I'm very upset. Someone requested a book from me, with conditions that stated: I do not want books that smell heavily of smoke. I accepted the condition, as I don't smoke and this book was a new book, from Amazon.com, not a thrift store find.

She reported it received with a problem, saying it smelled heavily of smoke, and PM'ed me about it.

I honestly don't see how it could have. I asked for the book back, and offered two credits if she would return it. She replied, saying that she had already thrown the book out and that her family is very sensitive to smoke.

I can't stop thinking about this, and I just don't know what to do - other people with similar conditions have never seemingly had a problem with my books.

:(

I wonder if she marked the wrong book received with a problem if she got a bunch in one day. That's the only thing I can think of.

If it was new, it could not possibly be smoky if the only reader is not in a household with a smoker. Some people just drive me nuts.

It sounds like someone scamming you to me, I wouldn't return the credit, and I would also contact R&R to let them know about it.

She was nice, although it did upset me when she said that it was a waste of a credit. It was a nice Dover book with a CD with it (clip art), and she did say she kept the CD, so at least she got the book (on CD).

I guess I'm just not sure why someone who is sensitive to smoke would not put "No books that are in a smoking environment" although, that really wouldn't have helped in this case... :(

And we wonder why people automatically reject requests with conditions..................

Don't let that person bother you anymore.  You did the right thing; we can't control the behavior of others.

Thanks, everyone. I'm still a bit upset, but y'all have made me feel a better. I did offer her her credit back as I want to play fair, but I haven't heard back from her. Maybe tomorrow.

You know what condition your book was in....sounds terrific to me!  I wouldn't even of volunteered the credit returned....it is her loss if she wants to chuck it in the garbage!

you might suggest to her that it could have been her postal worker... I know on another board I was on someoe had a problem with all her packages smelling of smoke. they found out it was the driver.

She didn't want her credit back. So it's resolved; I'm trying to let it go. I mean, one book out of all the ones I've sent on... not too bad, I reckon.

Thanks to everyone who commented. I do appreciate the support. Y'all are the best.

I agree with Katie, if the other person is on a driving route, and the carrier smokes heavily, it very definitely can pick up the smell, especially if the other person is in the latter part of the carrier's route.  I've very definitley talked to people who saw their carrier smoking in the vehicle, so they KNEW where the smoke came from! Could have been a sub carrier that day for her too, that isn't normally delivering her mail.

ETA: And since you KNOW it didn't smell like smoke when it left your house, I know it's hard, but I think you might have to chalk it up to environmental influence, and stop trying to take blame for it. You mailed it clean, and that's where your responsiblity stops. I'm sorry you feel bad over it. Sometimes those things just hurt! {{{HUGS}}} Here's some friendship hugs for you :)

Susan, I used a manila envelope.

Thank you, Sherry. I'm sure you're right - I should try to stop taking the blame for it. *wry grin* Thanks for the hugs!

It could definitely be the postal driver, on your end or hers. I won't even mail books out from my mailbox anymore because I've received complaints about the packages reeking of smoke and I know it's because my full time mailman is a chain smoker. If someone has smoke allergies, it doesn't matter if it is the book or the wrapper - either way it's going to cause a bad reaction.