When "Brand New" is Old-New

Some sellers on Carousell loosely label the condition of their goods on sale.

Sometimes I come across listings which the terms "Brand New", "mint", "still very good condition" are used to describe items which look like it has been used, neglected or even dusty. These sellers certainly have low standards and are not smart enough to clean up their items before taking photos of it.

Other dimwitted or dishonest listings that I have come across:-

"Brand new" yet followed with the line "used for one time and realised that it is not suitable for me, hence selling it off". 

Hello? Used one time is not BRAND NEW anymore, alright? If I try my briefs and sell it to you because I worn once but it is not suitable for me, would you dare take it as brand new?

"Brand new" and "bought last year but never used" used together in the same listing. 

1 year old item you still consider brand new? And you want to sell at brand new retail price? I might as well buy it from the shops.

"Opened once to check and placed it back" 

Who knows what you did with the item after you opened? Use it a few times, wipe it and pack it back nicely in the box, then sell off as brand new? Haven't you heard of "Once opened considered sold?"

"Not used"

I once did a trade with a guy who claimed that his item is "not used" which I presumed it to be brand new since I am trading another really un-used and brand new item with him. Ended up, when I reached home and checked it, it looked used and I guess he meant that he didn't used it anymore or don't have use for it anymore - that's why it is "not used'. Duh...

"Mint"

I believe some sellers thinks the word "mint" refers to the sweet and not the condition. I have seen photos of "mint condition" items with oxidised metal parts or thick layer of dust. If this was my item, I would consider it as "beat up" or "neglected"....

So moral of the story is, never trust the word description since "new-ness" is subjective. Best is to carefully check the condition of item in person or ask for more photos of "actual item" to ensure that you are not paying "brand new" price for a "used" item.

Happy shopping!