For those that buy new locos on eBay

I don't buy new locos on eBay!  If I'm buying new, I want it to come from an authorized dealer so it comes with a warranty!

After Johns point.

The most important things are:

1. What is the sellers feedback rating?

2. Do they offer money back guarantee returns?

3. Do they typically sell trains? Or are they just a resale shop that's sells anything under the sun?

Good luck!

I ask the seller if it goes forward and backward and if the engine sounds work.

@Bill Makel posted:

I ask the seller if it goes forward and backward and if the engine sounds work.

They may "say" everything works perfectly.....but what they say doesn't mean they even took it out of the box.

To reference my second point above. Many "reputable" sellers offer 30 day money back guarantees.

Hopefully in 30 days you could discover any unknown/ undisclosed issues.

A lot of the new stuff you see on ebay is priced at full retail.  You can find most new stuff at online dealers or local hobby shops well below retail.  I only buy new or like new on ebay if it’s something I really want, but can no longer get from a dealer…and if it’s well below retail.

I've had some very good luck buying new and used trains on EBAY. As Rick points out, the feedback and seller profile tells you a lot.  Most retails include a link to their store.

I had an issue with an MTH item I purchases on EBAY from RTR Trains in Florida a while back (I live in California), and Bill took care of it immediately - no questions asked.

I'm asking because I will be the private seller. Can I say it's "new" if I do a test run?

Thanks,

Jon

Your splitting hairs here.

You can "say" whatever you want. Good photos are more important than your description.

Ultimately it's up to the buyer to interpret your ad.

As a private seller most likely your item is going to sell well below any dealer discount anyway.

Depends on what it is and what you know about it.  If you advertise as new, you had better know that it is in fact new and never run.  Even some new engines may be run at the factory.  Some dealers test new engines before they sell them.

If it is a loco that is known to have problems, might be best to test before you sell.  If it’s an old MTH PS1 loco, you need to replace the battery before you do that.

If it’s an MTH PS2 or older PS3, some buyers would welcome a photo of the hand held remote showing actual (near zero) miles and hours.

Not to be harsh, but I would never buy a new engine from the auction site. Rolling stock, buildings and accessories...Yes. Engines no, unless it is an older one and then expect to have a few issues. Even if advertised as new. I bought engines from forum members and other guys I know since I trust them. And of course, authorized dealers.

Donald

@ffjon posted:

I'm asking because I will be the private seller. Can I say it's "new" if I do a test run?

Thanks,

Jon

IMO, "new - test run only" is a fair description.  In the text of the listing, you can elaborate if necessary.

I think that some of the comments above are worth noting.  If you don't have a long track record on ebay, that could work against people being willing to pay a good price. And from some of the horror stories I've heard about disputes and items that "weren't received", not to mention the fees, why not offer it for sale here? 

Look at all of the pics carefully for wear and complete packaging. I've seen many items listed as new and the pics showed clearly that they were used.

If not comfortable, ask for more pics. I bought an O42 radius switch track wherein the seller said new and only posted a pic of the box. When I opened it it was clearly well used. The seller disputed that it was used but did refund my $.

As to "test run" for engines, at least you have some assurance that it works. But then it should be listed as "Like New", not "New".

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I don't buy new locos on eBay!  If I'm buying new, I want it to come from an authorized dealer so it comes with a warranty!

Same here. And even if it's from an authorized dealer, in 2019 eBay started charging sales tax (8.25% in this state, including on shipping charges!), so it's a non-starter anyway.

@ffjon posted:

I'm asking because I will be the private seller. Can I say it's "new" if I do a test run?

Thanks,

Jon

"New" in my opinion means an authorized dealer is selling it, which means it will be under factory warranty. If anyone other than an authorized dealer is selling the item, there's no warranty and it should be priced accordingly.  I have bought a few locos from ebay sellers, but the price was right because there was no warranty, even though the locos had never been unboxed before. The clock on the warranty starts ticking as soon as the original purchase is made from an authorized dealer, and is, to my knowledge, non-transferrable. Any sale of the loco after that should, in my opinion, be adgertised and priced as used.

The MTH warranty is only good for 5 years after it was manufactured. So unless the dealer warrants the product, your on your own even if new.