What does NOS mean to you?

[cherrybomb]

I'm not 100% in agreement with some of the things that have been said.

NOS to me means, New Old Stock. Which translates as never used.
I wouldn't assume there were no marks or that it was all there (bits missing) and I'd certainly not expect packaging. (unless, of course it was described as having all these things). NOS could have been knocking around in the bottom of a box for years getting marked and with bits going astray.

What the OP described to me as NOS, I would describe as NIP (New in Packaging), which is a whole other kettle of fish.

Having said all that, the item you have received has obviously been fitted (and by the looks of things, used) so it doesn't fit into either category as far as I'm concerned so you have every right to be pi$$ed.

 

[dbmtb]

Concur....

NOS has not been fitted or used but packaging can be missing.
NIB (New in Box) or NIP (New in Packaging) is what it says

 

[Jamiedyer]

NOS

I agree with most here with the exception of cherrybomb. NOS in all the places I have been around the world has never meant sitting in the box of spares getting scratched and greasyand certainly not missing parts, unless clearly described. It means that it is new, old (probably no longer in production, or not the same as current issue, stock (as in shop stock, as you would find in a shop) This may not have packaging but that should be mentioned. It should be in the condition you buy at a shop, hence why its called stock not my spares, but more than likely that 10 year old cardboard label or box has fallen apart, but certainly not from the bottom of a box of spares.
I think a lot of people think 'I only used it once or twice and its still very shiny for a old whatever that I will call it NOS', and ask for a premium that you wouldnt get if you told the truth
I would ask for my money back as its clearly not new.

Jamie

 

[RockiMtn]

Old item perhaps out of circulation, but new and never been used. As if you were to have bought it however number of years ago. Packaging optional but preferred.

If someone was to designate something as NOS then any flaws or deviations from that would and SHOULD be disclosed.

ie. No packaging, may have scuffs or marks from storage all those years, but shouldn't have any damage. missing parts that may have gotten lost, etc...

If it has been fitted but NOT used is borderline to me. if it's not noticeable then most people won't know anyway, but an honest seller would still disclose that.

Anyway, used is used, no if's and's or but's about it. Once used, however lightly, it is NOT NOS anymore.

I'd definitely contact the seller and complain about the poor description of the items condition and request some sort of refund!

Good luck with that and let us know how it goes!

 

[cherrybomb]

Re: NOS

I agree with most here with the exception of cherrybomb.

Jamie

I think you miss understand. It's not whet I think NOS should mean, but rather what, in my experience, it is used to mean more often than you'd expect.

 

[Archangel]

I agree that NOS should be unused and hopefully comes with original instructions and package.

Mint can be installed but not used. Many people advertise their used parts as mint where in my opinion a mint part shouldn't be used and have no wear etc.

 

[pete_mcc]

Totally agree with a lot of the above with the exception that if it's been fitted and not used then it is 'as new' not NOS. NOS to my mind is box fresh, unused, unfitted.

To me:
-NOS is brand new, unused old stock, no faults, as it was when new
-NIB is brand new and in box old stock, no faults, as it was when new
NIB is always NOS, but NOS is not always NIB (many items never had boxes/packaging!)
-As New is fitted but unused, such as it looks as it was when new
-Used is everything else and should be graded as such with a 1-10 score

Anything that has been faded, chipped, bashed, rattled around in a spares box should never be described as NOS, NIB or as new, because its not. You wouldn't go into a shop and buy a brand new faded, chipped, bashed item for full price, would you?

 

[Jamiedyer]

NOS

Ahh I see where your coming from cherrybomb.
Apologies.

Jamie

 

[Elev12k]

@Pete
If an NOS item shows signs from being moved around in storage I feel it is most understandable if it is described as 'NOS item with signs from moving around in storage' and not as 'used 9/10'

 

[justbackdated]

Agree about the NOS meanings generally.
New Old Stock is usually used to describe an UNUSED item from bitd when it was NEW; wether it is mint or 'storage marked';look at some of my NOS VW panels for example; some of them are as rusty as hell; still 'new' but have been stored badly!! The seller should describe the item as such. The OLD STOCK bit just says it is not current kit.
NIB/NIP is often used to describe less 'retro' items but is also used to describe NOS items where said item is still in its original wrapping; opened or unopened. If an item has been fitted to something then it can no longer be classed as NEW.