I received a book request that had a requester's condition that stated "please no books with smoke smell, not even a whiff". Now I totally understand severe smoke allergies, but my sense of smell is blunted right now due to ongoing sinus problems (I don't smell some things and others I smell too strongly, KWIM?). I always accept the conditions that say "not currently in a smoking home" but the "not even a whiff" kind of scared me off. The book was used so I felt a little concerned. I turned it down but felt bad a few minutes later. What would you have done?

I would have declined, even without the sinus problems.  (I smoke, so I always turn down those RCs).  But, even if I lived in a smoke-free home, I would have turned it down given that the book was purchased used and the 'not even a whiff' clause is pretty clear.

Don't feel bad!  You did the right thing!

I would have turned it down.  Even if I'd bought it new - because what if the postal worker smoked?

I would definitely have turned it down too, unless maybe it was a book that I bought brand new and knew it had never been around smoke.  Even if I don't smell a whiff of smoke, they may be more sensitive and smell something.  Not worth it, in my opinion.

I would have turned it down unless I'd bought the book brand new.

I would have turned it down and I wouldn't have felt a moment's guilt about it.    All you can do is read the conditions and do what you think is best for you.

yep, turn it down ASAP and let them move one step closer to someone who doesn't have to wonder if they meet the condition.

Don't feel bad about turning down a book because you don't feel you can meet the requestor conditions.  The requestor will be glad not to receive a book that "might" have a smell to it, and the request will go to the next person in the FIFO line, so s/he'll still get the book. If it was a wishlist book it will go to the next wisher.  Maybe that person will end up reposting it, have a good sense of smell, and she'll get it next.   Again, don't feel bad; you did the right thing.

Deb

I don't smoke and can usually detect even faint traces of smoke in books, but I also would have turned it down.  Don't feel bad.

Thank you for your replies. They make me feel much better about passing on the request. The book had a good-sized waiting list so I already have another request for it (and no RCs!). 

I would have declined as well. It sounds like someone who was SO worried about ANY possiblility of any smell would be impossible to please. I just would not take the chance, especially if the book was used before I got ahold of it.

You did the right thing.............better safe than sorry and out of a credit!

I like to feel that I'm open-minded about RCs, but I also would have turned this one down.  My sniffer just isn't that refined.  Any "subjective" smoke conditions, I feel like I need to decline, because I don't trust that my judgment on sniffing conditions will match the requestor's.  I feel fine about "not currently in smoking environment" conditions, but do not trust myself on those RCs that request sniff tests.

I'm pretty new, but I would have declined, too. I notice that some books have just an "old" smell to them. Not bad, not smoky, but a faint smell. You would have risked being marked RWAP had you sent it. Don't feel bad. You'll be able to bless someone else with the book and the original requester will be able to get a book that meets his/her conditions, or decide to buy it new.  Frankly, the "not even a whiff" pharse would make me nervous. I doubt this person will get many requests accepted.

I would have done the same thing. Some people are really particular about those things and she did state that " not even a whiff"  and you were actually being kind by listening to her request.

I had one that asked for "no books from a smoking house." I had to LOL at the wording of that one. I had no problem with that RC, since my house ain't smokin'... :o)  but the whiff thing? Decline. What if their whiffer is whiffier than mine?

Cheryl