A Question for People Who Buy Software

drspy00 on 25/01/2019 - 14:21
Last edited 25/01/2019 - 14:22

I sold an expensive business software package on ebay, it was leftover stock from a business It never came in a box but photos online of this software show a mocked up box and all the other listings on ebay are the same. A buyer is very upset that he received just the disc, licence key and usb key to use the software. It mentions on the listing that it does not include any box, and the image is clearly a mocked up virtual box, like with most software, including on the official site. Its also available for digital download via the site with the relevant key.

I am not a software retailer, just sold this one item but I have not seen software in stores for a long time like they used to. I remember they used to have these big boxed versions that often contained multiple CDS and that was how people bought software before downloading was possible. I was not aware they still did sell boxed versions.

My question is, when you buy software and see a mocked up box, from the manufacturer do you assume it will be in a box or does it not make any difference?

The cost is for the licence key, and disc, and it seems the buyer feels very upset he did not receive the advertised packaging! The licence key can be verified with the manufacturer website.

This was not a game, which I could understand more because I know people like to collect games.

Computing Software

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 25/01/2019 - 14:33
    +15

    when you buy software and see a mocked up box, from the manufacturer do you assume it will be in a box or does it not make any difference?

    No difference to me. It's called software for a reason. Especially if the listing says no box etc. You just ran into a stupid buyer.

  • kusama on 25/01/2019 - 14:35
    +3

    I wouldn't even want the CDs. Just the key thanks.

  • drspy00 on 25/01/2019 - 14:36
    +3

    I thought so too, but I guess he is disapointed because he is not seeing the value in a physical disc. Doesnt understand the value is in the licence key.

  • Ocker on 25/01/2019 - 14:38
    +8

    Provided your listing clearly stated no box was included then from the eBay transaction aspect you have nothing to worry about. Just give the customer the flick and tell him to revisit the listing.

  • trustnoone on 25/01/2019 - 15:18
    +2

    Personally I don't think its about the box, but the picture, if I saw a photo of your listing of software in a box, thats what I assume I'd get. In saying that though, your listing clearly states no box included, and I'd say listing trumps photo (especially if photo is generic), person should've read the listing first.

  • ihbh on 25/01/2019 - 15:24

    My question is, when you buy software and see a mocked up box, from the manufacturer do you assume it will be in a box or does it not make any difference?

    What's the point of your question? Do you want feedback from an "average buyer", an "average OzB buyer", or someone who of similar demographics, etc. to your buyer?

    • drspy00 on 25/01/2019 - 15:36

      I dont know his demographics, possibly old though lol. Was just curious because I didnt know they brought out boxed versions of software still. Does software come in a box was my question, ive not seen it sold anywhere like that recently.

  • LikeMike on 25/01/2019 - 15:28

    My question is, when you buy software and see a mocked up box, from the manufacturer do you assume it will be in a box or does it not make any difference?

    No, I don't assume. I read the description. Buyer is an idiot for not doing that and I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

  • slow on 25/01/2019 - 15:45
    +1

    I think he is dreaming, I haven't seen software in a box for years.
    If you want to be nice you could contact the manufacturer and ask them what the software comes with, and forward the message to him

  • try2bhelpful on 25/01/2019 - 15:50
    +1

    I, suppose, one of the takeouts is only who a picture of what you are intending to send; he probably thinks it is pirated software. How about you print out a "mock box" and send him that as well.

  • JIMB0 on 25/01/2019 - 17:07

    I bet he buys lingerie online and complains when it doesn't come with the model.

  • dragong87 on 25/01/2019 - 17:22

    Used to care about a nice fancy box. But now they just take up space - All i want is the license key now.

  • Hithere on 25/01/2019 - 18:59

    Trouble is, if the buyer lodges a SNAD claim with eBay there's a good chance they will take the buyer's side and refund their money. You lose.

    It's happened many times with a buyer lodging ridiculous claims over the smallest issue and eBay always taking their side.

    Hopefully common sense will reign - trouble is common sense isn't that common any more.

  • drspy00 on 25/01/2019 - 19:46

    I have fully explained to the buyer, and it seems most of his anger was due to a misunderstanding which in some ways I can understand if he was thinking he bought a pirated copy. I have very good feedback so he didnt have to get so upset. Hopefully I have been able to smooth over the problem. I really hate ebay sometimes!

  • afoveht on 25/01/2019 - 19:48
    +2

    In a previous life I liked having boxes of the software I owned on my bookshelf - it was like a trophy for paying for the software, and in a way made me feel more legitimate in front of my customers. Perhaps the purchaser thinks that way.

  • apiecost on 27/01/2019 - 10:18

    Personally I would never buy anything from eBay that didn't include an actual photo of the thing I'm buying (or one exactly the same).

    This COULD just be a sneaky buyer wanting you to offer a partial refund even though they still want the software, and knew well in advance that they weren't getting a box.

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