I recently got a request on a hardcover book and the requestor's conditions were that the book have the dustjacket as well (I think that's what it's called--the paper cover with the cover art, etc.)

I've PMd the requestor because the book itself is pristine, but the dustjacket has two half inch tears--one at the top, the other at the bottom, and it's a bit battered.

As I read it, the dustjacked doesn't have to even BE with the book to be ok to Paperbackswap--correct?

Is this request common?

Thanks

M

No it doesn't, except for in cases where it is a requestor condition.

I've never actually had this request come up, I would guess that only half or maybe even less members even have conditions at all, (I've seen like 3 out of probably about 25-30 books sent) but it is one of the more common conditions I think.

I was planning on mailing it tomorrow--if I don't hear from her, should I send it?

Does wanting the dustjacket imply that that, too, has to be in perfect (non-ripped) condition?

Did you enter that the book met the requester's conditions and PM them or just PM them? I would wait for an answer from the person before mailing so you don't lose out on the book and the credit if they get it and it doesn't meet the conditions.

It seems that there are a few people building their libraries or gifting the books so they want them in better condition that PBS requires, that is fine as long as they state it in the requesters conditions.  If they just request that it have the jacket, not the it be in perfect condition, then your book may meet the condition so PMing is the best route. I have one book in my WL that I have requested a dust jacket on. I would take a copy with some damage to the jacket if the book was in generally good looking condition. Your post tells me I should go into my condition and be more specific. Thanks.

I was planning on mailing it tomorrow--if I don't hear from her, should I send it?

This is exactly why I discourage PMing people about their RCs.  RCs should be clear and not require the hassle of PMs and the "waiting game".  

Meredith,  Personally I would have sent the book without sending a PM.  If the DJ were thrashed, maybe not, but two 1/2" tears is not excessive.  Heck, I"ve gotten brand new books from Amazon with that much damage! 

Now that you have PMd the requestor, though, you ar sort of stuck waiting, I think.  You can, at any time before marking it mailed cancel the transaction.  I'm not saying you SHOULD, just that it's an option if you don't hear back and are uncomfortable sending. 

Considering that the cover of a book can have a tear (I think under an inch is the guideline), technically, that DJ is even "postable" (not literally, but if we just posted DJ's.) Since it sounds like from your posts that the only condition was A dustjacket, and did not specify the condition, and your DJ is still in relatively good, even borderline "postable" condition...you are justified in sending it just as it is. They cannot really ask for a credit back if they aren't happy with the condition of the DJ because that wasn't their condition. And giving the credit back or not is up to your discretion.

Hopefully though, they will PM you back, so you feel better about sending it.

Okay, Angie, now I have stuck in my head a vision of PBS in the Bizarro World where all we post are dustjackets.  :->

Some people like the dustjacket--that's why they put it in the conditions.  Personally, I just like the book to have all the words:) 

Did you enter that the book met the requester's conditions and PM them or just PM them?

Unfortunately you are unable to PM a requestor prior to accepting because there is no way to ID the person.

 (if this is wrong please let me know as I would love to be able to do that)

I got an RC once that said something like, "I prefer all hardcover books to have their dustjackets with them. I don't care if they're ragged and loved, I just like to have them!" It was clear and cheerful. :->

I also have a book on my shelf (a biography of Madame Curie) whose jacket is utterly damaged -- when I was small I sprayed glass cleaner too near it, and when I wiped it half the ink came off -- but physically intact, and the book itself is fine; whenever someone finally requests it, I intend to ask if they want me to send it or toss it here. :->

You are right Betsy - there is NO way to PM a person until you either accept or decline a request.   It is one of the things that really BUG me on here,  everyone says PM the person before you respond and even put that in their conditions.  SORRY FOLKS - there is NO way to do that!!!  

YOU CAN NOT PM A PERSON UNTIL YOU ACCEPT THE OFFER!!!!!!!!