Hi everyone. I'm new to this site and have a question about RCs. Is it normal for people to ask for pristine, like-new books? I had a request today that I turned down (mostly because I have many cats), but even if cats were not a part , I would be scared to ship out my used, read books to anyone asking for pristine like new. Does that happen often?

(PS) I'm only posting 1 book at a time until I get the hang of swapping.

RC's aren't usually used to get pristine or like new books.   Mostly members who use those are tired of getting books that don't comply with the PBS rules and guidelines on postable conditions.  They're just trying to get good quality postable books.  Some people however seem to want only the brand new or little read books.  They need to go to Amazon or Borders for those!  Don't worry about declining a RC for that kind of book.  Just be sure when you post and send a book that it fits the conditions according to the rules.

Ruth

Welcome to the site Kristine...it is addicting and you will love it.  RCs are a big topic on this site.  No it is not normal to ask but you will receive the requests just the same.  I would turn down RCs that mention very good, near new condition of the book because it is subjective - we are on a used book site.  Many books may end with you - at some point the book has to find a final home.  Just follow PBS guidelines when posting and follow your gut when accepting a RC.   Most RCs I have rec'd have been in regards to no smoking and pets.   So unless I am confident the book meets the request I will turn it down.   I have been a member since May and have mailed 50+  books and rec'd maybe 5 RCs and only one mentioned that they send out like new books and expect the same. 

LOL on one book at a time.  I would add a few to your bookshelf, it is very easy to swap - pretty straight forward.  A request comes in, make sure it meets PBS guidlines for posting a book, choose a date to mail and ship it out by that date and don't forget to mark the book mailed.   The help docs are a good place to go or you can always post your questions here.   I became familiar with the site by reading the posts in this forum and participating in the forums. 

Again -welcome you are going to be hooked so fast!

You did just what I (and many others) would have done if the RC asked that the book be pristine and you did not have a new copy. Occasionally we for whatever reason have new books to post but most of them are used, even if gently.  Don't give it another thought, you did the right thing.

I also wanted to say welcome to PBS and enjoy the site.  Post some books soon so we can all start to see what you have and you can earn some credits!

And I like that your cats are non-smokers, that made me laugh.

 Thanks so much for the replies! I guess it does sound silly to post only 1 at a time, but at least I won't mess up my first swap by mailing out to the wrong person.  Yes, the ones I plan to post meet all the guidelines, but they are used. Thanks again for all the information.

Not silly, one thing I have learned is go with what feels right and it generally is :)  Let us know when you have some books on your bookshelf. 

I agree - you're not being silly.  One thing that trips new members up sometimes is listing all their books at once and having a flood of requests which makes affording the postage difficult.  Taking it slowly is good, though.

Ruth

Welcome.  Yes, pleae post more book, so we can all help you with you newest addication...PBS!  If you aren't hooked now, you soon will be!

I've sent out over 400 books, and seen one (maybe two) RC's for 'like new' or 'giftable'  books.  And even that one included an exclusion for erotica and small publisher (difficult to find) books.  That would be an almost automatic decline for me.

Welcome to PBS Kristine, you just got lucky early!

I'm with Denise, I"ve swapped nearly 1,000 books and very rarely see conditions that are over the top (asking for pristine or like new) and unless I'm absolutely sure the book really is like new, I will turn the request down, but if it really is in that good of shape, why should I deny myself a credit just because I think they are being a jerk with their RCs :)  I don't bother to comment on them, but I really look the book over several times before I accept :)

Shoot, the majority of my books are like new or pristine and I hesitate over that RC.  I've had more than one of those suckers.

The funny thing is I have an RC asking for some type of weather proofing (plastic wrap and books from a current non-smoking home) nicely worded, short and sweet with help from my PBS friends and I get turned down quite a bit.  Some folks just turn down all RC's so no need to hesitate on your part.  In fact I'm with everybody else you did good.

If you're worried about posting your books and getting swamped with requests post your books to your TBR (To Be Read) list.  That will show you if the book is wish listed.  If it is you're going to get an immediate request.  Then the book either on a 48 hour hold waiting for the member or a one hour buyers regret hold.

I've had more than one request at a time recently and if you just take it slow, print the labels, package up the book and go on to the next no problem getting mixed up.

Plus, welcome to PBS!

I understand wanting to post one book at a time, especially if you have a lot of wishlist books, which a lot of new members tend to have.   You are avoiding the whole "I have sent 15 books and I am waiting on one for me" problem that some new members run into.  Definitely post at whatever pace makes you the most comfortable.

I would have turned down that one as well.  I've sent out over 400 books and I think I've only gotten a few RCS that wanted "new" or "mint condiiton" only books.  I turned them down.

I would say 95% of the RCS I get are for non-smoking.  But occassionally you do get someone with a long list of requirements and that "new" book RC.