The use of the term "used" in sales

When selling doll stuff, I never use the term "used" because it doesn't seem to mean anything specific. I describe the condition of the item (new, mint-condition, good condition, gently played with, etc.), and photograph the item, carefully pointing out anything that is not perfect.

 

All dolls are used, unless they are still in their box.
I never use the term, because it's so vague. It could mean anything from "been on display for a day" to "my sister dragged it through the house a few times".
When I sell something, I post if the doll's second hand or new, if it has any flaws (plus pictures) and if it's yellowed. I like to be specific, because I appreaciate it when others are aswell.

 

When I sell an item, I list the condition (new, like new, etc). I specify how many times it has been used, and for how long. I list purchase dates and when it arrived in my position, just to be clear. Yes, I have sold items that I never "used," but I did take sales pictures of them in/on a doll and I provided that information on my thread (something along the lines of "Only been placed in doll for sales photos," "used for two photoshoots then placed back in a box and stored in a dark area," etc). I also make note of whether or not the item has been washed or outside (if applicable).

I try to be very specific when it comes to listing items (perhaps too specific by some people's standards), but I don't want a transaction to bite me in the butt at a later date. I also prefer to buy items that list the details (when purchased, etc). Nothing frustrates me more than seeing a pair of eyes listed on the MP "like new" even though I can clearly see scratches on them from pictures provided.

So I guess I play by the "golden rule" when I list items. Since I crave details as as a buyer, I provide as many details as possible as a seller. That's just my personal preference.

 

For me, there's a difference between used and secondhand. My doll was secondhand, but she was hardly used.

Something is secondhand, for me, when it is bought from a private seller, an owner or collector, rather than the company itself or an authorized dealer. Also part of being secondhand is whether the original packaging was removed or not. You know how gadgets and such begin to depreciate once you remove them from their packaging? And how a brand new car loses value as soon as you begin to drive off with it? I think of dolls and related accessories along the same lines.

Something is used, for me, when it has been played with or handled as it is supposed to be handled over a period of time. Use varies with degree. If you took a dress out of its packaging, had your doll wear it, photographed it and placed it back in its packaging, it's already used for me. If you let your doll wear a pair of pants for a few months and decided to sell it, it's used too. They're both used, and the difference lies in the degree of use. You have one item that's used, and one item that is slightly used.

It's all subjective, really. "Used" is such a subjective term, now that I think about it. Definitions vary. "Used" can be, well, used to describe the condition of the item initially, but it's in good seller responsibility to add as many details and pictures as possible as to eliminate any confusion early on. Clarification from the very beginning would definitely save both parties from problem transactions.

 

In the particular case of eyes, mentioning that they have been used a few times is kind of like a polite way of covering your butt if there's still a little bit of eye putty on the back, or a cat hair in the box, or any little thing like that. You're right, it can be assumed unless something is specifically said to be NRFB (never removed from box/packaging), that it has at least been tried on, but some people like to mention it anyway...because it would suck to sell that pair of eyes to one of the handful of people out there who wouldn't assume that anything bought 2nd hand would show signs of use (as opposed to signs of wear).

 

I always mention an item's condition... like-new, gently used, worn or whatever. I think that's an important piece of information that buyers need to know. You can't always tell what condition something is in from pictures alone. If the item has never been out of its original package, or has only been tried on once or twice and then packed up, I'll mention that just like I would mention any faults or other particular features the item has. Full disclosure and accurate, detailed descriptions can save you a lot of headaches. ^_^

 

I like to use the term "used" when the item looks it! Otherwise I think it's a catch-all phrase meant to stave off persnickety perfectionist buyers from nitpicking a newly arrived item to death in hopes of getting a partial refund or similar. If you're buying second-hand, expect a certain amount of "used". Read the description, Look at the photos. If neither are clear ask for more. Don't expect "New" unless you're getting it from the factory. Kind of just common sense, really.

Raven

 

Various cultures look on 'used' -- or even 'secondhand' goods differently, so this is perhaps a factor in how things are labeled also. In some places, new items are all that is socially acceptable; in others, it depends on the specific goods, with the reasoning varying. (ex: 'Toys' or antiques and so on may be all right, clothes for people, no.)

Otherwise, I'm in agreement with Raven here.

 

I always think of the word "used" as meaning "showing some wear", so I appreciate it more when the seller gives details, such as was the item in/on a doll, how many dolls, for how long (like, a year or was it 30 seconds and then back in the box?) rather than falling back on the generic "used".

Additionally I agree that many sellers especially on eBay use the word "used" to cover themselves if the person gets the item and finds scratches or whatever they did not expect. The seller will say, "well, the description clearly says USED." So it seems a little dishonest to say "used" rather than providing a fuller description and pictures.

