Item condition: How high are your expectations/ standards?

[boogiewoogie]

I have received an item that has been described at "excellent condition" but it was stained and had a slight "pull" at the neck. Okay, I got the stains out and it looks good I suppose. Still, I would not have described the item as excellent and would certainly expect it to be washed at least!

On the other hand, I won a book that was described as very good but had "damage" on the dust jacket and I expected a rip somewhere. I would have described it as like new and was very pleased with the item.

As a buyer, I am no longer optimistic about the condition of a used item and think at least one notch below the rating it's given so that I am not too disappointed.

As a seller, if something has been heavily used then I would just say bobbled etc through constant use but fine for play wear etc.

I agree with you. Some sellers are delusional about what is meant by "good condition". I don't sell anything that is bobbly, marked, stretched or faded and alwaysn surprised by people that do.

I don't often sell clothes that are bobbled but this was quite a specific type of clothing and having done some research, I listed it very cheaply and explained that it was bobbled and used a lot. Had lots of bids and got it at half the RRP which I was very surpised with, I felt a bit guilty as I personally wouldn't have paid that much for a second hand item. Buyer seemed happy enough too judging from the feedback.

re book conditions; these are generally different to the rest of 2nd hand items. Book conditions have a standard of their own which has been about longer than ebay :) any kind of mark, blemish, dent, smudge, crease etc etc prevents it from being excellent/fine/mint/good as new.
If you are simply selling a mass market paperback you will probably get away with good as new as the buyer will be happy with a clean copy to read, but if selling to a collector make sure you describe every little mark, blemish, dent etc etc

I find it really hard to know what standards others are expecting so I try to be painfully honest about "signs of use". Often I give a range for condition, like "fair or good used condition" because you just can't know what others think those terms mean.

I avoid this minefield by not stating a condition at all. I will say if there are signs of wear but I never say excellent or good condition as it is so objective. I just take heaps of photos.

Do you think, Fergoose, that if you're too vague that people will just assume it's pretty bad & that reduces sale value? I know I'm reluctant to bid on something if the condition isn't clear.

Fair point - I don't know to be honest! It's difficult to know what to do isn't it. If I am selling clothes they are generally only worn once, so as new condition, so if I put worn once then hopefully it tells people the condition is good.

I must admit I am very fussy and any signs of wear or use stuff normally goes to charity rather than into the eBay pile.

Do you put that into the description, "I am fussy and wouldn't sell this if I could see any signs of wear or use"; I think that kind of statement covers bases well, too.

No I don't - but I reckon that's a really good idea :)

Avoid subjective terms. Instead describe any faults accurately, e.g. "slight tear on page 30 but you can still see all the text", or "slightly bobbled fabric due to washing".