So I ordered some drives. Seller created a shipping label and the asked me for permission to open the seal and test the drives. I said no, keep them sealed and I will test them when they arrive. They did it anyway (who knows if they were even sealed in the first place) because they say they've been getting returns due to issues with the drives...
This is a tactic, not to mention bait and switch. It's to get a buyer on written record in ebay messaging to unwittingly agree to a post-purchase downgrade to Used/Refurb for what was advertised New to capture a higher price. It's leverage against the buyer for several scenarios if buyer complains or returns.
No negative feedback, Top Rated and has item set for free seller paid returns - this guy knows the ebay game because that combo is a trap that gives seller max leverage in a dispute. He's savvy getting neg feedback removed, and leverages the "buyer had agreed to the thing they're complaining about" in his supporting evidence for the removals.
This item was suspect the moment I saw "August 2022" production date + "no warranty", because it means nothing else about the description of the item should be taken at face value.