 

I actually just ran into this problem myself on the marketplace when I made a listing the first time. Using the template however it asks for "condition" so I explained her condition to the best of my knowledge. I also feel that you should describe what you're selling as if you yourself were buying it, ie what information would you like to know yourself. I explained that I never clothed my doll or took her outside, that she was in a pet/smoking free household, how she was stored, and made special mentioned of how she arrived to me from the retailer (a special case since Dolkot is horrible with their packing/shipping.) It wouldn't have done justice to her condition to list her as "used" since she is in much better shape now after a little Mr. Clean magic eraser than she was when I first opened her box fresh from the manufacturer.

 

Second this. Exactly. ^^

Dolls and doll items/accessories that are brand new, only taken out ONCE for show/photoshoots, are different than those that have been played with, tried on, or used MORE than once. >.> Some people like second-hands, some people prefer new items.

If the term USED is written on the subject of a sale thread, people who want NEW items would never click them, but people who don't mind having 2nd-hand-items would... The term USED also associates itself with lower asking price, I think? ^^

 

used means that people have physically touched it and stuff like that.

 

With eyes I like to know if they have been used before or how good of care was taken. While with glass it is less of an issue...with acrylic eyes they will keep their shape but the plastic could be scratched and if they have 'cap' over the eye and are put in with putty the putty will get in that crack and can get stuck. I know one of my dolls has a green putty it came with that I use and acrylic eyes that have been put in him I would never try to sell because there is green in some of the cracks. I wouldn't like it if I paid for eyes and got them and they had a dried green crud in them.

when it comes to dolls I think used to way too vauge a term of course the doll is used unless you advertise it as new still in the box only opened to check for breaking it has been 'used' but there is much more information needed there

 

I'm looking to buy my first doll and seeing the word used in the description kind of paints a bad picture for me. I'd also say "used" isn't a necessary word. The only thing that needs to be said is the condition and lots of pictures.

 

I sell items often enough and have at one point specialized in selling vintage books. I prefer to go by the used books sales terms of conditions. Mint, Excellent, Good, Fair, Readable and Poor. (In the BJD's case let's change Readable to Playable) The term used is very broad and sounds rather tacky in comparison to the list of conditions I've just put. I'm making certain assumptions since I haven't owned BJD dolls before but I've read up on a lot of BJDs feel free to comment or correct where I've gone wrong.

Mint as the name implies is usually an item that hasn't been opened or is still comes with the box (in very good condition). I'm sure that the same term also implies dolls that are still in boxes, or dolls that are in pristine condition (Excellent) with their boxes and original packaging items/papers. (Box/packaging items and papers will have to be in pristine condition.) The item will have to come from a smoke free and pet free area.

Excellent would imply that the doll is in extremely good condition showing minuscule to no signs of yellowing, scratches or the faint stains that come from clothing dyes or face-ups. The doll would usually come with her box, packaging materials and papers but the box itself would be slightly battered/show some wear and tear, ect. The item will have come from a smoke and pet free area.

Good condition dolls have yellowing but not so much that it detracts from the overall appeal. There can also be minor scratches on the body. Ear piercings, 'dirtiness' and minor stains from clothing dye also fall under this category. The dolls are kept in an area that is mostly smoke and pet free, but not always. However it is in good enough condition for high enough resale value and enjoyment. Good condition dolls usually don't come with the box/original packaging and papers and very rarely does so.

Playable: Dolls in this category have scratches, some tell tale signs of previous modding or is an incomplete modded doll. Yellowing is significant and so are the stains on the doll from face-ups, dark clothing, inconsistent body dying and tattoos. There's also some chemical damage from acetone as well. However the doll is in playable condition and with some work can be bumped up to 'Good' condition. The doll isn't always often kept in a smoke and pet free area. Playable dolls don't come with their original box/packaging/papers.

Poor: Major damage to dolls. Usually are used for dolls in which mods have gone extremely wrong or were kept in the presence of a small child/animal that got to it. The body has many deep scratches and pits, dark clothing stains, significant amounts of yellowing, possibly missing a hand or a foot, poorly done dye job, ect. Poor condition dolls usually require a large amount of restoration before it could be elevated to 'Playable' condition. Poor condition dolls don't come with their original box/packaging/papers.

The same mentality can be applied to accessories though they often fall under the Mint-Good category unless there's a couch with a broken leg or something of the like. I hope that this breakdown was detailed. :>

 

I agree that 'used' is very vague. I like Strelitzia's list of conditions. It seems better and more specific.

 

The term "used" is subjective, but you have to remember that there are people out there that aren't happy getting a MIB doll because the shipper is torn in a corner!

 

Yes, it is true when you study how different cultures look upon used. In Japan, "used" means anything that has been handled once or even opened. For example, if a doll or a figure that has been touched once or if the box of the doll has a dent, can be classified as used. Many collectors in Japan are crazy about the condition of their items. I see this all the time with experience on collecting Japanese figures. Mandarake is a classic example of saying most things are used but when you get the item itself, sometimes the items don't even seem like they have been tampered with.