I received a WL book in the mail today that has some minor, but obvious water damage. I know that NO water damage is acceptable, and I should mark it recieved with a problem. But...

The sender sent it to me priority mail! It cost them $7.00! Yikes! I feel like they've already spent more on mailing me the book than they should have, and asking for a credit for a RWP book would be...upsetting the balance??

I also think this might be a new member, but I'm not positive because they don't have a profile. The priority mail thing is making me think they are though...

I'm leaning towards mark RWP, don't ask for a credit back since this will go on the unpostable board super, super quick, and the fact they paid more than double the cost of media mail to ship it to me, then send them a PM. Watcha think - any advice?

Rock / you / Hard Place.

My initial thought would be to just let it go. But then, if they are new, then some much needed coaching would be kinder in the long run. Seems like they need to read the Help Center a bit, or get in touch with their Tour Guide for some help. Perhaps a PM would solve this, mentioning the water damage and Media Mail, There are members that will say any book received that is unpostable should be marked RWP. I personally, try to handle things in a PM, with an offer to help them through. But I am a Tour Guide, and feel like a gentle hand is part of being a volunteer here. I do think though, that RWP is a very good thing. And I do encourage my new members to ask for their credit back if they think the situation merits it.

You have no reason to feel guilty because they chose to use priority mail.  They could buy 2 credits for that cost. They could have used MM or 1st class. 

I'd mark it received with a problem, then send a PM telling them how happy I was to get the book, how much I'm looking forward to reading it, oh and by the way I just wanted to be sure that you know that water damage isn't allowed - and do they know that media mail is much cheaper?  I wouldn't say anything about the credit if you feel guilty about asking for it back.

I agree with Kari.  I recently had almost the exact same situation:  new member priority-mailed a WL'd book with very minor water damage.  I marked it RWP and explained it in a PM, but didn't ask for the credit back.  She was very nice and apologized - she said she hadn't even noticed the water damage (which I believe).  I figure it's all in the interest of good karma.  I'm sure one day I may unknowingly miss some minor damage.

You know...on my first trade I sent a paperback to someone who had ordered a HC.  I just didn't know any better. 

If you are comfortable with Kari's solution, I think it's a win-win.  You get to read the book, and then you can swap it for a credit with another order thru Book Bazaar.  You get to coach and encourage the new member, who hopefully will learn and improve.

Thank you all for your input!

Kari put exactly what I was feeling & wanted to do into words - thank you all for helping me out! :)

(I sure am exclamation point-y today!)

That Kari always has good answers!!  : )

Ditto Kari. If I don't feel the need to ask for a credit back, I still mark RWAP and explain but clearly state that I don't want/need the credit back.

And if it's a WL book, you can probably easily offer it as a freebie with order off your shelf. :)

I used to have a job where I could stealthily put some of my PBS packages through the mailroom there.  So they always sent it first class.  Who knows, she may be stealing from her company too and didn't pay for it.   :)