eBay. "Item not tested" = it doesn't work?

wantsajob

On the one hand it could be a genuine description, and the item could be perfectly fine. On the other, it could just be an attempt at a get-out clause for knowingly selling faulty goods.

Anyone had any good or bad experiences buying items described as untested?

markwilkinson

Never bought anything on that basis but I would always assume 'broken' when seeing something listed like that, and then bid accordingly.

soolin

I also assume it means broken.

RHemmings

markwilkinson wrote: »

Never bought anything on that basis but I would always assume 'broken' when seeing something listed like that, and then bid accordingly.

I keep on seeing listings where it's said "I haven't tested this but I believe that it works". And my cynicism matches that of others on this thread.

Thing is, I have some laptop memory from a laptop that died. I"m pretty sure the memory works and would like to sell it, but I can't test it!

markwilkinson

RHemmings wrote: »

I keep on seeing listings where it's said "I haven't tested this but I believe that it works". And my cynicism matches that of others on this thread.

Thing is, I have some laptop memory from a laptop that died. I"m pretty sure the memory works and would like to sell it, but I can't test it!

Could you sell it as "untested"? :rotfl:

CrazyRatLady_2

Generally if I see a listing that say's untested I assume broken, but there are occassionally genuine circumstances where you can't test something.

A while ago I was given an old polaroid camera by someone who was going to throw it in the bin. It was quite tatty, but was a nice older one (metal with leatherette cover). The big thing going for it was that it came in original leather bag with a mass of various accessories, most of which were still in their original boxes.

At the time polaroid had ceased manufacture of the film and the impossible project hadn't started again, as the film packs also contain the batteries that make the camera work, I had no way of testing the camera or it's accessories.

I listed it with a long and full description to the best of my abilities, but not expecting to get much due to the camera's tatty nature and the fact that I couldn't guarantee working order. In the end it sold for £117 and the purchaser must have had old film stock as their feedback confirmed it did indeed work and they were very happy.

jwil

I've sold stuff listed as untested before. Once was a bulk lot which had been stored in the garage for years and there was just too much to test. The other was something where I didn't have the appropriate part to test it.

I listed both at 99p as test listings just to see if anyone wanted to take the chance, both went very well and I got glowing feedback.

I was surprised, but always expected people to assume they were broken and bid accordingly.

Lomast

I Regularly by items described as not tested especially electronic items as this is my field of expertise, I always assume that the item will arrive not working and will need fixing and i will be looking to buy it cheap on this basis.

I dont have accurate figures but id say from the things i have bought

50% worked perfectly or have very minor defects (fuses sticky switches etc)
40% have had some intermittent issue (works fine till it gets warm etc)
10% completely dead on arival.

I have to say though the items i buy are more specialist then your average consumer electronics

I think the key is to only bid a price you will be willing to lose if the item does not work on arrival.I think that may people list not tested as they dont have the time or means to test the item but there are undoubtedly bad sellers out there that know they are selling rubbish.

If you are willing to take the risk you can get some bargains but think very carefully before you do

porto_bello

Whenever I read 'item untested', I translate 'tested and did not work'.

...the seller will proclaim ignorance when the item is found to be a dud, hoping the buyer doesn't pursue a refund.

buggritt

It depends. The type of item and how easy it is to test. I've bought phones to refurb, but shy away from untested as it's so easy to do.

armyknife

porto_bello wrote: »

Whenever I read 'item untested', I translate 'tested and did not work'.

...the seller will proclaim ignorance when the item is found to be a dud, hoping the buyer doesn't pursue a refund.

Yes that's my working assumption.

If I want something, especially electrical I'm going to pay the going rate or hopefully a bit lower. I don't see the point of wasting my time and energy on the off-chance something will turn out to work.

Now as one of the other posters has said, if you buying things as a punt and you have the necessary repair skills then good luck to you and the seller.
After all you're both recycling something that would otherwise end up in the bin.