I received a request for two books from a member and when I went to pull the books from my shelf, I noticed that one of the books had some mnor water damage (wavy pages) that I was unaware of when I posted the books. I clicked on "I cannot mail this book" for the one, and explained why, but then PM'd the member to tell her what happened and offer her the book for free (no credits required) if she just wants it to read. (I figure that I can't post it anyway and it costs only a little more to send the two books) BTW, the book isn't a top WL book, just a run-of-the-mill MMPB, so it's not one that she could have parlayed into a new trade.  Was this a good way to handle it, or should I have just kept the non-postable book.

How badly does it reflect on me to say that I cannot mail a book? I would rather tell the member before I agree to a trade than to send out a non-postable book, even if it's only slightly "unpostable."

I think you handled it perfectly.  I don't believe canceling a request would count against you, especially considering your reasons, and offering the book for free makes up for a very honest mistake.  I can't think of a better way to handle this situation, so I'd say it's more than OK.

I am not sure how badly that would reflect on you, if at all.  But I think that was a good way to handle the transaction. As long as it isn't for credit, you are allowed to send unpostables... and I see alot of members with deals: "unpostable freebie with any order" and this is basically the same thing.  I think you did the right thing... same thing I would have done and it is much better than having her mark your order RWP had you sent the order anyways.

When you hit I cannot mail the book it offered the request to someone else.  So she probably has a pending order for the book with another person already.  It doesn't reflect badly unless you do it w/a whole lot of orders.  When you hit I cannot mail it removes the book from your shelf.  Unless your declining RCS. 

I think that was a great way to handle it! I am sure that she will be grateful for the free book, and your honesty in declining the request based on the condition of the book.

I don't think it reflects badly on you at all.  I think the way you handled it was very nice and thoughtful.  =)   

Just as an update, I got a very nice PM from the requester who said a little water damage doesn't bother her, so she would take it. I just mailed it yesterday. It doesn't cost a whole lot more to send two books Media Mail than it does to send one book 1st Class and if it's unpostable anyway, I'm glad to pass it onto someone who would like to read it.  Thanks to all for your advice and kind words.

I think you handled it perfectly

Ditto.  That's exactly what I used to do when I mailed books.  Good job!