I'm not sure what you mean by Electronic Circuit Packs.  I am assuming you are asking about the items in your current listings.

I think that if there is someone devious enough to switch components and claim DOA you would have a hard time proving it (assuming you don't pre-check prior to shipping).  In reality, how many of this type are out there?  What would the cost be to have the item validated?  The cost of having this done might cut deep into your profits that it may be better to assume that 1 in x many sold items might come back as DOA.

If you have old items that are questionable you can check some of them yourself.  Fuses can be checked for an open circuit with a multimeter.  Contactors can be checked the same way.  The coil will have some amount of resistance.  The contacts can be checked too.  This can be done without applying power to a new item.

You may find it difficult to rely on the buyer to have the part validated.  Even if they are reimbursed or not.  Assume that the buyer is Joe Honest Guy and he puts the part in and it doesn't work.  No fault of his own or yours.  He may be angry because his machine is down, he's loosing money because he can't make his widget, and now you are asking him to go and prove that it was faulty before he sends it back.  It really would be asking more than anyone expects from a buyer.

Say you have an item like the PLC5 Processor you recently sold and it looks new, the terminals show no signs of being used, you've recorded the serial number and have pictures to validate it.  You have some proof against tampering.

As to power testing a component.  PLC processors, Variable Frequency Drives, Brake Controllers, and so on may work ok when  power is applied and still be faulty.  This may not show up until in running or in use under load.  Years ago we would conduct a burn in of the new components for 24 hours after a control panel was assembled.  If a component failed it would usually fail in that time period.  I'm not suggesting you do that.  What I am trying to get at is that you may encounter a failed component.  If and when it happens take it in stride and examine it when you get it back from the buyer.  If it shows signs of tampering, re-solder on the circuit board, arc spatter or carbon on the wire terminals (they disconnected a wire under power or worse), or anything suspicious then you may have a case.  It might be difficult to prove power tested or not.

Have a plan for when it happens so that you won't be driven by emotion.  It will help you can think clearly and respond professionally.

That's my 2 cents and I am sure that someone probably has some better advice who has already dealt with a suspicous return.

If the seller of an electronic item removes something from the box to verify that it works I do not consider that as used. Used I consider items that are sold then bought from a second party not the original seller.

I would actually be more willing to buy from a seller that states he has tested the item to verify its functions but no further usage was done, than one that sold an expensive item in the box sealed.

The reason is that items that are expensive can be very hard to return without a sales reciept and often you have to be the original purchaser. If the seller has tested the item that gives me piece of mind that it works and I will not be looking at a lengthy return process.

I read your link. It does have good info, thanks.  I am realizing how important pictures are for documenting the products we sell.

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