Question
A seller that I buy from on a regular basis has a comment in her descriptions that makes me do a double-take every time. I've never had a problem whatsoever with her or her items, but I did buy a small "test" item from her at first to make sure it was acceptable.
She states that she sells all items "as found".
Maybe it's just me, but that conjures up an image of someone walking down the road, happening across a widget laying in the street, and thinking, "Hey, I'll sell it on eBay!". No matter that it might be dirty, have tire tracks on it, have a decorative pile of dog poo, be soppy wet from rain, etc.
Buyer: Hi, I received my widget, and it has a splotch of bird poo on it. May I return it?
Seller: No, it was there when I found it.
Buyer: Hi, I received my widget, and it's broken all to pieces. Can we file an insurance claim?
Seller: No, a truck ran over it just moments before I found it.
"Cracks" me up every time I read her descriptions.
To her credit, she does describe flaws ... but then includes the "as found" part.
I guess "as found" is her version of "as is".
Answer
You haven't been shopping my auctions have you? I actually use that phrasing on occassion. Its interesting to read your "take" on it. I may have to reconsider using that.
My problem is I always collect a group of items that could use attention before I list them. Silver items that need to be polished, a framed picture that needs a couple little nails to hold the glass in, etc. For a long time the pile just kept growing and due to my procrastination I just kept listing the ready to go stuff and never got to these items. So one day, I just listed them "as found"
I even had an "as found" listing get over last night.
My Item From the Side of the Road
Thanks for giving me something to think about.
Answer
I had to laugh. Not only do I sometimes use the phrase, your vision is also true. I actually do walk along and pick up items from the ground to sell. I do add the words " except for being washed in fresh water" and "no restoration or artificial finishes applied". Even fossils or shells don't sell well covered in sand or dirt.
Answer
"as found".
I can relate. More than once I've sold something I found on the street.
NYC on garbadge day can be a treasure hunt.
I've found/sold tons of antiques, collectabes, and books that I found sitting on top of a trash can. Sometimes a quick trip to the deli can be profitable.
Answer
LOL, I use the term often, as do most antique, collectible and used item seller's. The phrase "as is/as found" or "as is/where is "can be seen in almost every auction house. "As is" generally means that it has, or may have flaws or issues to note, perhaps even more than have been noticed by the seller. Kind of a shorter way of saying "what you see is what you get". "As found" generally means that it has not been cleaned, repaired or messed with prior to the sale, it could also mean that it is incomplete or part of something else. Many sellers use "as found" if they're unsure of the genuiness of an item. Some unscrupulous sellers use the term to feign ignorance of a repro when they know that it is. Not sure of the "where is" term, I've always thought it the same as "as found".
Answer
Sold a piece of Roseville several years ago "as found" -- the lady I bought it from had been using it for a flower pot. I rinsed the heavy dirt off, but didn't go into a big cleaning job. The buyer raised "holy h*ll" over it.
Answer
"Where is" carries the "as is" to the next step. "As is" means what the others said. "As is" also means no warranty in legal terms in many States.
"Where is" often is used with vehicles or other large hard to move items. It means the item is sold exactly where it is presently located and the seller intends to make no effort to arrange for it to be shipped, moved, or delivered. It means that the buyer must make shipping or moving arrangements. It doesn't mean the seller won't cooperate with the buyer while they are making shipping arrangements, only that the seller will not be making them, nor paying for them.