Hi, I've encountered a problem and I would like help on what would be the correct thing to do.  I read the basics of PBS, but had recently posted a book using the isbn number but the cover didn't come up and so I picked the one that did (I was following the sign that said the book cover doesn't have to match).  So I get a request for the book and I'm thinking everything is going okay until I go to do my regular postage/dc from pbs and it's telling me that the book weighs over 13 ounces.  That's when I realized that I had posted the book as a hardcover (i did go and check help documents about the whole paperback/hardcover issue, but this was only after I'd made the mistake...now I know what to do for future reference).  I immediately pm the requester and tell him the isbn number on the book and that it is not the one that is listed and if he wants to cancel, I'd totally understand.  This was yesterday and I had marked the book "to be mailed by 5/18".  I still have not heard anything from the member, and have thought about cancelling the order but for some reason that doesn't seem right.  I don't want to mail off the book since it is the wrong one, but my self-imposed deadline is approaching. What should I do in this instance?  Thanks.

I'm a little new at helping with some of these issues so please wait until you get a second opinion on this topic.

I believe that if the requestor cancels the transaction then she/he will lose their place in line.  If you (the sender) cancels, then the requestor will remain at the front of the line.  So I think you should cancel it and then post your book BY THE ISBN.  Since you already sent a PM you should probably send another explanation.

Don't do this right away.  Wait for more discussion on this thread.

Dan (for Marilyn)

If there is a WL for the HB, you need to be the one that cancels.  Then repost.  You might want to click on the name of the person ordering it to see if they also have your version on their WL.  And then post directly to them if they do.   (Polite, but not necessary.)  But some books have a WL for HB but not for PB.

You need to cancel the request whether it's WL or not. If it isn't WL then you can repost the book correctly and they can always reorder it from your shelf. .  If it's WL and they still it then your version needs to be added to their WL, if it isn't already and you can post it directly to them. 

Thanks everyone, I will go ahead and cancel it and pm the person that requested it.    I hadn't quite grasped the concept of what happens if I (the sender) cancels the order or the requester does, but now I do.  Lesson learned definitely :D

PBS is aware that mistakes happen.  I've posted books, then noticed water damage when getting them wrapped.  You do not get bad marks for canceling a book unless it is a repeated event.   (I think it is like 4 or 5 or a percentage that triggers monitoring.)  Just like you do not get any bad marks for turning down RCs.  But a requestor will lose their place in the FIFO line if they cancel.   (First In, First Out.)

Your canceling and reposting also helps you as there will not be any chance of the transaction getting labeled as a problem.  The wrong version can get marked as the wrong book.  Which might lose you your credit.  Sometimes any version of the book works.  But not always.  I know my dad can't read paperbacks anymore, but he has no problem reading trade size or hardcovers.

I accidentally miss-posted a book last week.  It was a WL book and when it was on hold I noticed it said mass-market paperback when mine was tradesize.  (this one reason why I try to avoid reposting from the TBR list or having books on hold on my bookshelf. I received this book from PBS and never noticed that the binding didn't match).  Luckily the 1st wisher let it time out. So I was able to put my shelf on hold and delete it before it got offered to the next person.