Ebay Question

[iLoveDivX]

I just bought a SB Audigy card on Half.com (same stuff as ebay basically) for $75. The description said "new." The seller noted that it is "brand new." When I got the package today, the factory seal on the box was broken and the wires and cds on the inside looks as if it's been installed before. Everything looks okay so far, but i was just wondering if an opened box is still considered "brand new".

 

[crypticlogin]

<< I just bought a SB Audigy card on Half.com (same stuff as ebay basically) for $75. The description said "new." The seller noted that it is "brand new." When I got the package today, the factory seal on the box was broken and the wires and cds on the inside looks as if it's been installed before. Everything looks okay so far, but i was just wondering if an opened box is still considered "brand new". >>



I'd like to see that same seller take an SB audigy card, break the manufacturer's seal, install it, use it for a few minutes, remove, then rebox the card (all done while in the store) and try to convince the store that the card is still "brand new." That's my opinion.

 

[PsychoAndy]

IMHO, no.

 

[beat mania]

now why is this a ebay question if you bought it on half.com? Half.com has so much more buyer protection over ebay. Just send a complaint to half.com and it'll get resolved.

 

[Shooters]

I wouldn't consider it brand new, but his story would probably be that he just opened the box and installed the soundcard to make sure it was working and then packaged it right back up again. Regardless, he shouldn't have used the phrase "brand new" when advertising it. It seems like a cheap trick to get an easy sale.

 

[Jzero]

<<

<< I just bought a SB Audigy card on Half.com (same stuff as ebay basically) for $75. The description said "new." The seller noted that it is "brand new." When I got the package today, the factory seal on the box was broken and the wires and cds on the inside looks as if it's been installed before. Everything looks okay so far, but i was just wondering if an opened box is still considered "brand new". >>



I'd like to see that same seller take an SB audigy card, break the manufacturer's seal, install it, use it for a few minutes, remove, then rebox the card (all done while in the store) and try to convince the store that the card is still "brand new." That's my opinion. >>



I agree there. "Brand New" implies never-been-opened. In the half.com pages it says, however:


<< New - Items still in original packaging and has all manuals documentation, and OEM software (where applicable). No wear or tear and all facets of products flawless and in tact. Item is still under warranty. >>



For the seller to rate it as "new" it only has to fit that description....which doesn't really stipulate it has to be unopened....
OTOH, elsewhere on the rules, it particularly pertaining to textbooks, they use the specific wording that something that is in "like new" condition could easily be mistaken for something in "brand new" condition....

Interesting...

Anyway, I'd say you have a legitimate gripe, but OTOH if it's working ok, I'd probably not bother to argue about it.

 

[iLoveDivX]

<< Anyway, I'd say you have a legitimate gripe, but OTOH if it's working ok, I'd probably not bother to argue about it. >>



I haven't installed it yet to see if it works, but if it does work, then is there a big chance that it'll blow up in my face 2 months from now? In other words, should i try to return it if it works right now?

 

[her209]

I wouldnt consider it BRAND NEW.

There is no reason why he shoulda opened it. If he gives you crap about "making sure it works" then tell him that the cards are tested before they are put into the box. For all you know, he could of swapped cards with you. I would check the serial numbers to make sure it matches otherwise you could be out a warranty in case something happens.

 

[iLoveDivX]

<< There is no reason why he shoulda opened it. If he gives you crap about "making sure it works" then tell him that the cards are tested before they are put into the box. For all you know, he could of swapped cards with you. I would check the serial numbers to make sure it matches otherwise you could be out a warranty in case something happens. >>



how do i check the serial numbers to see if it still has warranty?

 

[iLoveDivX]

^

 

[Pastfinder]

Uh, no. I'd raise hell with em, but that's just my opinion.

 

[b0mbrman]

Yeah...complain and ask for a partial refund

 

[iLoveDivX]

partial refund? so do i keep the card and ask for some money to compensate for the mistake?

also, how do i check for the warranty?

 

[iLoveDivX]

^

 

[b0mbrman]

Yup...most people will give you a partial refund like nothing.

 

[heartsurgeon]

lets get real here..

if you are serious about disputing the sale as being misleading - you get a lawyer and end up spending more money than buying the card at a store.
if you dispute the sale with half.com, mail the card back letters, hassle, etc - at best you'll probably get your money back, no card - now your looking for another card again.
if they give you a discount - what's fair? if it was in a never opened factory sealed box, how do you know it would'nt have been listed for more?

at the end of the day - if the card works, and you got it for less than you could elsewhere - whats the big deal? keep the card and be happy.

on eb@y, items that are still sealed in the factory box usually state that in the description, further more, items that are factory sealed (new in box, never opened) in my experience generally sell for retail (or even higher!) i rarely buy items off ebay (unless they are hard to find/no longer commercially available) because you can almost always get a better deal through Hot Deals, with coupons, discounts, price matching etc.