Equipment Grading Honesty


What do you do when a seller represents an item as one grade and when you receive the unit and it is far from expectations based on the Audiogon grading system?

Does anyone read the grading system? Does anyone realistically or honestly grade their equipment according to this scale?

just received and 8/10 item and the Audiogon grading is detailed as;

8/10: Very Good - Perfect front face, 1 minor flaw on top or side is acceptable.
This item has seen some use, but still appears perfect from the front. A perfect front face plate includes the front top edge. Be sure and check this edge since it is very easy to nick. On speakers, all four front edges should be inspected.

) Electronics may have 1 or 2 minor scratches (max 1/2" long, very thin) on the top plate or the sides of electronics, but again, the front must be perfect. There should be no signs of rack mounting. Chrome should have no pitting, but may have some discoloration in spots less than 1/4" diameter. Silk-screening has no separations, and the lettering shows no wear.
) Speakers may have minor discoloration along edges, but no scratches that show through the veneer, except for the bottom, which may show signs of stand mounting or floor scraping.
)Turntables covers may be slightly hazy from record sleeves being laid on them, but should not have any highly visible scratches anywhere. The headshell may have some scratches from cartridge mounting.

My opinion of the unit is drastically different and here is why;
) Multiple scratches on all 6 sides of the preamp, while none of them are major (cut thru the paint) they are too numerous to count. ) Multiple small dents on the edges of the front and top plate.
) Multiple scratches on all 6 sides of the power supply, while none of them are major (cut thru the paint) they are too numerous to count. Multiple small dents on the edges of the front and top plate.
) Multi-meter missing back cover.
) Multi-meter glass damaged.
) Multi-meter not functional.
) Multi-meter battery connection loose and bent and will not hold a battery.

If I were selling this unit I would rate it a 4/10 as per the below audiogon grading system

4/10: Mediocre - Rough physical condition, but all funtions work perfectly.
This piece would not go in your "big rig", but is not worn out.

) Electronics may have many small scratches, or have a broken display face, or have a bent lever. Chrome shows severe pitting, transformer covers are very rusty, glass has one or more cracks in it.
) Speakers may have a dented corner or bent binding posts, but drivers are not physically disfigured.
) Turntables may have missing covers, or show much discoloration on the platter, or scratches on the plinth from the platter rubbing against it.

I contacted the seller and his explanation of the rating is "The unit working fine because i use it here before ship out to you. In my opinion that is 8 out of 10 condition.".

Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated.
tgsstewart
I see no advantage in rating an item higher than it actually is. For me at least, it's just not worth it. This just causes problems down the road for all concerned. Much easier being honest up front.
Let's not blame the Audiogon rating system for sellers that overrate their equipment. That doesn't help! Any item that doesn't work should be rated "4" at best. Look, if someone says the piece doesn't work, or malfunctions intermittently, it should be a huge red flag unless you feel you are capable of troubleshooting or have experience with that model. There are times when people conceal issues, which is a different problem. But, if you mailed payment to them and they ignore your refund request, you have their address.
the seller is less than happy with me but has agreed to take the piece back and refund my purchase price. I did take several dozen hi-rez photos of all the damage. I even took photos of the repacking. since the box didn't look like it could make the return trip I double boxed it and added corner stiffeners (its nice to work at a place that ships heavy and delicate parts and has proper packaging materials). if the seller stands by his word I will not leave him any negative feedback. I will keep everyone updated.
It looks like you've purchased item from an international seller basing on spelling and sentense built.
One way or the other he maybe willing to proceed with partial refund rather than full refund + shipping. Negotiate with dood explaining that you've got ALL means to initiate paypal or credit card claim for FULL REFUND(hopefully you didn't use direct transfer or concealed cash or via moneygram/wstrn union)
Mofimadness,
I saw that CJ amp ad and mentioned it in the OP's "duplicate" thread. I have to say that maybe it's time to re evaluate the Audiogon rating system. I read through all the ratings and didn't find at any point where it mentions about a unit not working. Maybe I missed something.
Another area I feel that needs attention is vintage gear.
I think vintage equipment should have their own class. I notice that some sellers take a point or two off because it is "older" or "not the original owner.
The AudiogoN rating system is for BOTH cosmetic condition and operational condition. This piece was clearly misrated.

I just looked at an ad for a cj amp that doesn't work. It powers up, but hums, says the ad. Guess what the rating is? 7/10, should be 2/10 or 1/10. The seller is new, but the rating system is very easy to read and understand. Plus, it's way over priced.

Come on guys, it's not rocket science.

You should always underrate and over deliver.
If you used a credit card through Paypal, the bank that issued your card is your only hope. I've had this happen previously. Audiogon and Paypal themselves were of no real assistance. Audiogon banned the seller, but could do nothing to refund my money. My bank refunded my money and had me ship the preamplifier to Paypal, thereby leaving my bank and I out of the loop. The problem then was in the hands of Paypal and the seller. I do not know what the final resolution was between those two parties, but I do not really care either.
If you identify the seller, someone may tell you how to get your money back.
I agree with Minor1. Since the seller is living in a different world than we and flatly states his rating system is different and of a lessor standard than what A'gon uses, A'gon should be made aware of his tactics so others won't get ripped off as well.
I hope your problem is easily rectified.

All the best,
Nonoise
I'm sorry to read about your purchase issues. Since this is after-the-fact, my recommendation is to try to get a refund from the seller and try to return the item. If the seller doesn't want to do that, then your only alternative is to notify Audiogon so that they can write a negative comment about the seller and maybe ban the seller from Audiogon. In the future, ask for as many pictures of the item as possible. Front, sides, bottom and top and also ask detailed questions regarding the condition. But, that said, I am sorry about this purchase. Also, it appears as if the unit is damaged in that the meter isn't working. If that is the case and the seller told you the unit worked, then the seller lied outright.