Add a Warranty section to Audiogon classified ads?

actually, i read it more broadly. i believe it allocates responsibility to the Seller if an item arrives in non-working order even if shipping did not cause the problem. the statement "it will ALWAYS be the responsibility of the seller to guarantee..." leads me to that conclusion. i interpret this as a statement that audiogon's policy is that, unless the parties agree otherwise, the seller broadly warrants good working order on delivery. i concede, however, that such a broad statement seems somewhat out of place in a FAQ regarding shipping.

in practice, it would rarely make a difference. if an item showed up in less than working order, the buyer would likely blame shipping even if there was no obvious evidence that shipping had caused the damage -- and it would be hard for the seller to disagree (as this might seem like a concession that the seller was actually at fault for sending damaged goods). as a result, the audigon policy would apply and the seller would have to take the item back, provide a refund, and attempt to collect an insurance claim.

11-30-07: Narrod
Tvad, that's not how I read it. A seller is expected to deliver the item as described and fully functional. It's broader than just shipping damage.

Because the language is under the heading of "Shipping Policy", I do not read it as being more inclusive than shipping damage.

I suppose the small claims courts can decide the finer points of the language in those instances where reasonable buyers and sellers cannot work out equitable solutions among themselves.

I have to admit some of the responses in this thread make me question ever entering into another transaction generated by an Audiogon classified, my own listings included.

And how would a non-professional vendor actually honour the warranty? Unless all thse sales were rescinded, which is not what a purchaser would want in many cases, it means getting the unit repaired by a competent facility. In all likelihood the purchaser would be the one doing the leg work to get the component repaired. What exactly would be covered? The cost of the estimate, the cost of the repairs, shipping both ways, down-time, loss of enjoyment, phone calls, time wasted, etc ?

The best that can be hoped for is that the people selling through Audiogon will be totally honest.

I also expect a warm and balmy winter up here in Montreal with temperatures hovering around 70 farenheit and teh Canadiens winning the Stanley Cup!

11-30-07: Jax2
"In light of the response from A'gon on feedback, I'm going to have to check with an acquaintance who had recently got burned on a transaction and was doubly upset because A'gon had not posted the feedback he'd left since the seller obviously did not approve it. I don't know how it resolved, but now am curious because of recent criticism of the system. I do hope that it is as A'gon says."

Please keep us informed as to what you find. And if anyone has reliable information about the handling of negative feedback please share it. I've made statements about the A'gon feedback system which were, in hindsight, gossip. If I've erred I apologize to all.

Audiogon has in place a dispute resolution process for resolving contested negative feedback. I would like to know if the process is open or closed, if it is a closed process I would be very concerned that the resolution would be dictated by the bottom line. I would suggest to anyone buying or selling to document ALL details relevant to the transaction for future reference in the event of a feedback dispute or, even worse, a legal dispute. Needless to say, your success or failure will undoubtedly hinge on how well your case is presented.

I don't think there should be a section to offer warranties. It will only create more disputes. Lets keep it simple.