I received a book today.  It’s a library reject, and the copyright page has been torn out, but as far as I know, that’s not a problem as far as PBS guidelines, so that’s not my issue.

However, all of the pages have a small tear along the bottom, close to the spine—in the first pages it’s as small as half an inch, but closer to the back, it’s as large as three inches.  This should be marked received with a problem, right?

I just wanted to ask first so I wouldn’t mistakenly give someone trouble.

Yes, mark it RWAP....from the HC:

No torn or chewed/gnawed pages

This is not in  acceptable condition.

I would say definintely.  The PBS guidelines state that the pages shouldn't be torn at all.... the 1 inch rule is for tears in the cover.  Regardless though, the sender needs to agree that the book is in overall good condition and not excessively worn.  From what you are describing- with all the pages having tears.... that doesn't sound like it is in overall good condition. 

The way another PBSer looked at it and I agree... would you pay, outright, $3 for it (roughly the amount for shipping, which is essentially what you DID pay via your credit)?

Thanks, guys!  I've had over a hundred transactions here at PBS, and this is the first time I've ever had a problem with a book, so I guess that's a pretty good track record.  I'll mark it RWP.

I would think the copyright page would need to be there too. It seems like relevant info to the book and would fall under the "no missing pages". I can see a blank page missing or the ads for new books, but I'd expect the copyright page to be there unless is was a really old book

Thanks for all your input.  As I said before, this is my first RWP out of over a hundred transactions, so I was a little caught off guard.  I marked it RWP, and the sender refunded my credit.  So all is well.