B&H Used Rating System

Below is B&H's used lens rating system. I need a few clarifications. Tried calling B&H for help, but they're on yet another religious holiday.

1. Does a rating of 10 mean the warranty is still good?
2. The scale says a rating of 9+ can have "no signs of wear." But if there is no signs of wear, wouldn't that make it a 10?
3. What does "appears as new" actually mean?

My reason for asking: I have a lens that I bought new a few years ago and used it only once. The warranty has expired, but nothing to the lens or box has changed (except I did cut out the UPC code off the box to redeem my rebate). Now I want to sell it. Should I give it a 9+ or a 10 rating?


N Brand new/Never used - In original manufacturer's packaging
OB Open Box with full manufacturer warranty
D Never owned - Used for demonstration purposes only
R Refurbished by the Manufacturer to original company's specifications
10 Preowned equipment, but appears as new
9+ Shows little or no signs of wear
9 Shows signs of use, but very clean
8+ Shows moderate wear or finish marks
8 Well used - may exhibit "dings" or finish marks
7 Shows considerable amount of use - More than average wear
6 Usable, but has considerable optical or mechanical imperfections

Neither your not B&H just list as like new, mint or get fancy and call it pristine. Let it be known that you cut out the barcode from the
box. Photos are important front,rear, and the entire barrel area.

Furlan wrote in post #18710745
Neither your not B&H just list as like new, mint or get fancy and call it pristine. Let it be known that you cut out the barcode from the
box. Photos are important front,rear, and the entire barrel area.

Good advice. I'll skip rating scales and stick with objective descriptions such as

"Absolutely no mechanical, optical, or cosmetic wear or defect."

That sounds more reliable than "prestine," "mint", "rarely used, "excellent", or even "Like new."

I especially hate the descriptor "Like new." Too vague. Can you be like young, or like pregnant?

Carson: "It's so like new."
Audience: "How like new is it?"

I used to buy used gears from BH, cameras that rated 9 turned out more than it is rated for. Most of them are perfect condition and shutter counts is no more than 2000 clicks.

But, within the last year or so, cameras I bought rated 9+ and should have been rate 8 because scratches everywhere. I don't trust their rating system anymore (perhaps they might have hired some new inspectors)

The best practice of selling is Honest and Upfront of what you're selling. Pictures worth a thousand words, you can state that it is Like New condition, but you must show some pictures to prove your statement. One important thing to remember! CLEAN your gears and make sure it is dust free.

I HATE Net Price and shipping on Buyers. My 9 years old nephew can do that simple math. The price you're asking should be the price buyers are paying.

I just bought my first used item from B&H and it was listed as a 9. It was a Sirui K20x ballhead. If it didn't have the sticker on it saying used and had the camera plate not had a couple scuffs I would not have know it was a used item. The head had zero marks, dirt or dust, and functioned identical to a brand new one. I'd have zero problems buying something from them rated 9 or better after this experience.

As the question about warranty, if you need a warranty I suggest you buy from a member on a forum who can supply you with a receipt for the purchase and also had bought it within the last year.