Classified Rant, I can't hold back any longer...

[jstrange]

I have never sold on this site, but have elsewhere. I am not a professional dealer in goods and don't always know the correct terminology. As many have demonstrated in this thread alone there are many definitions for these terms and no set standard. I don't often have time to take pictures from every conceivable angle nor do I take the time to describe in detail every mark on the knife. I just try to do the best I can with the time I have. As with all interactions, honesty is the best policy.

With that being said, I always price things fairly (I hope) and often ask for best offers. I try to always inform buyers to ask questions and request additional pictures if they are not comfortable with what I have taken. I buy and trade knives to use, so none of mine are ever mint. That doesn't bother me, but I do understand others have different standards. All my sales always include shipping and fees in the asking price. I feel that is just easier.

Lastly, because there is so much room for error, difference of opinion, and misinterpretation in adds I always let the buyer know that they will be satisfied or they get their money/knife back. I have never had someone take me up on that, but I would be happy to do it. This is just a hobby for me, not a way to make money.

 

[Quiet]

Sometimes I wonder if it would be allowed to start up an ongoing thread where you post up the names and links to sellers in the Exchange who are asking these ridiculous conditions on their sales like the buyer paying Paypal fees, the seller asking for a percentage higher than Paypal actually charges, or sellers who are demanding Gift only. Maybe if we started shaming some of these guys, they'd see the errors of their ways, and hell, I'd be totally fine with posting up and then PMing them a link to the thread. Maybe we'd stop seeing some of this poor behavior AND the moderators wouldn't even have to get involved. Public shame would be quite an effective deterrent, I feel.

 

[craytab]

Sometimes I wonder if it would be allowed to start up an ongoing thread where you post up the names and links to sellers in the Exchange who are asking these ridiculous conditions on their sales like the buyer paying Paypal fees, the seller asking for a percentage higher than Paypal actually charges, or sellers who are demanding Gift only. Maybe if we started shaming some of these guys, they'd see the errors of their ways, and hell, I'd be totally fine with posting up and then PMing them a link to the thread. Maybe we'd stop seeing some of this poor behavior AND the moderators wouldn't even have to get involved. Public shame would be quite an effective deterrent, I feel.

Just to add to your list of ridiculous conditions quiet "paypal goods, insurance is extra". This demonstrates a complete lack of understanding how buying and selling works on the internet.

And yes, I would be in favor of such an ongoing shame thread. That said, I don't think it would ever work. Think about the long hours the mods would have to put in to keep things civil.

 

[Corytr]

"Insurance Extra". "PP Gift Only" "Add 6% PP Fees". "Not Responsible For Knife Once It Ships" "Offers Lower Than My Excessively High Asking Price Will Be Ignored" "Camera Doesn't Work, Sorry".

Another great one is when they are asking $$, shipped. You say "I'll take it" and when they send you PP info, it's THEN they inform you to add the PP fees.

I'll pass. Thank you.

Personally I always hold the funds until the deal is done. And yes, the deal is not done until the knife is received and feedback is left. If I am the seller, I am responsible for getting the knife all the way to your door.

 

[Corytr]

Here is a quote from this thread ---- http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1294371-At-what-point-is-a-knife-still-NIB-LNIB-vs-outright-used.

PurpleDC, I hope that it is ok that I am quoting you here as you laid this out very, very nicely.

My definitions have evolved due to necessity. This is how i see it. And there are exceptions. The biggest of which is just because a knife came from the factory or maker with visible flaws it should be disclosed even if lnib or from the maker.

New- knife purchased direct from dealer or maker

Like new- knife sold via secondary market but in exact condition as received from dealer.

Excellent used condition - knife could have been fondled or manipulated and as such will have a broken in action but otherwise no visual signs it was used or carried. Factory edge intact

Gently Used - varying stages of use visible on close inspection. Damage and wear should be explained in detail. Factory edge may be present but touched up. Knife can be reprofiled if adequately done and shaving.

Used - same as gently used but wear and damage easily seen via naked eye. Edge can vary.

Heavily used/user - clearly shows heavy signs of use. Scratches, drops, worn through coatings all commonplace. Still useful as a tool yet low collectable value unless special circumstances. Factory edge completely gone.

For parts - broken or so heavily used it is dangerous to keep in rotation. Reduced to parts or conversation piece.

 

[uofaengr]

MINTY but LIGHTLY sharpened. I still haven't figured out lightly sharpened. So while you physically removed metal off of the edge of your MINTY or LNIB knife, did you wisp over the edge with pressure so faint it can only be measured on a subatomic scale as opposed to you normally bearing down on the stone with all 300 lb of your body weight?

