posted on November 18, 2000 11:32:47 PM new
I sell more than my share of books on Ebay (both paperback and hardback), and yet have no idea how to give them a grade for ads. Does the grading go from fair to good to mint like records? What if everything is wonderful about the book, but you detect slight scratches on back cover? What if there is a one inch black felt pen mark on bottom of pages? That means discontinued, right? Does it kill a book as far as value?
Thanks in advance.
posted on November 19, 2000 07:50:29 AM newbelalug3 ~ The black felt pen mark on the bottom of the book is called a remainder mark. Sometimes instead of a line they use a red dot, spray the bottom edges, stamp a little man, etc. It should be definitely be mentioned and yes it does devalue the book to some degree.
posted on November 19, 2000 11:30:11 AM new
I found a lot of information about grading and identifying editions on "alibris.com". Sorry, I don't know how to put a link on here yet.
posted on November 19, 2000 02:40:04 PM new
belalug - You will get a combination of bidders on many books; collectors who know the meaning of all those terms and others who do not. I think it is best to describe very carefully, with a combination of the grading terms you are referring to plus plain "commonsense" description for those who don't know exactly what "good" or "fine" might mean.
posted on November 19, 2000 04:40:18 PM new
In describing a book's condition, it's important to consider the possible buyer of your book.
If you are selling first editions to book collectors, you need to
be especially careful in your description to include the condition of
both the book and dustjacket.
I learned this the hard way when I had a pristeen book returned to
me because the price was clipped off the dust jacket. The "remainder
mark" that you mentioned is also considered a major flaw to some
collectors so it's best to mention that also.
It's also important to indicate if there is a previous owner's signature
in the book or one of those "infamous" book plates with a signature.
If you have a book that is just like one
that you take off the shelf in the bookstore
then you can call it Fine or f/f, indicating
that both the book and book jacket are fine.
And for all the other books, thank goodness there are people who want a
good book to read!
