lurkyloo
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posted on November 10, 2003 07:00:57 AM new
I'd like opinions about what "mint but gently used" condition is when talking about a vintage item (small appliance that would normally see light to moderate usage). Does it mean that it's pretty much out-of-the-box new or clean as new with maybe a few light scratches/use marks? Or can there be several minor to moderate flaws such as some parts being dirty or caked with dirt, or something attached to it peeling up or flaking (that wouldn't affect the usefulness of the item)?
My idea is the former instead of the latter, but a seller I bought something from is standing by her valuation of "mint" even when I pointed out the flaws that the item has.
Thanks for weighing in.... 
Not lurkyloo on eBay
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pandorasbox
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posted on November 10, 2003 07:11:12 AM new
"Mint" and "gently used" are mutually exclusive terms.
Mint is new, unused, pristine....
Even "out of the box" begs the issue...jmho.
"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them."- John Wayne/The Shootist"(from the novel by Glendon Swarthout)
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Libra63
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posted on November 10, 2003 07:19:01 AM new
Personally I would never use Mint and gently used together. If something is gently used it is not Mint. When talking about Mint vintage items I feel that it is something still in box, never used with price tags still on.
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stopwhining
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posted on November 10, 2003 07:48:56 AM new
it should be gently used,in almost new condition.
mint is mint,if it has been used ,it is not mint.
-sig file -------The thrill is gone!!
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Japerton
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posted on November 10, 2003 11:53:49 AM new
I hhhhhhhhhate when the auction says mint in the title....then you read in the text "gently used" or "used once" ....it's enough to make you want to slap a seller silly.
Oher offenders? "Truly near mint" what? "Minty" gum is it? "Could call this mint" well you could but...
Oh well...
J
~~~~~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~~~~~
All the monkeys aren't in the zoo,
Every day you meet quite a few,
So you see it's all up to you.
You can be better than you are,
You could be swingin' on a star
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BIGPEEPA
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posted on November 10, 2003 12:15:30 PM new
question, I know lurkyloo's post is about an appliance but what about sellers using the word mint on something that is old and never had a box. Lets say something like a Victorian old figurine that has no chips or cracks or damage of any kind or a vintage silk scarf that has no stains or signs of wear. Is it O.K. or not for a seller to use the mint word with pieces like that. Let me know what you think about this use of the mint word.
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sanmar
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posted on November 10, 2003 12:15:52 PM new
I guess that it depends on what you are adverising as to say MINT. I use it on china that is in pristine condition. In other words it cannot be told from new. I would never use it on appliances, clothing or books. China & crystal are a different category as far as I am concerned. If I sell you a plate & say it is MINT, then I defy you tell it from new. I also use MIB for things that I know have never been used.
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rarriffle
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posted on November 10, 2003 01:02:52 PM new
and any item that has dirt caked on it or something that is peeling off of it is neither mint or gently used. your seller went way out of bounds with your item.
IMHO, mint does not always mean new in the box. many things never had a box and a great number of items can be mint without the box.
for instance, an antique toy that still retains all of its original paint and works just the way it was meant to could be called mint.
Life is only as good or bad as you make it.
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neroter12
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posted on November 10, 2003 05:38:27 PM new
I always thought mint condition implied good as new with no flaws, etc. but i never really considered if that meant used or unused. ????? Anything vintage is most likly used - unless in box, no?
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on November 10, 2003 06:29:35 PM new
The precise definition of the term "Mint" realy depends on what item it is being used to describe. For example, with a Comic Book... Mint is used to describe the Highest Collectible grade of comic book. However.... that does not mean that it might not have some defects. (GASP... Mint can have defects?? YES!) According to the Overstreet Grading Guide the Mint grade description is:
"Near perfect in every way. Only the most subtle printing or bindery defects allowed. Cover is flat with no surface wear. Cover inks are bright with high reflectivity and minimal fading. Corners are cut square and sharp. Small, light pencilled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptible as long as they are in an unobrusive or aesthetical location. Staples must be original and are generally centered and clean with no rust. Books signed on the inside do not detract from this grade. Cover is well centered and firmly secured to interior pages. Paper is supple and like new. Spine is tight and flat."
Now... obviously it must be "near perfect" to be graded as Mint, but a comic book CAN actually have minor imperfections and still earn the highly sought after grade of Mint!
Bottom-line is follow some simple grading strategies when examing any items (on or off eBay)
1) First, know what the school-book definition of the Mint grade is for the type of item you are purchasing!
2) Second, use that knowledge to make your OWN assessment of the item (based on pictures and descriptions).
3) Third, try to get another outside opinion. Do you have a friend knowledgeable about the item you're considering purchasing? Ask them to view the auction and evaluate the grade.
4) Fourth, No matter how specific the grading criteria, there will always be differences of opinion! A reasonable person will always respect a possible difference in opinion. (and spend your money accordingly... if you think it should really be graded at Near Mint... only place a bid for a Near Mint price!)
Hope that helps. I just had to put in my two cents since everyone here seems to think that "Mint" should always mean absolutely perfect. Guess again!
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sparkz
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posted on November 10, 2003 06:48:03 PM new
The use of the word "mint" in an auction should be approached with extreme caution. You are automatically opening yourself up to "not as represented" claims every time you use it. The seller's definition of mint means absolutely nothing. It's what the buyer considers "mint" that will prompt the refund requests and negative feedback. I have used the phrase "mint condition" about 5 times since I have been selling on Ebay which is 5 years. There are two many other adjectives to hype an item that are much safer to use.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
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local
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posted on November 10, 2003 07:02:33 PM new
I agree with sparkz - I never use the word mint! Instead I use - Like New. If the item is still in a box with tags, then I use NIB. The word "mint" is a tricky one, that can come back & bite you!
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rarriffle
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posted on November 11, 2003 01:59:41 AM new
like new is overused almost as much as mint though.
like new? with a big dent in side and paint missing? same arguments as with mint.
Life is only as good or bad as you make it.
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Dragonmom
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posted on November 11, 2003 10:15:12 AM new
"mint" comes from "the Mint" meaning the place where the stuff was made. It would mean straight from the factory. I would asy "In very good shape" possibly, but I can't imagine many vintage items being Mint. I'd want to have an outside specialist look at it before I made that call- and then, you might as well send it to Sotheby's, if it's that good!
"And All Shall be Well, and All Shall be Well, and All Manner of Things Shall be Well"
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