Like new, good, damaged: what do the different conditions mean?
Andrew from Bookbot
11/7/2024
We photograph each book separately. So you can be sure that when you order something, you will receive exactly the copy you are looking at in our e-shop. But if you sometimes get confused about what the different book statuses and conditions mean on Bookbot, you've come to the right place. Let's go through them together so you'll never be in doubt again.
As the name suggests, these books are either almost like new or actually new. That is, their original owners either treated them perfectly or sold them as soon as they received them. Therefore this tag corresponds to the condition in which you would buy new book in a regular bookstore. Sometimes including the plastic wrapping (such books are also marked with an "Unwrapped" label).
Good
Probably the broadest category. Books marked Good will bear traces of normal use. Typical are minor scuffs, creases, and, in the case of paperbacks, visible signs of broken spines.
Signs of use may also vary depending on age (older books are more likely to be affected by the ravages of time) and type of book (e.g. textbooks are often more worn).
Damaged
Some books have suffered a few scratches, some are in worse condition. These can be small things (small stains), but there may be significant damage as well. Either way, we feel it's important to let you know it. And just a reminder that you will always get the exact book you see in the photo from us.
- Unrelated signature / inscription
There is an inscription from the original owners, or a signature in the book that is not the autograph of the author. It is most often found on the front cover and title pages.
- Mechanical damages
One of the most common defects. Usually it is a tear in the cover or pages of the book, torn binding, loose pages, etc. However, many older and especially rare books still have value despite the damage.
- Missing cover
As the name suggests, the dust jacket is missing. Apart from this minor beauty defect, the book is perfectly fine.
- Spots/stains
Whether the book has been spilled on or stored in an unsuitable place, the volume bears distinct traces of this handling. This is most often the case with creased pages, but may also include stains on the binding.
- Odor
This is mostly the result of improper storage by the original owners. However, it is not mold; we do not accept moldy books for sale.
- Inscriptions/underlinings
Inside the book, but sometimes even on the edgs, there are inscriptions or underlining from the original owners. These are most often found in textbooks and fiction.
- Missing CD / attachments
Here the name says it all. Most often it is the case of textbooks (especially language textbooks) or some children's books.
- Discarded from library
Books discarded from the library may come to us in worse or better condition. However, they have the stamps of the institution from which they were discarded on the front cover and usually on the pages as well. And occasionally other inscriptions or information is pasted in.
- Book block upside down
Quite amusing, but still a flaw. The pages are sewn upside down in the binding. It doesn't change the readability, but it might make you look a little silly in public places.