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| | | Author: | smekel  | | Posted: | Sep 13, 2021 20:31 | | Subject: | What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 169 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
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| | | | | Author: | rab1234 | | Posted: | Sep 13, 2021 23:59 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| 1. Of course you have to list it as used. The only way anything should ever
be listed as new is if you open it yourself in my opinion.
2. I would list that as “very good” or “excellent”. I’d recommend never using
“like new”. Some picky buyer will complain that the edges look a bit worn. If
you’re worried you aren’t doing it justice, use your own photo. This manual is
probably worth about $3. If you have castle, space, or pirate manuals from 80s
to early 90s, they could be worth something.
3. I would not unfold. That would cause additional creasing all along the original
fold lines.
In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
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| | | | | | | Author: | smekel | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 16:06 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, rab1234 writes:
| | 1. Of course you have to list it as used. The only way anything should ever
be listed as new is if you open it yourself in my opinion.
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I completely agree, it was just that when I was looking up that manual, I saw
2 new listings which struck me as odd. https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22cond%22:%22N%22,%22iconly%22:0}
Looking at the stores, it seems they have quite a few instructions from 20+ years
ago listed. I suppose anything is possible, but it seems a little hard to believe
they fit the technical description of new.
| | 2. I would list that as “very good” or “excellent”. I’d recommend never using
“like new”. Some picky buyer will complain that the edges look a bit worn. If
you’re worried you aren’t doing it justice, use your own photo. This manual is
probably worth about $3. If you have castle, space, or pirate manuals from 80s
to early 90s, they could be worth something.
|
That's a helpful tip, thanx. Better to underpromise and overdeliver. There
are some instructions from the more sought after lines that also similarly seem
to be nearly unused. For some of the larger ones (see attached) it's a bit
unfortunate they were stored in a box which was slightly smaller than the manual
so there's some curvature; but I'm still shocked at the condition of
the corners/edges and the spine which seems to have never been opened and just
has wear from being stored it seems.
I'm so used to getting manuals like the attached castle one lol. Maybe I
just have enough experience and the excitement will eventually fade.
| | 3. I would not unfold. That would cause additional creasing all along the original
fold lines.
In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 16:31 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| | |
Looking at the stores, it seems they have quite a few instructions from 20+ years
ago listed. I suppose anything is possible, but it seems a little hard to believe
they fit the technical description of new.
|
You never know. I have a few filing drawers full of new instructions removed
from sets and never opened to look at. Some are still sealed in plastic if this
is how they came. This is mainly where I have bought multiple copies either to
build or for parts and I only need one copy of the instructions (or none, if
for parts). If someone in the past had multiple sets and build them, they could
still have the same number minus one copies of unused and therefore new instructions
if they looked after them well.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | rab1234 | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 23:32 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| Yah but without clear provenance, you can’t justify a “new” listing no matter
how good it looks.
Certainly there are some very obvious fake “new” sellers of mini figs and parts
on this site, including one seller who has 100s of figs from the 80’s that several
years ago were all marked as “new” with a description of “like new” and suddenly
became just “new” after complaints. Also strangely enough they bought a used
$50 fig from me which soon after was listed as new at triple the price.
Hmm rant over. Just be careful how you list things and who you buy from. 😀
In Selling, yorbrick writes:
| | | |
Looking at the stores, it seems they have quite a few instructions from 20+ years
ago listed. I suppose anything is possible, but it seems a little hard to believe
they fit the technical description of new.
|
You never know. I have a few filing drawers full of new instructions removed
from sets and never opened to look at. Some are still sealed in plastic if this
is how they came. This is mainly where I have bought multiple copies either to
build or for parts and I only need one copy of the instructions (or none, if
for parts). If someone in the past had multiple sets and build them, they could
still have the same number minus one copies of unused and therefore new instructions
if they looked after them well.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Sep 15, 2021 02:37 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, rab1234 writes:
| | Yah but without clear provenance, you can’t justify a “new” listing no matter
how good it looks.
Certainly there are some very obvious fake “new” sellers of mini figs and parts
on this site, including one seller who has 100s of figs from the 80’s that several
years ago were all marked as “new” with a description of “like new” and suddenly
became just “new” after complaints. Also strangely enough they bought a used
$50 fig from me which soon after was listed as new at triple the price.
|
Even then, it may not be as clear as you think. I've got some 10-15 year
old stuff in my personal collection that is still new - sealed sets, or unused
parts and unassembled minifigs. If I decide to finally display it, then I check
prices for new vs VG used. If there is a big difference I'll buy the used
one for myself and sell my new one. The only person that knows the provenance
of a seller's items is the seller.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | zorbanj | | Posted: | Sep 15, 2021 09:17 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| Without clear provenance 
That should be added to the official definition in Help.
