"MINT" condition.... What's it mean to you?

[napalmdeath]

Here's MINT condition on Reverb of late... Of course, they're selling it at new price...

About This Listing:
Up for sale a ESP LTD EC-1001T CTM Ebony Fingerboard .This instrument is a Floor Demo in Mint Cosmetic Condition and it comes with the Full Manufacturer's Warranty*. On this one, there is a small crack on the bridge pickup ring (see 8th and 11th pictures) and there are few fine scratches, marks, barely few tiny dents, light finish/wood imperfections and few other imperfections here and there (see 11th to 18th pictures), but absolutely nothing major.


Other than that, it's MINT.

 

[D-Rock]

It means nothing. It's an abused, throwaway term and anyone who uses it is suspect.

 

[shred-o-holic]

Here's MINT condition on Reverb of late... Of course, they're selling it at new price...

About This Listing:
Up for sale a ESP LTD EC-1001T CTM Ebony Fingerboard .This instrument is a Floor Demo in Mint Cosmetic Condition and it comes with the Full Manufacturer's Warranty*. On this one, there is a small crack on the bridge pickup ring (see 8th and 11th pictures) and there are few fine scratches, marks, barely few tiny dents, light finish/wood imperfections and few other imperfections here and there (see 11th to 18th pictures), but absolutely nothing major.


Other than that, it's MINT.

LOL!

I never sell anything as mint unless it's unused........I play my stuff so it's minty frosted goodness is defiled in minutes \m/

 

[stratjacket]

Here's MINT condition on Reverb of late... Of course, they're selling it at new price...

About This Listing:
Up for sale a ESP LTD EC-1001T CTM Ebony Fingerboard .This instrument is a Floor Demo in Mint Cosmetic Condition and it comes with the Full Manufacturer's Warranty*. On this one, there is a small crack on the bridge pickup ring (see 8th and 11th pictures) and there are few fine scratches, marks, barely few tiny dents, light finish/wood imperfections and few other imperfections here and there (see 11th to 18th pictures), but absolutely nothing major.


Other than that, it's MINT.

Haha, that’s pretty funny. To me, mint means perfect, no flaws or anything. I never used that term because I’m always afraid I missed something.

If listing is on Reverb, there are definite meanings:
https://help.reverb.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013525833-Gear-Conditions-and-What-They-Mean

Mint
For something to truly be mint, it needs to be just shy of Brand New. Mint items should include the original packaging in most cases. If there's any sort of imperfection, the item should be listed in Excellent condition at best.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

I translate gear grading to Record/Vinyl Grading....

Mint = new
Near Mint = Opened from shrink wrap.

They guys description isn't mint at all....fine scratches on a record wouldn't even be close to mint, nor would crease in vinyl sleeve/crack in pickup guard.

 

[ClintN667]

Mint is basically barely out of the box. or just used once.

 

[napalmdeath]

I tend to follow Reverb's condition guidelines pretty strictly.

As a seller, I will err on the side of caution and round down if I think there's room for interpretation. If you're a seller and the actual condition doesn't match the listed condition, you're opening yourself up to getting that item back, no matter how diligent you were with the pics and written description.

As a buyer, I look at the listed Condition in addition to the pics and written description. The listed Condition is a nice summarization of the condition, and helps fill in any blanks that aren't captured by the pics or written description. It's also a way to tell if the seller is adhering to Reverb's seller's guidelines. For example, if a seller is listing something as New just because it's new to them or because it's used but in brand new condition, then that's an indication of someone who either isn't honest, or at least hasn't bothered to familiarize themselves with what Reverb expects of them as a seller.

To me, Mint is a New item but which can't be sold as New. It should be in the same condition as New, but might be open box, no warranty, etc. Per Reverb's guidelines, if there's "any sort of imperfection", then it can be no more than Excellent condition.

I agree. Very good would be my description for the above mentioned.

 

[Devin]

I'd never use the phrase "mint condition" even if I was selling something that actually was mint.

If you sell something to a total bitch buyer they can and will use that "mint condition" descriptor as ammunition against you

 

[GOHOINC]

Does it matter? To me not so much.

Read to many posts saying something to the effect of "I bought xyz, it plays great and sounds better. I noticed after playing.it for 6 hours, naked in my basement, that there was some taint scum on the tip of the whammy bar, but the seller listed it as mint... cry cry cry, rant rant rant"

Those characterization of an items condition are useful for searching and filtering but should not be used as the ultimate interpretation of the condition. Use your head, examine the photos, ask for more if you arent happy, then make the decision if, based on what you see and any questions you ask, if the item is worth it to you.

 

[skullfxr]

I would not pay the premium to buy mint. I buy my gear to play. The guitars I play most have dings/scratches, etc


But I don't sell anything as mint unless it's something brand new with the package and maybe not even used.

If you want a hassle on an online deal, say it's mint, and you have got it coming. Lol.

