Sellers who put barely anything in their descriptions

[kitty-kat-kollection]

I have noticed so many clothing sellers just using the brief default blurb in their descriptions, and basically providing no information about their items at all. Some don't even include the size!

I am frustratingly aware of how easy it is these days for buyers to get an automatic refund even if the seller does not provide refunds, simply by lodging an item not as described case.

Sooo...I was wondering, just out of interest, if these sellers are omitting almost all details of their items to avoid having these cases lodged against them. If they don't describe the item, then technically how can a buyer say the item was not as described?

Does that make any sense, or have I just gone even more insane? lol

[daydreams_12]

Interesting question????

I up until very recently have not had a problem with most clothing sellers.  I am now in a position (mobility wise) that much of my clothing will need to come via internet.  I hae the time to sort through but it is a pain.   Although disabled for  a long time could get around a bit.and have found myself a few saellers that I look at daily/weekly).   As a senior what I would like to wear just isn't me anymore.  Think I may hae a bit of company therer!!!!!!!

Sorry kitty-kat

Guess I got a bit off the subject

[the4masters2013]

Oops! Guilty of that one one with books!!
Just trying to get the buyers to realise that a 45 year old book is not going to brand new or in like new condition.

I will rethink what my description says!

[brerrabbit585]

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@the4masters2013 wrote:
Oops! Guilty of that one one with books!!
Just trying to get the buyers to realise that a 45 year old book is not going to brand new or in like new condition.

I will rethink what my description says!

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Saying "good condition for its age" tells me that the seller EXPECTS older things to be tatty, which makes me wary of buying from them because there's no real reason they have to be worn just because they're old.  The sellers may be doing themselves a dis-service because the items may actually be in quite good condition, but those words don't give that impression. 

I've got 45 year old non-fiction books here that are in the same condition as when I bought them, despite being used quite a few times.   Some books are made better than others, some are looked after better by their owners - and buyers have absolutely no idea of this unless the seller tells them (or shows good pictures, along with a description telling them what to look for in the pictures).

[the4masters2013]

I see your point of view. I for one, would not list a "tatty" book... fussy is my middle name!

It's the sellers who list a book stating  in a good condition but it is missing the front cover who my head in.

I mention the age and describe the book quite well and put in quite a few photos.

I haven't had any comeback from a buyer (but it may happen). If the book is 45 years old  and in prisine condition, I don't mention how old it is. The description and photos tell the story.

Thanks for your your thoughts!

[twyngwyn]

I sell books too. I take 12 photos for each listing....but I do rely on the description on ebay (acceptable, good, vg, like new) and include any faults....never had a complaint

[the4masters2013]

Same here. I just live in hope that the buyers do the right thing and actually READ the description and look at the photos.
I had a neutral given to me once because the buyer thought the insert to the record should have been there.

Funnily enough, no mention was made of the insert in the description and no photos were taken since the insert didn't exist.

Lesson learnt.. I always state if the insert is not available!!!

[brerrabbit585]

I think there are occasions when a tatty book is worth listing. I sold a car workshop manual that my father used to take apart and fix an automatic gearbox in 1963. The pages were clean enough but the page ends were black from where he used oily hands to open it and find the right page. I described it well and did good photos. The buyer was a collector and he sent a message saying of all the manuals he'd bought, mine was in the best condition. I almost thew it out but then someone said that sort of thing sells well.

If something has only a couple of faults, even really bad ones, but it's in otherwise really good condition I'll describe the faults and then say apart from the faults I've described it's in excellent condition, or I'll say "in excellent condition except for ...." and describe the faults. That way you're not saying the whole thing is in excellent condition. It's all in the wording - though many don't actually read what's written.

I haven't seen the 'good for its age' on too many books but I've seen it on other things that I'd expect to be in really good condition still, but that comment tends to make suspect the worst. It's almost like the seller is trying to justify any faults.

Some sellers can't see their own possessions the way others see them. The first thing I bought on ebay was a huge book that was described as excellent condition. When I received it the page ends were covered in insect excreta and it stunk, plus there was a coffee stain on one page. She should have said in excellent condition except for...

[twyngwyn]

I once sold a book (that I would have normally binned). It was a specialised book on making leather shoes/bags etc. There was not another 1 on ebay at the time.....

I listed it as acceptable/not acceptable & falling apart and included 12 photos.

Yes, someone bought it, gave me great f/b but messaged me to say that the book truly was falling apart & they should have paid more attention to the description.

I suggested that they laminate the separate pages (as they were in great condition)

[brerrabbit585]

The information is definitely the most important part of some books.

[the4masters2013]

Again, some very good points. Thank you!

As for the book you bought, maybe it should have been listed as good?