Auction glossaryFor Parts or Not Working: What the Condition Means
For parts or not working means an item doesn't fully work, or hasn't been confirmed to work, and is sold for repair, parts or salvage. The seller makes no promise it functions, and you shouldn't expect a return if it doesn't. It's the lowest condition grade, below used and open box.
Who buys items marked for parts?
Repair techs, flippers and hobbyists who know a fix, or who need a working part from a broken unit. A dead robot vacuum might need only a $25 battery, while a TV with a cracked screen is usually worth its parts at most. Unlike open box, you're buying the problem along with the item.
How do you bid on for-parts lots?
Bid as if nothing works, because you may be right. Value the item on its parts or the cheapest likely repair, then subtract that cost and your time. Untested isn't the same as for parts, but it carries similar risk, since nobody has checked. Our guide to open box, used and for parts explains each grade.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between damaged and for parts?
Damaged means physical damage on an item that may still work; for parts means it doesn't work, or isn't known to. On Auktia, sellers (auction houses) mark items either way, along with tested or untested.
Can I return a for-parts item?
Generally no. For-parts items are sold as is, where is, and not working is the expected condition.