 

[vultures]

I would not pay the premium to buy mint. I buy my gear to play. The guitars I play most have dings/scratches, etc


But I don't sell anything as mint unless it's something brand new with the package and maybe not even used.

If you want a hassle on an online deal, say it's mint, and you have got it coming. Lol.

You hit the nail on the head. Used is used. I won't pay extra for a used guitar just because it's mint. I actually like used stuff that has wear and tear or it's relic'd, because then I'm not worried about dinging it or bumping something live.

You also set yourself up for bad feedback or the hassle of a return when someone inevitably finds a small surface scratch or some wear. I've taken pictures clear as day of dents/dings or wear on a neck only to have buyers on Reverb message me and give me a hard time about it after they get it. I always ask, "Did you read the description and look at the pics?" And they never reply back.

 

[Fret-Shredder]

The best sale ad is the one stating the item is in mint condition and there's only one picture to show how mint it is. ? I agree the term mint is overused and abused. I never use it even if an item I'm selling is new. There will always be that one buyer that happened to own a molecular microscope and find something to complain about. Even if I selling something new I will state the item is in very good to excellent condition. It tends to get a better result from the buyer and feedback most of the time will be something like " Item in better condition than described".

 

[napalmdeath]

Does it matter? To me not so much.

Read to many posts saying something to the effect of "I bought xyz, it plays great and sounds better. I noticed after playing.it for 6 hours, naked in my basement, that there was some taint scum on the tip of the whammy bar, but the seller listed it as mint... cry cry cry, rant rant rant"

Those characterization of an items condition are useful for searching and filtering but should not be used as the ultimate interpretation of the condition. Use your head, examine the photos, ask for more if you arent happy, then make the decision if, based on what you see and any questions you ask, if the item is worth it to you.

I didn't buy anything. My point is, this guitar isn't mint, plain and simple. Easy assessment, easy answer. No need to go off like a 13 year old, but your posts are typically immature, at best, so I suppose it should have been expected.

 

[GOHOINC]

I didn't buy anything. My point is, this guitar isn't mint, plain and simple. Easy assessment, easy answer. No need to go off like a 13 year old, but your posts are typically immature, at best, so I suppose it should have been expected.

Slow your roll home slice. I never said you bought anything and wasnt throwing stones. I was trying to point out that using the condition listed, as a purchasing decision tool, is a poor choice imo and should be used as a filtering tool at most. Who cares what the seller lists it as? Make a determination, based on the photos, questions etc. to the best of ones ability and be happy with the purchase. Or you could go on the internet and complain because somebody, somewhere did something you dont approve of.

 

[NeubyWanKaneuby]

Mint = never taken out of the box.

 

[Monkey Man]

To me mint means flawless, regardless of age. Scratches, cracks, dents and oxidation disqualify use of the term.

Whilst I've never used the term when selling (I say "as new"), most of the gear I've parted with over the years has been in perfect condition 'cause I handle everything with kid gloves.

Had I not been piss-poor all this time, I wouldn't have been so-careful, but I think the behaviour's become ingrained now to the extent that even if I won the lottery tomorrow and bought a cheap guitar, the kid gloves would still be on.

 

[napalmdeath]

I didn't buy anything. My point is, this guitar isn't mint, plain and simple. Easy assessment, easy answer. No need to go off like a 13 year old, but your posts are typically immature, at best, so I suppose it should have been expected.

Slow your roll home slice. I never said you bought anything and wasnt throwing stones. I was trying to point out that using the condition listed, as a purchasing decision tool, is a poor choice imo and should be used as a filtering tool at most. Who cares what the seller lists it as? Make a determination, based on the photos, questions etc. to the best of ones ability and be happy with the purchase. Or you could go on the internet and complain because somebody, somewhere did something you dont approve of.

Just thought you were directing your insults at me, personally. I know you don't have Savage Riffer to pick on anymore.

I agree with you 100%. My point was, that many sellers these days list things as MINT, then go on to place a laundry list of issues/damage/blemishes, etc.. I just find it funny, (and ignorant).

 

[BYTOR]

If it smells like peppermint....

 

[311splawndude]

I'd never use the phrase "mint condition" even if I was selling something that actually was mint.

If you sell something to a total bitch buyer they can and will use that "mint condition" descriptor as ammunition against you

This.

And what Boydav said about erring on the side of caution and rounding down.

 

[Rick Lee]

I also use my gear the way it was meant to be used, and I ain't saving it for the next owner. While I like to get something in mint condition, I won't pay a premium for it, because I will use it like a cheap whore. I will love it, respect it and maintain it, but I won't cry when it get dings and battle scars. It's meant to be used.

If you hang out on high end watch forums, some have very strict guidelines for describing condition. Mint to me means used, but not visibly so. I sell my best stuff as "near mint" just to cover my ass if someone finds something I missed. A better term, if you hang out on car forums, is "no stories." That means nothing needs to be explained away.