It’s new to you.
Many times, “open box” or “refurbished” means the previous buyer was too stupid to figure out how to use it.
Since 1789, at least.
Let the words caveat emptor be your guide.
Perhaps ebay should allow a greater range of choices than simply NEW or USED for those who are selling products.
Read the details of each auction for explanation of product. Ebay has a great guarantee and will insure what you buy is described exactly in the auction. M2C.
Holy moly ! Is it necessary to learn a new language now to buy something ? Whatever happened to plain English ?
I think the language evolution has been going on for a long time. Remember when newspaper classifieds advertised HOUSES ? And how it all of a sudden changed to HOMES ?
Sorry for the rant. It really pisses me off !
Does the term “fresh frozen” disturb you too?
It’s e-bay.
I have a friend who buys a lot on e-bay. Claims he has never been bitten.
Yet, his account is continuously being hacked.
He has gotten car parts that are not even close to what they are supposed to be.
A hand held radio set that had no range whatsoever.
A car, yes a car, that was supposed to be in excellent condition but when he went to pick it up had a gouge down the side.
On and on, yet he continues to use it.
I guess he enjoys the hassle.
“new-other’ key word ‘other’. other than factory new in original box. could be a factory refurb (OK with me as long as there’s a warrantee), or new, unused, maybe something was removed from the box, or something that someone got as a gift that they never used and don’t want...
again key word: OTHER
"Did God reeeeeeeeeeeally say....."
Since the birth of the free market system.
Caveat emptor. You have to read every single word in an eBay ad before doing anything. Reject those that have even a scintilla of fraud or falsehood. Or even lack of information. As in all negotiations you have to be prepared to simply walk away. Let market forces weed out the scammers.
It’s all in the “definitions” that are allowed on that site. Be aware of what the defined words mean, and then you won’t have any trouble.
Words like "remanufactured" are tested and found to offend the least number of consumers so they're chosen.
You don't matter. If you become a movement that affects the bottom line, then you do.
Do I like it? Of course not. What I like even less is the computer service I pay a monthly fee to use being inundated with trarget adds based on my purchasing and online habits.
I bought a “refurbished” computer at $500 less than a new one from the Apple Store and used it happily for 7 years. Most of the items sold this way are returns (maybe gifts that didn’t go over well?) or they might have had a small defect which was easily fixable, but the buyer insisted on getting an exchange for a new one or returned it for a refund. So they really are “new” in the sense that no one has used them.
In any case, as long as the seller stands behind the product, I wouldn’t be reluctant to purchase something of this description as long as there were significant savings to you.
Ebay? If you’re looking for something you can be sure is legitimately new, go to Amazon.
I would never buy a new player from an ebayer, unless it is someone I have dealt with in the past. I’d get a Blu-ray player from Amazon or Newegg before I’d go with ebay. The problem is that most ebay sellers are simply individuals rather than professional companies. Half the time, they know little or nothing about the items they are selling.
My experience lately is things are just over priced. I'm doing most of my buys off amazon now
Also...pay attention to the seller’s feedback score and buyer comments.
A lot of the feedback comments are simple boilerplate “Great eBayer”, “Would buy again.”, etc., but when you see a lot of negatives...red flag!
The higher the positives, the greater likelihood you’ll get a good product, or a last some attentive problem resolution by the seller.
Bad feedback has driven me away from purchases from poorly rated sellers. Systems such as this have also convinced me that I need to leave feedback...which I generally don’t leave at most other websites.
By law returns can’t be sold as new. Someone orders a product, changes his mind, and refuses shipment... the item technically is new but by law can only be resold as refurbished. The seller has to check the item to ensure it’s in working order. Same with items opened but returned after a few days or so. For the buyer it’s a great way to save money. Just make sure the seller will replace the item if by rare chance you get a dud. A reputable seller will ensure you get a good product. Check their feedback. I’ve bought all kinds of refurbished equipment from high end camera lenses to exercise equipment with no problem. Just make sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller.
If there is a reasonable warranty or return policy you aren't risking much.