Are you browsing listings on eBay? You'll notice sellers use a range of acronyms in their listings to describe the condition of the goods on sale.
What does it mean if a listing has 'NWOT' in the description? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym.
Meaning
The acronym 'NWOT' refers to the acronym 'New Without Tags.' Sellers will use the abbreviation when listing items for sale that are 'New without Tags.' If something is new without tags, it's never been used and is in its original condition, but the seller doesn't have the original labels that came with the product.
NWOT is an acronym featured in listings and product descriptions on classified sites like Craigslist and online marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark. If someone is selling a shirt and the listing says 'NWOT,' it means that the short is in brand new condition, but the owner doesn't have the original tags from the store. They may have removed them, or someone else pulled them off because they gifted the product to a friend.
If something is 'NWOT,' the owner has never worn or washed it, and it's in the same condition as when they purchased it at the store. However, many sellers may list 'NWOT' as a way to circumvent the return policy on these marketplaces. As a result, you end up buying a 'lemon' that's damaged or not in its original condition.
Example Usage
"There are dozens of listings available, but all of them are NWOT. I don't want to buy something unless it comes with the tags."
"You can trust shady sellers on eBay that open listings with goods advertised as 'NWOT.' Most of the goods they sell are used, not new. They're just trying to take advantage of you."
"I don't buy anything listed as 'NWOT.' It's just not worth risking the buyer sending you something that's heavily used."
"Is this listing NWOT or brand new with tags? I don't buy anything that's NWOT. I've been burned too often by sellers."
Origin
Phrases Similar to NWOT
- Immaculate.
- Perfect.
- Sanitary.
- Unblemished.
- Without a scratch.
Phrases Opposite to NWOT
- Used
- New with tags.
What is the Correct Saying?
- NWOT
- New Without Tags.
Ways People May Say NWOT Incorrectly
Some people may use ‘NWOT’ to describe an item that isn’t in new condition or good shape. This use of the acronym is incorrect. NWOT refers to an item that’s never been used but doesn’t have the tags.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase NWOT
The acronym ‘NWOT’ suits online use in classified listings. It means ‘new without tags’ and describes a good deal for the buyer. You’ll use the phrase when browsing or creating listings to give the prospective buyer a clear indication of the condition of the goods.
You’ll use the phrase to describe a new item with no tags. Typically, these items are unwanted gifts where the person removes the labels because they don’t want the recipient to know how much they paid for the item. NWOT refers to anything new, including clothing, collectibles, and all new items you find on classified sites that don’t have tags.