I just received an RC for a kids' hardcover book that includes: 

Hardcover books requested need to be in very good condtion with no writing, as I donate these to my children's school library.

Now, I think it's in great condition - I read it once when I was younger, and it's been sitting around my house for about ten years not getting any use.  But I'm nervous about how subjective the "very good condition" is. Do you accept subjective RCs?

I probably wouldn't send that one unless my book looked almost new.  It really is a bit subjective.

I would if I felt my book was in very good condition. I am one who feels I can make a determination on condition and send my book without getting worked up about it. If you don't want to accept the RC, then don't. 

I decline RCs with subjective conditions and tell the requestor it's a judgment call that I am unable to make on their behalf.  I need black or white, not gray.

  You can't be sure what the requester's idea of "very good" is, but here is a rating from a popular book selling site:

• Very Good: A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

My guess is that the majority of people would agree with this description, so if your book meets this guideline, you are probably safe to send it.

I would accept this RC. If you have been the only reader and it's in great condition, I don't see a problem. It is up to you, though. As a retired teacher I understand that the requestor just doesn't want a book that has been handled by many children as yet and marked with crayons, etc.

I can usually tell if my books are in very good condition or not. Sometimes I accept these and sometimes, I don't.

There is the occasional wacky RC story, but most people just use common sense. If the book is in really nice shape, then send it, and if you are doubtful, then don't.

I think I got a request from this same person and sent the book.  If I remember correctly my book was an ex-library book, but in very good condition.  Again, if I'm thinking right, she thanked me for sending a book in such good condition. 

Pat

Pat, I don't think it could have been the same person, since the other part of her RC said no ex-library books.  :)

To me, the book looks brand new,  but under the dustjacket there is a slight sicoloration about a quarter of an inch in size.  It's not a stain, because I think it's always been there and didn't come from a liquid or anything, but that's what makes me wonder if it is in "very good condition."  Other than that, the book looks like it would be sitting on a shelf at Barnes and Noble. 

I'll probably send it to the requestor, because I know that it's in way better shape that the majority of the books at my elementary school library.  Just a little part of me is nervous about it. 

You can always accept and PM them explaining.  If they don't want it have them cancel so it remains on your shelf. 

Thanks, Jubead.  I think I'll do that. 

I generally do not accept RCs with "subjective" wording, just on principle. In that particular case, if it were a book I'd bought myself and knew it had only one reader (me!) I would accept, because to me, that book would be not only "very good" condition, but "like new." Other than that instance though, I would decline.

I would also add, if it is a wishlisted book, and you accept and PM, then YOU should be the one to cancel so she doesn't lose her place in the WL line. Personally, any book that required a PM about an RC (if I wasn't sure) I'd decline.

Cheryl

Thanks everyone!  I accepted the request, sent a quick PM, and she wrote back thanking me and saying she'd love to get  the book.  All good!

Even before I saw Rayna's final comment, I got the gut feeling this requestor isn't an RWAP type, and would, at worst with a "borderline" book, mark it received and just not donate it to the library.

Otherwise, that RC would be a red flag!