posted on March 25, 2002 02:52:58 PM new
It is hard to start at the beginning, but I will try. I normally list glass or china and have no problem. It is when I list items for friends that I run into problems. I listed a collectable model kit for a friend and then got stuck on the condition description. I started out listing the creases, wear marks, side tear and punched out place on the front. I decided I had killed the auction if I let it go that way. I was detailing it to death. I ended up saying "the box has taken a beating over the years".
The auction ended up exceeding my friend's expectations. When the buyer replied to my EOA message, with lots of instructions on how to pack this, I got worried. He apparently thought it was in better condition that it was. I decided I better find out before he sent his money.
No, he couldn't tell from my picture that there was a "break" or "punched out" or "hole?" or whatever it is called on the front of the box. Apparently, "beating over the years" doesn't cover it either.
Should I have taken the chance that I was over describing or should "a beating" have covered it? The pictures are on auction number 1084513870. Thanks, Guys!
posted on March 26, 2002 08:36:44 AM new
Hi Kasue,
It is up to you how you want to describe an item -- often times if you run into trouble describing something that is not evident by the picture, you can include some text in the description for potential bidders to email you with questions as the condition of the item is hard to describe.
posted on March 26, 2002 03:31:39 PM new
I took a look at that auction - and it is hard to tell there is a "tear" in the box - it does look beat up. What I would have done is listed it as - it has taken a beating over the years - and then describe the "worst" damage - for example the front has a tear 1/2 inch long - the right corner is crushed - and there are multiple creases on the remainder of the box. Or something to that effect. I only would have listed the major damage. I hope this helps - seems you can get too detailed - but then again - people are buying from you sight unseen and is better to be safe then sorry. Just my opinion.
