• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Is it NIB... or not?

Audio Fan

Audio Fan

YT Channel - https://tinyurl.com/29zytwu9
This was a recent topic here in D&$ and I just happen to have bought something the owner says is NIB. So I thought it would be interesting to see what the group thinks about it as I share photos.

Give it your best detective work.

First photos of what we typically see are the two below.

The tape is cut on the box, so it was certainly opened. But, was it taken out of the box?

IMG_7258.JPG

IMG_7259.JPG
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
If I’m the buyer I have to assume it’s been out of the box. Not sure why somebody would cut the box open with no intent of taking it out, although I suppose that could happen. If I were the seller I would list it as, “like new, in the original packaging”.
 
Or "new, open box, factory sealed inner packaging". Or something to that effect.
I get wanting to show that it's really in the box, but I personally would leave the box sealed.
 
LOL, the styrofoam doesn't match the box, and the unit in question doesn't match the styrofoam.
No way is this legit.
I'm ok with the cut tape - it's acceptable to cut the tape, pull the unit - look at it and put it back in the box. EXCEPT since the tape is cut, to sell it - you'd pull the unit, take the pics of the tape across the cassette bay to secure during shipping (or something like that).
EDIT(x2) regarding replies, removed rudeness (on my part).
 
Last edited:
So let's see some more pics. The next one shows evidence it was more than just the top being opened.

The accessory bag is not sealed, it was taped back.
IMG_7260.JPG

The unit looks really good in this view, the front foam is very straight.
IMG_7261.JPG

But, the other side tells a different story.
IMG_7263.JPG
 
This is going to sound stupid but usually a new unused piece of electronic equipment has a new smell to it. Open the plastic and smell it for any oddball odors, especially cig. smoke. Wouldn't be surprising for it to be used, well cared for, put back in OE box for sale.
 
Quite possibly not NIB, but unless it's a highly collectible piece I'd doubt there's any real premium in value.

If I am any reference point, I always laid out the packing bags etc. when I open new gear, typically cover to keep dust out when not used, when I upgrade I clean the few specs of dust etc. and package back in the box as original, I even slowly and carefully release/remove tape from bags so they can be re-taped without tearing the bags, ...

Anyone who would come upon them later if I were to pass away or otherwise sell as a pile of gear would likely believe them to be NIB, but they are not. There are other people like me out there and this might have been re-packed by the original owner also.

Or, it could be NIB, or opened at the store and repacked, lots of possibilities.
 
This thread is only to review what to look for if something is described as NIB for the benefit of others. I am well versed in buying, so this is not a question for myself. This particular unit is not something of significant value, it was part of a group lot I purchased, but the seller (who was NOT the original owner) thought it was NIB. I did not pay any sort of premium, so no concerns there.

Moving on, here are some more pictures of the unit itself.

Cord is not wrapped as new. At this point, we confirm the unit was at least plugged in to power.

IMG_7267.JPG

The unit itself is quite pristine, very little dust at all.

IMG_7268.JPG

Another close up picture of the unit. I did not capture it, but inside the cassette slides and mechanism, no dust. It does "look new".
IMG_7273.JPG

Rear RCA panel shows no dust or visible scratches.
IMG_7278.JPG

So, in summary, this unit was certainly NOT NIB. It is in pristine shape, but given the seller did not know the specific history, at best, it is a very nice condition unit with box that is untested.
 
I would still call something new in box, if it was only received, plugged in and verified it light up and stuff at minimum as that would be the smart thing to do from any original buyer after purchase. It's the first thing most people do after buying something and bringing it home.

to see if it was used in any real way the feet, the power cord (Scratches on power cord connectors from inserting it into a wall outlet) tell a tale and scratches on rca connectors.
 
I believe I heard quite recently that consumer protection law specifies that any electronic gear that has been plugged in after leaving the manufacturer, cannot be sold as "new". :dunno:
 
So, having spent many years back in the day in the industry of developing a keen eye for “new” Vs. “used” or “repacked”, this is not a NIB.

As others have pointed out on this thread:
  • the styrofoam packaging does not line up to the product.

  • The way the power chord is wrapped is a dead giveaway
I agree with others in that the right transparency on description is important.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom