eBay’s Open Box Condition Isn’t what Most Buyers Think

eBay’s Open Box Condition Isn’t what Most Buyers Think

In this video i discuss the most misunderstood condition on ebay - Open Box. Many buyers can and don’t read and the definition of Open Box is no different. They see the word “new” in ebay’s condition explanation and do not consider the context and believe the Open Box item is going to be brand new. Check out the video and tell me your thoughts below…

Here is a link to eBay's open box policy which changes by category (not all categories offer the open box condition). It is interesting how the verbiage is different for each:

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…………………………………….. FLIPPIN AINT EASY PLAYLISTS …………………………………………

[Tom-Travels]

An eBay seller with 11, 000+ positive reviews just sent me a laptop in a former Amazon box. Complete with used bubble wrap. I gave him 5 stars because the laptop is fantastic. It's going to make me money on my road warrior journey.

[FlippinAintEasy]

I forgot to mention that eBay's open box condition policy tends to differ from one category to the next. Items sold under the Business & Industrial category shows an open box item as being "The item is in excellent, new condition with no functional defects. The item may be missing original packaging and may have been used for testing or demo purposes. The item includes accessories found with the original product and may include a warranty. See the seller's listing for full details and a description" which seems to imply that a lightly used item would qualify as open box. Whereas other categories that offer open box as a condition have slightly different definitions. See link in the video description. Let me know what you guys think....

[MarkWithASilentQ]

i can't tell you how many books i've looked at on ebay described by the seller as 'Like New' but photos included with the listing clearly show that the book has tears in its cover and/or dust jacket. crazy.

[jimcochrane]

If I could believe that "Open Box" means no original wrapping or packaging or returned but not used that would be fine but what it really means in many cases is that internal parts of an item were removed and the item sent back as "does not work". The person who originally ordered the item needed parts and this is a free way to do it. I would never take the chance on "Open Box" unless the item had no internal parts such as a book.

[Puka-ty-ah-]

I'm glad I see the "Like New" when I read it and not just the word "New" I always look for the word "Brand New"

[Tribetime]

The moment it has been used it is no longer an open box item its used .. That is my two cents worth

[fys]

I wish that more sellers were like you. Thank you for explaining „Open Box“.

[vegartube]

Thank you for taking the time to speak about this topic. It is indeed a subjective category. I recommend to always send the seller a message if you have a question regarding the item before committing to a bid or purchase. In addition, I would be nice if more sellers include the actual picture(s) of the item as to decrease the chance of a misunderstanding. ✌🏻👍🏻

[karmendimas]

OPEN BOX should be ELIMINATED from ebay PERIOD, , its too misleading!

[zeezeebo]

I always from vendors that have been on eBay for a long time with warranty, free shipping, and return. I bought open box iPhone watch with full one yr warranty, also excellent condition iPhone with 1 yr warranty. Very happy with my purchases. Don’t be scam from new sellers with price too good to be true

[whysoserious]

One thing that drives me nuts is when I buyer buys a used item and thinks it should be new

[ericbergdahl]

If was used once or more it is used. If was just an open box and not used . Than it is just an open box item not seems to be used.
Specially with cooking appliances.
You need to be very clear on.

[ljwhitmire]

During my pallet time, I listed anything that was a ne w return as open box because I had to open the box and test it or verify the contents. In that case, unless it was still sealed, I had no way to know what happened to it, so the best I could do is open box. If it had any signs of use, it had to be used.

[indridcold]

If the item looked used at all, you shouldn't use the term "open box". Is that so hard to understand?? Open box means though someone opened the box the item was never used. Never turned on if it uses electricity, or never put together if the item has more than one piece. The package might have been damaged so the item was "repackaged" in a generic box or wrapped in something to protect it during shipping. I bought a computer a few months ago listed as open box. It had about half 400gb of data written to it's ssd and it had an off-brand generic power brick. I kept it but it SHOULD have been listed as "refurbished" rather than open-box.

[wildwoodtop]

What puzzles me is an eBayer might have an open box "never used" but he has 10 more exactly like it 😋

[cretan]

Unless an item is in its original sealed packaging I never call it new. VGC is a lot safer. Best to understate the condition even if you cant price it as high imo.

[djmystery]

I hate how it doesn’t specify that it’s in working condition.

[Antiorganizer]

I bought an "open box" condition phone from a seller through Ebay. The phone came in a make shift cardboard box that was packed inside another lager generic cardboard box with some paper in there for cushioning.
The original 45W charger is not there, and has a generic 2A charger instead.
It's supposed to come with headphones, which also were missing.
Plus there is suppose to be an "S pen" tip fixer upper thing or sorts - I don't even know what that is, but that's missing also.
The phone itself seems perfect. No scratches, no broken pixels. Not sure about the battery yet - will need to charge and let it run to find out.
I sent a msg to the seller what gives about this, and that I felt misled.
I have not yet left any feedback / rating.
The seller has many hundreds positive ratings, and only one single negative one, so a negative review from me would sure stick out like a sore thumb.
This phone is not "open box" at all. Refurb at best.
Perhaps it was a demo in a store? Who knows.
I paid more than many other listings that were excellent condition refurbished ones.
Point in case: sellers are LYING about open box !!!

[sarafinamariebeauty]

I tend to think open box means “might’ve been used” but not unsanitary necessarily. For example a pair of headphones I want is listed as “open box” and I messaged the seller to ask. Have the headphones been used. I don’t want to stick anything in my ear that was in somebody else’s ear for fear of infection.

[EMee-iq]

I was looking for a waterpik aquarious on ebay and saw a ton of open box. Thought it was strange. I came to the conclusion that I'd rather buy new that get somebodies germy (who knows what else squirts out) machine.