Audiogon Grading Scale - the gold standard?


I recently got duped by an eBay seller's item representation, "...excellent cosmetically." Seller offers no equitable restitution, maintaining we merely have a difference of "opinion" as to the meaning of "excellent." My question is, how effective do you feel the "Audiogon Grading Scale" has been in eliminating misunderstandings/misrepresentations that would otherwise arise by way of subjective characterizations? I am pleased to say it's been working quite well thus far for me. Any suggestions as to how it might be further improved upon? BTW, for those interested, why not get a laugh out of this at my expense (literally). Check out http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1291871809
fam124

Showing 1 response by sc53

Fam, I too read the new "auction" you posted for these speakers, and I can't believe your seller described them as anything other than "sounds great, looks terrible." Yet I noticed that even w/all your disclosures, you still had a bid! Here on Audiogon, the grading scale is not a "gold standard." At various times on this site, I have found my eyes and grading abilities questioned. I have had two occasions, selling a tuner and later a SS amp, where I graded the items as excellent, meaning that with close inspection, and even a digital photo that I posted w/my ad, I could see no scratches, dings, or other marks on either of these units, yet both buyers saw what they considered "scratches" on the top plate once they got their items. The differences were amicably resolved, but I learned that even when you post a digital photo someone may see something in the flesh that you never did, and could not, see. Now, I have just described what I consider an honest difference in either opinion or visual acuity, I don't know which. But there are definitely cases where a seller misrepresents the condition of his/her item for sale even here. Don't trust a 10/10 rating unless the unit is literally still sealed new in its box. The most scrupulous sellers rate an item 9/10 if the box has been opened even just to inspect the unit to make sure it is what they think they have to sell. In the case of speakers, scratches, nicks and damage to the finish and/or grilles are very noticeable and must be disclosed! But marks on the black anodized finish of electronics are sometimes hard to see and are subject to very different characterizations and estimates of seriousness among honest people. Your seller was dishonest. I hope you get reimbursed. I would seriously consider returning the speakers to him even w/out reimbursement! just to make a point. With a copy of the text of your new auction, of course.