the item.

Buying for resale is common on eBay.

[retrose1]

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@*eponymous* wrote:

There is no as-is.  eBay allows a case for not as described. For parts only is for non-working items, which can also end up with a SNAD case. All online sales are this way because the buyer cannot inspect the item.

Buying for resale is common on eBay.

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On the other site, I sell items As Is all the time and never have a problem even though they allow buyers to file not described disputes.  I list As Is in the title and give a brief description of why I said so.  I just sold an As Is belt, nothing wrong with it except a little wear that distorts the image.

The difference there is that the site does not allow the buyers to complain about some minor thing to get a freebie.

I wouldn't lit an item with damage on ebay, or if I thought it would make a few bucks, I would make sure that it was for parts only with no other description.

[sg51]

Does listing it "as-is or for parts" give me any protection whatsoever from SNADs or other post-sale issues? For the price I intend to insure it (and pack it properly), just in case it arrives smashed to bits.

There is a not working or for parts.

There is no "as is".

Yes, it reduces the expected sales price.

It also reduces buyer's opportunity to complain that it doesn't work.  Do not hint in the slightest that it does work, or that it would be easy to fix, because both of those lines attract a certain kind of scammer in this context.

[sg51]

"used" means it works, perfectly.  But it's been used.

[myescape]

As-is is meaningless in this context since buyer can not inspect.If you list as-is you must list every issue and if buyer finds an issue you missed they will win a case

[*eponymous*]

That's one of the differences between eBay and there.

Over there, there is also no effective buyer protection from the site or through their payment processor, which means fewer sales. They lost tens of thousands of sellers two months ago...thats a whole lotta sellers back on eBay, where buyers *are* protected and sellers enjoy more sales as a result.

[lex-talon · Accepted solution]

To be on the safe side, list it as "Not working, for parts only."

If you aren't sure how much hours are left on the lamp, that's

the way to go. It may work for you, it might not for a potential 

buyer. 

[kattinsanity]

Also, be sure to list it with a no return policy.  If you offer a return policy it means you have to accept the return no matter what the buyer claims~~and will most likely have to pay for the return shipping as well.

[retrose1]

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@*eponymous* wrote:

That's one of the differences between eBay and there.

Over there, there is also no effective buyer protection from the site or through their payment processor, which means fewer sales. They lost tens of thousands of sellers two months ago...thats a whole lotta sellers back on eBay, where buyers *are* protected and sellers enjoy more sales as a result.

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I got a couple of cases there a few months ago and got a note from the site that said that if I got a few more, they will restrict or boot me.  They have plenty of buyer protection, they just don't let buyers abuse it.

And I have no idea where you are getting your info, but the sales on ebay have tanked in the past few months.

Sales on other site today - 3

Sales on ebay this week - 1

[teeker_seekers]

I would make sure I took numberous photos and a very detailed description.. tell all you know about it and let them know your knowledge is limited.. list at a very reasonable price, and let them know that you are available to them if they have any questions.. 

[phcd1]

I am VERY familiar with photo enlargers as I used to have a darkroom. Most, if not all enlargers are cost prohibitive to ship nowadays, so unless you work somewhere where they will ship it for free, I would donate it myself. As far as value, I come across a number of enlargers and most are just not worth anything, sorry. Sometimes the lens is worth something and is easy to ship.

If you happen to have one of those that IS worth money, you only have a  couple of choices. If you list it as "Used" on eBay that has a VERY specific meaning and it better be 100% working. If you list it as "Parts or Repair Only" that is eBay's way of saying "As-Is" (which has no real meaning on eBay). If you want it gone and you don't want it back, I'd list it as Parts or Repair Only myself. Remember, it doesn't take a smart buyer to open a SNAD claim and force you to take it back AND have you pay return shipping (which would be expensive).

I'd do my research first and see if it has any value. If it's less then $100, I'd donate it.

BTW, Its best when selling for Parts or Repair only not to say what does or doesn't work, simply have a lot of good photos. Some have said don't use any adjectives as if even one thing is wrong, its ALL SNAD (even with PORO).

[phcd1]

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@*eponymous* wrote:

There is no as-is.  eBay allows a case for not as described. For parts only is for non-working items, which can also end up with a SNAD case....

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Not nessesarrlly, I have purchased many PORO items that work and have sold many PORO items that were working, but in no way did I want it back on my dime and PORO is your best protection from that along with a no returns policy.

I often use PORO when the item is incomplete (like a wall wart is missing). It may cost a bit of money but its the only safe bet.

[luckythewinner]

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@omgitlightsup wrote:

Does listing it "as-is or for parts" give me any protection whatsoever from SNADs or other post-sale issues?

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No, you are still open to a SNAD or a post-sale issue.  

When you list an item as "For parts/not working" you are still required to provide an item that matches the photos and description. 

For exampl e... if you sell a not-working Rolex and deliver a not-working Swatch, you can (and should) encounter a post-sale issue and eBay can (and should) allow  a SNAD.