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Posted

A pet peeve of mine is when sellers use "Brand New" and "only used 3 times" in the same ad.

 

According to my understanding, "brand new" is reserved for items with no prior use.

 

Leave the mixing of "brand new" and "2nd hand" up to Peter Tosh

Posted

Mint means that if I buy it, I should not want to ride it in case I do something that would make it look like my should after the surgeon tried to put 4 pieces of bone back together.

 

For clarity: If Ernesto himself wouldn't ship it to me as "new" then it is not "mint".

Posted (edited)

In my opinion mint is one level below New in Box (NIB) it must be brand new and never mounted on a bike. Next would be unused with some marks from storage etc. down to “ugly” which is a description I see often on used camera sites ????

 

Edit, talking about parts. Complete bikes I’m not really so sure.

Edited by Barry_W
Posted (edited)

A colleague always tells the story of when he viewed a "mint condition 2nd hand vehicle" that had holes rusted through the floor.

Opinions on condition can be vastly different.

In his case he was obviously buying from the Flintstones.

Edited by Thomo
Posted (edited)

When somebody advertises an item for sale as describes is as "mint" condition.

 

What would you expect it to be?

 

I would expect an item to look like the photos provided

 

slight change to the wording above ....

 

 

So nice that the technology allows the use of photos .....

Edited by ChrisF
Posted

I view mint condition is someone who has purchased an item new, has not used it and wants to resell it. If used but still in original condition its neither new nor mint but classified as used in original condition or used in excellent condition. 

Posted (edited)

Maybe it was a stuffed Bianchi? 

underrated content^

^_^

 

imo:

 

Brand new and Mint is the same thing - unused/unopened. (PS you still won't try and sell it to me at retail cost. Store return policies/ the ability to go 'cause a scene' if something goes wrong has monetary value in my book too)

 

perfect condition - used/opened but still looks brand new with no signs of use

 

great condition - used for a short time but VERY well looked after with almost unnoticeable signs of use. one or two small cosmetic flaws will suffice.

 

good condition - used with the odd scuff here and there from NORMAL use over a longer period of time.

 

fair/working condition - you are not selling this because is looks nice anymore but because it still works (even though it looks like crap from regular use and abuse) and might serve someone else for the remainder of its life at a highly reduced price.

Edited by morneS555
Posted

As both a long-time seller and buyer, I share the general trend of sentiments and comments above. Going one step further, I tend towards standardization in definitions so I use bicyclebluebook.com's definitions of a bike's condition and corresponding value estimate.

They only use the following categories: Excellent, very good, good and fair, each with the following definitions. These are not to be overstated in my opinion.

"EXCELLENT:

The bicycle looks new and is in like-new mechanical condition. The frame & fork have no visible or detectable blemishes or damage. All components, parts, and accessories are clean and free of any visible & detectable blemishes or damage. No service is required on any component, part, or accessory. Tires and grips/handlebar tape are original spec and in pristine condition.
 
VERY GOOD:
The bicycle looks good, may have minimal cosmetic (only) blemishes on the frame, fork, components, parts and/or accessories. The bicycle may require minimal service adjustments without the need of replacing any parts. The suspension (if applicable) and braking surfaces are clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting. The tires, grips/handlebar tape, and brake pads may show signs of usage yet have a majority of their life remaining.
 
GOOD:
The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) may have minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. Bicycle is free of major mechanical issues but may require some service, a tune up is recommended. Some parts may require replacing, not to include front or rear shocks, wheels, shifters, front or rear derailleurs, braking systems, crank set or chainrings. Items that may need to be replaced include: tires, tubes, grips/handlebar tape, brake pads, brake hoods, chain & cassette, brake cables, gear cables, any/all housing, brake fluid and shock oil. Braking surfaces may have minor grooves or discoloration. Suspension and brakes may need to be serviced.
 
FAIR:
The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) has minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. The bicycle has some mechanical issues and a tune up is necessary. An overhaul is recommended. Multiple parts need to be replaced. Suspension and brakes need to be serviced."


Some terms I have come across in my time and their definitions below:

"Basically new" = Almost new, but not new.
"Hardly used" = Used sparingly over a period of time. Also, not new. But probably in good condition.
"100%" = It functions 100% but is not 100% of it's value. It isn't an antique either. 
 
Apologies for the lengthy comment, although, I am a firm believer in the "free market" and willing buyer willing seller phenomenon, I do think it is time we start being open and transparent with one another. 

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