Jerry Moos stated: Whether an NIP component would lose value if the box seal were broken strikes me a legitimate and even fascinating question.
Some of you may remember an offer on rec.bicycles.marketplace a few years ago for some complete, in the box, bicycles that had never been opened. The seller's offer even said that he had no idea what was really in the box, but opening it would decrease the value, so the buyer had to take the risk. I remember thinking that my brain was in some sort of warped mind game. If I bought and paid a premium for the box because it was sealed, would my "investment" decrease when my curiosity overcame my greed? I hope these weren't the carefully wrapped Masi bicycles that John Barron picked up!! I believe Dale's rules on selling are perfect--Offer items to the list only once and with a firm price. Trolling for value and mentioning things like "I may offer this for sale sometime in the future" are weak cover for outing an item without having to state a price. If a listmember really wants to know how much something is worth, a private email to someone is a better alternative. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL
Don't forget to declare your ebay/internet sales profits on your Schedule D!