We just want to point something out to those that do not know what it means when you list tape drives, autoloaders or libraries on eBay. We are referring to the CONDITION that the items are listed as.
Some sellers list items in USED condition. But then in the description, they state that the item is being sold “AS-IS, NO RETURNS, NO REFUNDS” What they don’t realize is that by listing the condition as USED, eBay automatically fills in the description of the condition depending on what you choose.
For example eBay’s description of USED is:
An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
Pay attention to the part that I highlighted. FULLY OPERATIONAL and FUNCTIONS AS INTENDED.
Where this becomes a big problem is when they indicate RETURNS NOT ACCEPTED.
Well, eBay also covers items NOT listed as: FOR PARTS OR NOT WORKING with what used to be called “Buyer Protection”. They now call this “Money Back Guarantee”. You get the item you ordered, or you get your money back. Including purchase price and shipping costs that you paid.
eBay’s Money Back Guarantee:
We guarantee that you will get the item you ordered or get your money back. We have a simple three-step eBay Buyer Protection process to assist you in case something goes wrong with a transaction. You can go to the Resolution Center and contact the seller. Most sellers will quickly help you, but if you are not happy after a few days you can easily refer the case to eBay. If you haven’t received your item, or the item is not as described, we’ll refund your purchase price plus original shipping on virtually all items.
To clarify all of this mumbo-jumbo, here is a scenario.
As a seller, you buy some used tape drives from a recycler, government auction or other places. You don’t have the means to test the equipment to make sure they work as intended. You decide you can get more money for the items if you list them as USED instead of NOT WORKING-PARTS ONLY. You also try to cover your bases and elect to not accept returns and include in your description that you are selling the item AS-IS, pulled from working environment, untested, all sales final and no returns.
This sounds good so far because you’ll get more money for your items by listing them as USED and if they don’t work, you don’t have to worry about issuing anyone refunds. Caveat Emptor! The saying goes. However, perhaps the saying should be “Let the seller beware”. Because, if the item you sold does not work, the buyer can get a full refund. Purchase price AND original shipping costs. eBay’s Money Back Guarantee affords the seller the option to file an “Item not as described” claim. Since you listed it as USED, you automatically claim that the item functions as intended. Most of the time, the buyer has to return the item to you and when you receive the item, you must issue the full refund. Although, I have seen cases where the item was never returned and the seller doesn’t not agree to issue a refund and eBay decides that the buyer is entitled to a refund so eBay takes the money out of your PayPal account and refunds the buyer. Where this could be a real expensive lesson is if you offered expedited shipping. Here is how this might play out.
A buyer purchases a tape drive from you for $400.00 and they pay $150.00 for next-day shipping. You ship out the item, paying the $150.00 for next-day shipping to UPS, for example. The item does not work, as described. You will have to refund the buyer the $550.00 they paid. You are out the $150.00 that you paid UPS for the next-day service. Any time you sell anything under any of eBay’s conditions OTHER THAN “For Parts Or Not Working” and the item does not work, you will be out the shipping costs you paid to ship the item to your customer.
Here is a list of conditions from eBay:
Condition
New
A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller’s listing for full details.
New other (see details)
A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
Manufacturer refurbished
An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in the original packaging. See the seller’s listing for full details.
Seller refurbished
An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer. This means the item has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in original packaging. See the seller’s listing for full details.
Used
An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
For parts or not working
An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller’s listing for full details.