2. misc-audio
  3. 983478232

Original Box VS No Box...does it matter?

I purchased an older CD player off of Audiogon to use as a transport. The ad said it had the original box and remote. When I called about the unit, I was told it was in near mint shape. However, when it arrived it was not in the original box and did not have a remote. The unit worked but looked like it had never been cleaned. The drawer also was stuck. They did find the remote but said they had lost the box.
I place a higher value on a unit with the original box -- I always feel like the unit was probably taken better care of and it does make for better shipping. The owner of the store said the only reason people worry about the box is for shipping. He also said they packed it as well as if it had been the original box (however, it was not double boxed).
Bottom line after three weeks the unit has malfunctioned 50% to 75% of the time and will not read the disc. Am I way off base about being upset about the false advertising (original box)? Thanks for your input.
patriot
kweifi
46 posts
 
I really don't feel that the original description provided by the seller was adequate and that this should be sufficient reason for revoking the sale.
rute1
71 posts
 
Sorry, I Missed spelling "would not think about the box".
gerryn's avatar
gerryn
143 posts
 
I don't believe you're out of line about being upset. The seller falsely advertised the product and misrepresented the sale. In addition, I agree with you. The original box is important. It does show a seller who has taken the time and care of the piece and wants to sell it as close to "as new" as possible. No remote? This is false advertising in my humble opinion.
john_l
782 posts
 
To me, the original box is always a very good thing but may be offset by a trustworthy seller. With lighter, or older items like CD players and cables, I don't care as much. It really depends. The bad thing is when the seller makeshifts inadequate packing material. You just have no way of knowing.
When I ship without the original box, I just make sure it is 1) in plastic all around for dust 2) bubble wrapped on top of that, and 3) padded with 4-5 inches foam/buble on all sides with a sturdy, sized box. It costs $20-40 for this much material and I think most people just don't want to spend it. It's impossible to guage if a seller will pack something that well. Another big problem can be 'how' do you pack a 200lb amp ? Most of the commercial packing material and boxes I've seen are not rated to protect something that heavy. A last point is that I am much more comfortable handing over $X,XXX dollars for a box that actually says 'audio research' on it rather than 'bobs fig farm'.
jvr
105 posts
 
i have bought 10 pieces over the net recently. some in orig boxes and some not ie. a mac 67 tuner from the early 60s. i have had great results with all so far. i find the best way to gauge the seller is by a phone call. if they speak passionately about the piece...it usually comes in nicely. as for the thread from john 1; you can go to a commercial packaging store and they will make all the arrangements and insurance....it is not cheap.....but i do not know of any 200lb amps that are cheap either. as to your seller...they were dishonest.
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