posted on March 13, 2002 06:52:48 PM new
I have some softcover books I want to sell "like new" on ebay but the prev. owner wrote her name in ballpoint ink inside the front cover. Is there any way to get rid of the ink??
posted on March 13, 2002 07:08:25 PM new
Some ink can be lightened just a bit with a white plastic eraser, but that's about it. Too easy to make a mess of it to clean it further.
A book with an owner's name isn't really like new IMHO (I sell lots of books). I rate them very good. Like new is essentially new...almost indistinguishable from a new book in the store. People who buy "like new" books frequently buy them as gifts. I realize that for all practical purposes there's no difference between a book with someone's name in it and one that's not, but it's better to err on the side of underrating your stuff. FWIW very good condition books do quite well on eBay.
posted on March 13, 2002 08:44:58 PM new
When I have books in great condition but with an owner's inscription inside the cover, I list them as very good with owner's inscription on inside front cover (or wherever it is).I would never try to erase ink for fear it'd make a worse mess.
One time, though, one of the first pages, one that had no printing on it, had been written on quite a lot, or scribbled, I guess I'd say. I tore that blank page out carefully and warned buyers that one blank opening page was missing. I don't think that was dishonest.
