eBay

bpl521_sell · ‎01-09-2017

Hello:

Wanted to sell a item that although works has some parts missing. I have seen the category for "For Parts or Not Working", but it does not show up in the category I am listing in? So how does one handle selling something that perhaps works but is not complete or missing some parts if the condition does not allow the seller to select..

i.am.vivian · ‎01-09-2017

"For Parts". You can honestly describe it in the listing, but any other form of "Used" means "fully functional", not "perhaps works". If it is missing parts that might annoy a buyer or affect later use.

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/sell/item-condition.html

sylviebee · ‎01-09-2017

I often list items which are damaged to a degree that they're only good for parts or require extensive repair.

When I do that I make sure that this information is right in your face in the title and also at the beginning of the description so that shoppers are aware of condition right out of the gate.

It's very common for sellers to bury that information and then get angry when they succeed and buyers miss those details although they intentionally designed the listing with the goal of burying that crucial information.

In time, forcing sellers to pay return shipping for items SNAD should put an end to that practice, but for now it's still all too common for sellers to bury those details.

So, IMO it should be right in your face where it can't be missed and mentioned right up there in the title etc.

bpl521_sell · ‎01-09-2017

@i.am.vivian wrote:

"For Parts". You can honestly describe it in the listing, but any other form of "Used" means "fully functional", not "perhaps works". If it is missing parts that might annoy a buyer or affect later use.

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/sell/item-condition.html

Thanks, but wonder why Ebay doesn't allow For Parts or not working on certain categories. The one in particular I wanted to use was

Pet Supplies-> Fish & Aquariums-> Pumps (Water) and it only allows New and Used.

i.am.vivian · ‎01-09-2017

@bpl521_sell wrote:

Ebay doesn't allow For Parts or not working on certain categories. The one in particular I wanted to use was

Pet Supplies-> Fish & Aquariums-> Pumps (Water) and it only allows New and Used.

You are absolutely right that people will look for an aquarium pump in Pet Supplies and not small motors or something. The thing you want to do is avoid a Not As Described, so following eBay's guidelines, list it as USED and in the title, the body, and anywhere else that matters make sure you state very clearly that it is missing parts.

If it works great, you can say so, but if it only "perhaps works" this could get you into trouble. Some people do not read English well, some may have poor eyesight. Some just don't bother and shop by picture. You don't want the NAD claim, so unless there is something that prohibits the sale of a used pump, I don't see anything wrong with listing it with a very specific description carefully explaining everything that is missing or could possibly be wrong with it, "any imperfections".

maggiebvintage2010 · ‎01-10-2017

On the "Sell Your Item" form under "Condition" there is the heading "Condition Description", which can be filled in for any item that is not new. When completed, it will appear directly under the title when anyone looks at the listing. I suggest you use all caps to tell your potential buyers something like: "PARTS MISSING INCOMPLETE read listing for complete description". It would probably be even more helpful if you named the part or parts that are missing in the "Condition Description" area. Then give complete information within the listing.

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/sell/providing_item_condition.html

bpl521_sell · ‎01-10-2017

Yes, that is what I did, made it clear in the condition field that there was a issue with one of the parts. Still, would be interested to know why Ebay only allows "Not working or for parts only" on certain selling categories.

i.am.vivian · ‎01-11-2017

@bpl521_sell wrote:
Yes, that is what I did, made it clear in the condition field that there was a issue with one of the parts. Still, would be interested to know why Ebay only allows "Not working or for parts only" on certain selling categories.

Maybe not everyone would know how to use it correctly. A lot of them can't choose the right category to begin with, no end of cheap Chinese junk in a category that has nothing to do with the item.

bpl521_sell · ‎01-23-2017

@i.am.vivian wrote:

Maybe not everyone would know how to use it correctly. A lot of them can't choose the right category to begin with, no end of cheap Chinese junk in a category that has nothing to do with the item.

True on that, let alone atrocious language translation that I have seen.