Listing Conditions Quick Reference: New, Like-New, Good, Fair, Poor

Category: Buying & Selling Last updated: 2026-07-15

A quick-reference guide to the condition labels used on Owning. Use this as a checklist when buying or selling to make sure you're choosing or describing the right condition.

Condition labels at a glance

Label	One-line summary	Typical price vs. new
New	Sealed, unused, original packaging	90-100%
Like New	Used a few times, no visible wear	70-85%
Good	Normal wear, fully functional	50-65%
Fair	Visible wear, cosmetic issues, works	35-50%
Poor	Heavy wear, minor functional issues	20-35%
Refurbished	Professionally restored, may have warranty	60-80%

When to use each label (for sellers)

New

Item is truly unused and in original, unopened packaging
All accessories and manuals are included
No signs of handling

Like New

Used only a few times
No scratches, dents, or visible wear
Original packaging may or may not be included
All accessories present

Good

Used regularly but well cared for
Minor cosmetic marks (small scratches, light scuffs)
Fully functional with no issues
May be missing non-essential accessories (original box, manual)

Fair

Noticeable wear from regular use
Visible scratches, dents, or cosmetic imperfections
Fully functional but cosmetically imperfect
Price should clearly reflect the condition

Poor

Heavy wear or significant cosmetic damage
May have minor functional issues (e.g., a button that's stiff, a port that works intermittently)
Still usable for its primary purpose
Priced to reflect condition — typically the cheapest option

Refurbished

Professionally restored by the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher
May have cosmetic wear but has been tested and certified
Often includes a warranty (30-90 days typical)
Not the same as "used" — it has been through a restoration process

Red flags when buying

Signal	What it might mean
"Like New" but photos show scratches	Condition is overstated — ask the seller
"Good" but no photos of defects	Seller may be hiding wear
Price is "Like New" level but condition is "Fair"	Overpriced — negotiate or walk away
"Refurbished" but no mention of who refurbished it	May not be professionally restored
"New" but packaging is opened	Should be "Like New" at most

Quick checklist for sellers

Before you post, run through this checklist:

[ ] Have I honestly assessed the condition?
[ ] When in doubt between two levels, did I choose the lower one?
[ ] Did I mention specific defects in the description?
[ ] Did I include close-up photos of any wear or damage?
[ ] Is my price consistent with the condition label?

Quick checklist for buyers

Before you commit to buying:

[ ] Do the photos match the condition label?
[ ] Does the description mention specific defects (or lack thereof)?
[ ] Is the price consistent with the condition?
[ ] Have I asked the seller about anything unclear?
[ ] For electronics: is battery health / cycle count mentioned?

Learn more

Understanding Listing Conditions — the full in-depth guide
How to Buy — evaluating listings and contacting sellers
How to Sell on Owning — the complete selling process
Safety Tips — staying safe during transactions

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