Another morals & ethics question, lol

[mmcodomino]

If it was my auction, I would list the item as unserviced by me.
After all the described issue is all about cleaning the switches. If i found the time to do that before selling off the radio, I would. If not I state that it is most likely in need of contact cleaning.
The problem with today's buyers is that they really do expect a new unit when they open the box and if you look at models like the Crown 850 or the Rising 20/20, we all know that even after servicing, the switches might also need to be moved more than once and with the right feeling.
That being said, I describe my boxes just the way they are and try my best to name all possible issues.
On the other hand, I think it is normal to receive a boombox (especially from non collectors) that needs contact cleaning even if the seller did not mention it.
I would rather say it is a general question whether to list a box as defective or used.
It is not about moral or ethics. Either you tell the whole truth, lie or leave the unpleasant points out. Of course I always try to tell the truth but there is a reason why eBay has a question form so people can ask me if there are any doubts.
Anyway, all this does not help if you have a stupid buyer.
For example I once listed a GF4646 in mint condition on eBay but when i was running it on mains while it was already on eBay, it died. Then I changed the description and said it was defective because most likely the fuse was blown.
The winning bid (of 23€) came in after I changed the description and nevertheless the Russian buyer gave me my first and only negative feedback because he said the description was misleading.
A tango always takes two.

 

[anodyne13]

If you KNOW what is wrong with an item, you should state it. If you dont know then you dont know. Pretending not to know is fraud, and in the case of boomboxes there probably isnt much repurcussion, but in other transactions the precedent is clearly set (ie real estate).

 

[Reli]

The thing about cleaning the switches is, that's not always the solution. Sometimes the stereo decoder might be bad, or the amp, or a capacitator, or a solder joint.......who knows. So, it's meaningless for a seller to say "A couple switches seem like they might need cleaning". That's always a big red warning flag for me. If it was really that simple, they would have done it themselves. In fact, they probably already tried it, but it didn't work, so they tell the buyer to do it, even though they know it won't work.

The honest thing to do is to describe exactly which switch/function doesn't work. Don't BS and say "needs cleaning". Say exactly what happens when you try to operate that function.

Where is the rolling eyes smiley, this forum really needs one, lol.

 

[redbenjoe]

with reli

posting ..............." needs a belt " or "needs some deoxit "
can often be very misleading

best to just say --

" FF not working "
or "switches have static "

 

[blu_fuz]

If we are just talking about ebay. Be honest trying to make it sound worse than it is. It's hard to describe what I mean. It's like how many different ways can you say that someone is ugly? . There are some nice non-offensive words or you can be straight out and blunt with it .


If you select "for parts or repair", the new owner has to expect what you tell them and that it needs work. Vintage electronics is a tricky market to buy/sell from if you are really looking for a 100% functioning unit.

 

[bklyn sound]

I think any known flaws should be disclosed!!!
I have been burned by sellers on high dollar radios that did not disclose little things.
For example the speakers on your newly purchased M-90 will buzz at low volume every time the bass hits
because the drivers are damaged.
People dont disclose things because they fear the inevitable, the will make less money due to the condition.
Which in my opinion is only fair.
Honesty will never hurt but a lie could kill you

with frank it's a real bummer when you get these boxes and were described as well working units and then you need 200$ worth of repairs to get them working