Ebay question - new 'open box'

[Sandi Bo]

I recently purchased an open box item - a door latch. In the seller's defense, it is as pictured. In my defense, until I had the installation instructions, how would I know what parts were missing? I'm hoping my handyman can still instill the new door latch, the pieces, IMO, are insignificant and the old ones can be used (screws being the least significant concern, there is a spindle and a clip I am a little more concerned about. We'll see. The point is to replace a handle that has gotten 'loose insides' over a 20 year period. I'm hopeful this will do the trick. I gave the seller a heads up (there is a 30 day return policy).

Would you expect an open box item to be missing parts?

 

[vacationtime1]

Would you expect an open box item to be missing parts?

Short answer: no -- unless it was specifically disclosed.

 

[klpca]

In my experience, it happens. I think that folks pick up things on clearance from HD or Lowes then resell on ebay or amazon. They have no idea if something is missing or defective. If there's a 30 day return policy, you're good - you have enough time to make sure that everything is there.

My last experience with an open box item (roman tub fixture) was ok but not perfect. Even though the ad and the box said brushed stainless, it wasn't quite the same color as the other fixtures (more like brushed nickel), but it is far enough away that no one has noticed except me. (If I had more time I would have returned it but we needed it right away). And it was missing the drain plug. I never noticed, but the plumber sure did! But I saved about $500 over the "new" cost, so it was worth it to me. Those fixtures are crazy expensive!

 

[tombanjo]

I bought a fancy kitchen sink faucet open box on eBay, it was over $100, but far more new. It was missing a clip to hold the spray head. I asked the seller if he had one, and he just refunded the entire amount. Probably a store return, where someone who needed the clip bought it, returned it looking like it had not been taken out of box, and so it goes. No one is going to take the time to understand what should be in the box, and if it is the exact correct parts and present.

 

[jp10558]

Usually, "open box" means new, except the box was opened and may have been returned. All stuff is supposed to be in the box IMHO.

 

[RX8]

I think the answer to your question depends on the seller. A quality long time seller, if they have any doubts, will disclose that parts may be missing. If there are missing parts, and you are looking for a refund, hopefully the seller will pay for the return shipping costs.

 

[Sandi Bo]

I'm hoping this works out (waiting for my handyman to install the 'new' handles). If there wasn't a question on the parts I might attempt it myself, it looks simple enough, but given the situation I'm not going to touch it.

We did save about 1/2 the cost of a new one (from Pella - yikes they are pricey).

The seller said he sent what was pictured, and that is true. I just feel like there should have been a disclosure that some parts may be missing. It'll be fine, I may have to pay return shipping if it doesn't work out, but I can live with that. I do have 30 days.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

Would you expect an open box item to be missing parts?

What? No. Open box doesn't mean "Used, Abused, Spread Around".

 

[WaikikiFirst]

No one is going to take the time to understand what should be in the box, and if it is the exact correct parts and present.

Man oh man, that is a depressing statement. Even if you mean 2 out of 3 people instead of No one, it is still sad that people can write that and think it "normal".
It also confirms why I am such a limited shopper. Show me exactly what I am going to get. Tell me exactly what it costs. Then be quiet and after I think about it for a minute I may buy it. Open your mouth to "accelerate" me and I walk.

 

[Bucky]

eBay buyer satisfaction guarantee should be available to handle this. Check out the original listing to see if it is there. Not sure if it includes “open box” items but since it applies to used items, it should.

 

[susieq]

Can you find installation instructions online & print them out???

 

[Sandi Bo]

Can you find installation instructions online & print them out???

They are in the box, doesn't look like they were ever touched. I needed those to see what parts were missing. I'm trying to patiently wait for my handyman to do the work.

I researched this a lot before purchasing. It's an old door (2002 ish). The handles were manufactured in 2004. Pella (I sent them pictures) is confident it's the same lock and they didn't change it from 1998-to about 2010.

I let the ebay seller know we are in a holding pattern (yes, received, hmmmm, questionable on the open box disclosure). If it all works out, I'll be happy, if not I can return it. I won't ruffle feathers unless I have to. But a lesson learned (I guess, buyer beware)!