Original Box VS No Box...does it matter?


I purchased an older CD player off of Audiogon to use as a transport. The ad said it had the original box and remote. When I called about the unit, I was told it was in near mint shape. However, when it arrived it was not in the original box and did not have a remote. The unit worked but looked like it had never been cleaned. The drawer also was stuck. They did find the remote but said they had lost the box.
I place a higher value on a unit with the original box -- I always feel like the unit was probably taken better care of and it does make for better shipping. The owner of the store said the only reason people worry about the box is for shipping. He also said they packed it as well as if it had been the original box (however, it was not double boxed).
Bottom line after three weeks the unit has malfunctioned 50% to 75% of the time and will not read the disc. Am I way off base about being upset about the false advertising (original box)? Thanks for your input.
patriot
Original boxes can be critical for certain equipment, i.e., turntables. After receiving one damaged which didn't have the original box, I won't buy another table unless it comes with the original packing material. Most other items with the possible exception of tube equipment aren't as fragile and a thorough bubble-wrapping and double boxing should suffice. Having misrepresented to you that he had the original box, your seller lacks credibility -- as shown by the fact that he possibly misrepresented the condition of the product as well. I agree that phone contact is good to establish trust.
Patriot, I think that the title of the thread should have been "I've Been Screwed". Aside from the box, you were told that this was a near mint CD player. You received the unit with a stuck drawer, covered with dust and no remote. Now it malfunctions most of the time. Simply put, you did nogt get what you paid for.

It is evident that the dealer did not inspect the unit or pay attention to storage. My question is: what is the dealer doing to makes things right? If he is bending over backwards to remedy the situation that's one thing. If he is not, it sounds like he's bending you over. If this is an Audigon dealer I would disclose the name on this forum if your problems are not rectified. Sorry for your unfortunate experience.
An origianl box is a good indication that the unit you are buying is not the result of a burglary.