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what can reasonably be expected of a seller?

Let's get the obvious out of the way.  If the seller posts the item "as-is" & "untested" then that's that and you get what you get.  Right?  But if neither of these is indicated and the item is listed as practically new or unused or immaculate....  or has been in ideal storage for years, then is it perfectly reasonable to ask the seller about functionality, to request the seller test the item to confirm proper functioning?  If the price is really good, is it reasonable to ask about functionality?    I've had 2 situations lately where this has come up.   In the first instance, the seller was willing to accommodate and I did pay for the item and was awaiting confirmation that the item worked properly but was unexpectedly told that he sold to another who didn't need confirmation and my money was refunded.  And in the second instance, I asked the seller to connect the cdp he was selling to a system to confirm that if worked properly as it could be a decade old and had "probably" never been used.  He responded that he wasn't connecting it to anything and didn't have time to sit and play it and that it was already packed.   So, am I just being unreasonable and expecting to much?  What do you think is reasonable?  Thanks.
lcherepkai
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,237 posts
 
Not so easy in many cases to rip open a stored piece just for buyer. If fact it can be a royal PITA for seller. Buyer can whine that it’s unfair BUT ....would buyer be willing to post a non-refundable deposit up-front in case buyer walks away from an otherwise reported solid piece. Buyer can’t put their finger on the scale and assume some form of special treatment either .

The tie-breaker in general, is that’s what the member feedback is for .... full stop. It represents a proxy for honesty and accuracy that can now provide reliance on it for buyer. .

if seller does not have a solid track record on AGON , EBay , CANUCKAUDIOMART and other audio forums then its poker shoot at best and caveat emptor

. But a solid feedback score speaks volumes and should provide enough information to buyer and an inherent reliance about the reported condition of the unit for sale..... full stop again.
edkossick
3 posts
 
I recently purchased a pioneer dv-09 to use as a transport, I asked the seller if it would work with cd-r disks (some do, some dont). He literally burned a disk and sent a cell phone video of it playing... I would have understood if he had walked away but he was very accommodating and did not think it was a ridiculous question.  Keep asking... within reason of course
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I sell a fair bit here and have been on eBay for over 17 years and have 100% feedback on both sites for a darn good reason!
The last thing I want is to deal with an irate buyer or have to take something back as a return.

So I list item as honestly as possible even if it may put people off at times and provide as many pix as I think are warranted.

I respect all questions and treat them all with the same civility even if at times I may be inwardly thinking "WTH?".

Buyers should feel free to ask away after all it is their hard earned money they are parting with.
mckinneymike
89 posts
 
Totally agree. If a seller cannot be bothered to provide confirmation that the component is working and and no issues, then my money is better spent with a seller that gives a crap. If I was a seller, I expect no less from a buyer. PERIOD!
lcherepkai OP
280 posts
 
akg_ca:  I am in agreement that feedback is essential when considering trusting a seller and I've passed on many items because of poor feedback.  But I very much differ with you on your first point.  You mention the PITA factor for opening a stored item.  Yes, it can be a hassle but, isn't it necessary to know if the item is fully functional?  Can you know this if the item has been in storage for any amount of time?   And what would the nonrefundable deposit be for that you mention?   As I indicated at the beginning of this post, if a seller clearly states the item is "untested" and/or "sold as-is" then the buyer should accept that. 

But if a seller wants hundreds or thousands of my hard-earned dollars, then I unhesitatingly believe opening a box is justified and not at all whining.  That seems common sense.  Of course, since paypal almost always favors the buyer,  I could just make the purchase and, if at all disappointed, send it back on the seller's dime (COD) and let paypal refund my purchase.  But I'm not that kind of jerk and that's the whole point of this post.  And it seems most agree.  I find that reassuring and thank all who responded.
Lyle
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