I need some of these numbers gurus in the exchange that developed percent condition of their LNIB knives to develop a quantitative scale of perceived sharpness lightness.

 

[other memory]

MINTY but LIGHTLY sharpened. I still haven't figured out lightly sharpened.

What? That's a contradiction.

Trying to decipher people's attempts at softening the facts (in this case the knife was sharpened) is a waste of time. It's a distraction. Look at the facts and assess from there.

If it's sharpened, it can't be mint. Mint = untouched. Any kind of add-on subjective commentary nulls the original claim.

What sellers should tell us: Did you touch it? Did you use it? Yes. About how much? Oh, a little bit? Okay, thanks.

 

[cchu518]

I try not to be a douche about it if I cut a piece of paper with the knife I call it used. With full disclosure about how lightly used it is. Some ppl try to get away with not losing any money on the flip of a knife they impulse bought and now don't want.

Ppl really should just suck it up and concede the hobby is a sickness lol and that your bound to part with some hard earned money because of it. Lol

 

[Thomas Linton]

I expect to part with $$. I hope not to be fleeced in the process. So far here it's all been good. ePrey is a whole other story, especially with folding knives.

 

[uofaengr]

What? That's a contradiction.

Trying to decipher people's attempts at softening the facts (in this case the knife was sharpened) is a waste of time. It's a distraction. Look at the facts and assess from there.

If it's sharpened, it can't be mint. Mint = untouched. Any kind of add-on subjective commentary nulls the original claim.

What sellers should tell us: Did you touch it? Did you use it? Yes. About how much? Oh, a little bit? Okay, thanks.

It was a sarcastic comment taking on 2 separate issues in the exchange. One is calling a knife mint or near mint when it's been sharpened (LIGHTLY MIND YOU lol). The other one which is common across many different threads is the lightly sharpened thing. Just poking fun at both.

 

[longknives]

LNIB should mean only one thing - Its condition is precisely as it would be if purchased new from a dealer - period.

This is my take as well, but pictures tell the real story and if the two don't jive, what does that say about the seller.

 

[Triforge]

For me
MINT got it, handled, then immediately listed

NIB if since I got it, I've picked it up maybe once, then left it in the box (for a period of time, a couple months then listed)

LNIB Unused, no marks, maybe in pocket but only walked around the house then waited for a period of time then sold
Anything else, even if I was carrying it in the house and scratched it or something it's NOT LNIB it "has scratch marks" and I will list any aesthetic defects in my threads.

 

[Monofletch]

I try not to be a douche about it if I cut a piece of paper with the knife I call it used. With full disclosure about how lightly used it is. Some ppl try to get away with not losing any money on the flip of a knife they impulse bought and now don't want.

Ppl really should just suck it up and concede the hobby is a sickness lol and that your bound to part with some hard earned money because of it. Lol

Well said.

 

[neeman]

From eBay

Often times we see initials used in Ebay titles and descriptions when describing Vintage TOYS and DOLLS.

This is what they mean:

• MIB: 'Mint in Box' means this item is in MINT condition and in its original box.
• NIB: 'New in the Box' means the item looks the way it did when it came from the factory, and more than likely never played with.
• NRFB: 'Never Removed From the Box' means the item has never been taken out of the original box, thus never handled.
• NOS: 'New Old Stock' generally refers to a 'lot' or 'bulk' items that have been discovered tucked away from an old store or business. Generally these items are in their original packaging which generally has 'shelf dust,' but the actual item has been protected.
• MIBS: There is NO such initial description as MIBS when referring to antiques and collectibles. MIBS is a error/mistake that obviously was made while someone was listing on Ebay. Actually the correct term is MIB, not MISB. So often sellers copy/follow others when listing, and the mistake has been repeated. To be a knowledgeable seller, use the term MIB, not MIBS. If the box has a cellophane wrapper, and it has not been removed, sometimes the letters MISB are used, which means Mint in Sealed Box.

 

[stevelenti]

Ok, I'm at least satisfied that I'm not the only one who feels that something "Like New" should not have any noticeable wear or modifications.

My feelings on this are:

NIB = New from the retailer and not carried, handled (except for inspection) or used and all materials that are in new condition

LNIB = Handled and maybe even used, but no sign of wear and could be put under the glass at the retail shop and no one would know the difference. AND comes with the box and all materials

MINT = Could pass for new except for a hard, intense inspection that may reveal a micro, spider thread scratch on the blade, but otherwise it looks new.

^^ +1 this

-Steve