This article will give you all of the information you need on the acronym NWOT, including its definition, usage, origin, sentence examples, and more!
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Kevin -
February 14, 2021 -
Common Questions
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What does NWOT stand for?
The acronym NWOT means “new without tags.” According to Poshmark, this term is commonly used to describe a piece of apparel, footwear, or other item that is being sold on internet marketplaces like Poshmark and eBay. NWT means that the item has never been worn or used, but that it does not have its original tags. These items will usually have more value than an item that has been used or that has wear and tear.
However, items that are NWOT may not drive as hard a bargain as items that are NWT, or “new with tags.” If an item is new with tags, this means that the customer knows it has never been worn, washed, used, or opened. For an item that is NWOT, the customer places trust in the seller that they are not lying about the item being new or unworn.
Most customers will search for products that are NWOT or NWT online if they are worried about the function or cleanliness of an item. This will be a common search term for items like clothing, a pair of shoes, or electronics. If someone decides to purchase an item that is not NWT or NWOT, they may be risking the quality, cleanliness, or function of the item. A seller who is advertising an item that is not NWT or NWOT may hide staines or damages, and online marketplaces sometimes have no returns or refunds policies. Therefore, many opt to only purchase items that are advertised as NWT or NWOT.
Is the acronym NWOT casual or formal?
While NWOT is considered internet slang, it is not unprofessional to use. This term is frequently used by reputable sellers on online marketplace sites like eBay, Poshmark, or other online thrift stores. In these contexts, it is merely considered an item descriptor, and the abbreviation is not classified as slang or casual rhetoric.
While this is an acceptable acronym to use as an online retailer or shopper, people should be wary about using other abbreviations that are considered chat or text speak when speaking to customers. This is seen as informal, casual language and should never be used in a professional setting like a business transaction or formal email. Sellers are encouraged to use acronyms like NWT and NWOT in their item headings and descriptions, but should not use other internet slang like HMU, LOL, or BRB when communicating with potential buyers.
In order to communicate one’s professionalism, sellers should capitalize NWOT when using the abbreviation in an item heading or description. It comes across as much more professional when one uses proper capitalization, particularly on online retailers where one does not always know how reputable a seller may be.
What are other common internet marketplace item descriptors?
There are a plethora of other abbreviations that one may see in item headers or descriptions on marketplace websites like eBay or Poshmark. These are listed below from Poshmark, The Sun, and eBay Community, alongside their definitions.
- HTF – Hard To Find – Used with items that are rare, vintage, or discontinued
- EUC – Excellent Used Condition – Used for items that have gentle wear and tear.
- VUC – Very Used Condition – Used for items that are extremely worn, faded, or discolored.
- BNWT – Brand New With Tags
- LNWOT – Like New Without Tags
- BNIB – Brand New In Box – Similar to NWT, this is frequently used for items like electronics or cookware that are new in their original boxes
- NWOB – New Without Box
- VTG – Vintage
- VGC – Very Good Condition
- BIN – Buy It Now – Typically one price will be labeled as a bid or auction price, and the other is a “buy it now” price. If the customer selects the “buy it now” price, they commit to purchasing and the auction is closed.
- MNT – Mint Condition
- GU – Gently Used
- NBW – Never Been Work
- RET – Retired – Used for items that are discontinued or no longer being manufactured.
- S/O – Sold Out
How can NWOT be used in a sentence?
NWOT is most commonly seen as an item header or descriptor for listings on eBay, but the term could also be used in communication between buyer and seller via text or instant messenger.
In this example, Radia put some of her clothing up on Facebook Marketplace to sell. Her friend Danie texts her after seeing the listing:
Danie: Hey! Noticed you were selling a lot of stuff on Facebook! I’m interested in that leather jacket, how is the quality on that one?
Radia: It’s NWOT! I ordered it online and was so excited to try it on that I ripped the tags off as soon as I got it. Of course, it didn’t fit, and then I couldn’t return it. It’s brand new!
Danie: Amazing! I would love to buy it!
Here, Radia uses NWOT to describe the jacket that she bought but never wore.
What are synonyms for NWOT?
Thesaurus lists many similar words and phrases for the acronym NWOT, that are listed below!
- Unused
- Untouched
- Pristine
- Brand New
- Fresh
- Unworn
- Spotless
- Flawless
- Unscathes
- Immaculate
- Perfect
- Sanitary
- Unblemished
- Without a scratch
Overall, the acronym NWOT stands for “new without tags” and is frequently used in item descriptions and headings by online retailers on websites like eBay, Poshmark, and other online thrifting sites. Sellers use this to describe items that have never been worn or used, but that are not in their original packaging or with their original tags. Buyers may need to be wary when seeing NWOT unless the seller gives reasoning for the missing tags.
Sources:
- https://blog.poshmark.com/2014/06/19/posh-tip-how-to-describe-the-condition-of-your-item/#:~:text=New%20With%20Tags%20items%20are,abbreviations%20in%20our%20Poshmark%20glossary.
- https://community.ebay.com/t5/Member-To-Member-Support/What-does-HTF-mean/qaq-p/29963100
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/6444732/the-secret-codes-used-by-ebay-sellers-and-how-to-decode-them/
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/brandnew
