"Brand New"...I don't think so

As someone who has sold, and tried to sell, brand new items I will argue that you are damned either way. If you list an item with a picture of a sealed box, buyers are going to insist on seeing a picture of the actual item. And if you open the box to shoot a picture of the unit, you get a reaction like that from the OP decrying the defilement of the virginal object.

As a buyer, I don't mind if an item is opened as long as the item is actually as described. I think that a little trust between buyer and seller is in order. After all, isn't that what Audiogon (or eBay, or AA) feedback is for?

Are you kidding Br3098 ?? Anyone that will ask to get an actual pic is not gonna buy it.

It's like "truthiness".
Facts be damned, it's how you feel in your gut.

All the best,
Nonoise

I think Swanny has it right for many of the items like this. In past jobs I've managed dealer networks, and one of the ways that dealers got around my MAP (minimum advertised pricing) was selling new equipment as "open box". I've also bought a PS Audio PowerPlant from a dealer via Audiogon that was clearly sold this way.

On the other hand, I'm sure that there are those who have bought equipment, hated it, and tried to dump it as "new" after a few weeks or months.... as always, Caveat Emptor.

You are exactly right. I don't open boxes to take pictures of items I sell, or open them for inspection. If it's out of the box, I don't ever consider it "new". It could still be a "10", but not new. I'm a pretty trusting guy, but, I simply don't believe those two explanations.