I was offered a Box o Books and was honeslty excited about the swap. The user has a lot of good books but the problem is out of 10 trades they have 2 negitive. The 2 neg. are very recent too. Plus the neg. isn't about late shipping and stuff lke that. The books sound pretty nasty.

I was just going to decline, but I like to tell the person why.

Now, I'm an honest person but I'm also the type who doesn't want to hurt others you know?

Should I just tell them something like "I'm sorry but I have to decline" & leave it at that or should I mentioned the neg. feedback as the reason why.

I know I could make up something and say I didn't see anything on their shelf but I  don't like to lie even if it is a white one. lol

What would you do?

If they had books I was interested in, I'd give them a chance.  With only 10 trades, they might have had bad luck and hit a couple of cranks. 

But I might make it conditional. 

"I'm concerned about the feedbacks you've received citing books in unacceptable condition.  I'm willing to make a trade on the condition that you send your books first and I will send mine after I receive yours and see they are in good condition.  If any aren't in good condition, I'll send them back, reducing the number I send by the same number.  If that sounds fair to you, let me know."

-bret

That is an interesting idea, Bret. The 2 neg. were on the most recent 3 trades. So out of 3 trades they have 2 bad ones. All different people too.

I'll see what others say before I decide.

Bret's idea is probably the best if you want to be honest and give them a chance. If they don't want to bother with your request, they can always say no. If they get upset that you're even asking, knowing they've had two unhappy trades recently, then you probably don't want to trade with them anyway.

I'd have reservations as well.

Great point, Cindy.

I would give them a chance.

I wouldn't automatically say say.  I did swaps with people with less then terrific ccomments from previous swapers.  It would depend on WHY they got the negitive.....I would do as Bret suggested and conditionally say YES, but.............

Julie,

  I think your response was the most helpful. I plan on doing just that.

Ashley

I think Julie's advice sounds good.  For all you know, (s)he could have gotten a big box of books at a library sale or garage sale over the summer, and not inspected all of them when (s)he mailed them out, causing the situation.

Or it may be that she mostly swaps older, out-of-print books and the recipients were hoping for "like new."  There are many reasons why she might have gotten a ding (justly or unjustly) that really don't apply to your swap.  I agree, be upfront and polite and see what happens.  Who knows, maybe you'll wind up with a great swap!

"Thats a good point Kristen.  She could just have old books and the folks that ordered didnt look at the publishing date when they picked the books.

I would definately ask her what the issues were with the people that gave neg feedback.

I contacted her like Julie suggested and waiting to hear back.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

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Edit after checking my email -

Opps, just noticed she declined about 30mins ago and no PM about why. I wrote a kind note pretty much copying what Julie suggested, but adding my own words.

Oh well.

Thanks again.

I think it was appropriate to ask, but it sounds like you're probably better off.

FYI

I have had very good luck with requesting the condition of books especially if there is negative feedback. I have had an experience where I have received negative feedback because the book was not in new condition. I find it is alway better to ask if unsure. 98% of the people who do BOB are really great to deal with. The regular people can be more difficult as you are dealing with someone who is paying $2.00 + per book.

I hope this helps and you continue to trade

Sue T