In Selling, rab1234 writes:
| | Yah but without clear provenance, you can’t justify a “new” listing no matter
how good it looks.
Certainly there are some very obvious fake “new” sellers of mini figs and parts
on this site, including one seller who has 100s of figs from the 80’s that several
years ago were all marked as “new” with a description of “like new” and suddenly
became just “new” after complaints. Also strangely enough they bought a used
$50 fig from me which soon after was listed as new at triple the price.
Hmm rant over. Just be careful how you list things and who you buy from. 😀
In Selling, yorbrick writes:
| | | |
Looking at the stores, it seems they have quite a few instructions from 20+ years
ago listed. I suppose anything is possible, but it seems a little hard to believe
they fit the technical description of new.
|
You never know. I have a few filing drawers full of new instructions removed
from sets and never opened to look at. Some are still sealed in plastic if this
is how they came. This is mainly where I have bought multiple copies either to
build or for parts and I only need one copy of the instructions (or none, if
for parts). If someone in the past had multiple sets and build them, they could
still have the same number minus one copies of unused and therefore new instructions
if they looked after them well.
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| | | | | Author: | SezaR | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 03:02 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
|
In my terms, I have
*****
Boxes and instructions: It is basically imposssible to describe all issues/damages
of a box or instruciton in the description. so I give a rating between 1(worst
condition) to 10 (new). This rating is only to give a rough idea. For example,
condition 9/10 means very good, almost like new, but it is still not new and
very very minor damages may exist. Condition 7/10 means some damages exists,
like small tears,...
If the condition of box or instructions is very important, you need to request
photos, then I will do my best to send you some good photos. If you don't
get photos, please ask again. If you do not receive any photo from me or if you
do not receive photos from angles you need, but you still order and pay, I will
not accept any complaint in regard to the condition of box or instruction you
have received (unless if a damage in transit happens in which case I can claim
a refund from the shipping company).
************
I have many vintage instructions. They sell ok. check my pricing and their description.
So far, no complaint.
For your instructions, I would write
Overall condition 9.5/10
Like new condition.
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| | | | | | | Author: | smekel | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 16:08 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| Thanx for the tip about putting things in the terms, especially the part about
how to handle the case where photos were sent but the customer is still unhappy
(outside of shipping damage). I definitely want to make sure customers are satisfied,
but there are of course limits to what is reasonable.
In Selling, SezaR writes:
| | In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
|
In my terms, I have
*****
Boxes and instructions: It is basically imposssible to describe all issues/damages
of a box or instruciton in the description. so I give a rating between 1(worst
condition) to 10 (new). This rating is only to give a rough idea. For example,
condition 9/10 means very good, almost like new, but it is still not new and
very very minor damages may exist. Condition 7/10 means some damages exists,
like small tears,...
If the condition of box or instructions is very important, you need to request
photos, then I will do my best to send you some good photos. If you don't
get photos, please ask again. If you do not receive any photo from me or if you
do not receive photos from angles you need, but you still order and pay, I will
not accept any complaint in regard to the condition of box or instruction you
have received (unless if a damage in transit happens in which case I can claim
a refund from the shipping company).
************
I have many vintage instructions. They sell ok. check my pricing and their description.
So far, no complaint.
For your instructions, I would write
Overall condition 9.5/10
Like new condition.
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| | | | | Author: | Dinosaur | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 05:24 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
|
MANY MANY new sets today come with instruction booklets folded on day 1 you unbox
it, the booklets are put into the Lego box probably with human hands that the
people won't care if it is folded or unfolded, they just rush to finish their
intensive work. it's so common.
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| | | | | | | Author: | smekel | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 16:11 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| Agree, I was just trying to get a sense of what the majority of buyers would
prefer. It's probably best to just leave things as I received them, mention
it in the comments and let the buyer decide how they want to store them upon
receipt, thanx.
In Selling, Tim1234567 writes:
| | In Selling, smekel writes:
| | Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a bulk lot of used Lego from the 1980s/1990s. To my surprise
there were numerous instructions included in this general condition and I would
love to hear people's answers to any of the questions below.
1. Even though this manual looks unused, since this manual did not come from
a sealed box that I opened, nor could the seller confirm it was never used; I
must list it as Used correct?
2. This set was released in 1987 (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?I=6693-1#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0})
and I imagine these instructions are at least 25 if not 30+ years old; I don't
have a ton of experience, but I haven't come across manuals that old which
look this good. When I look at listings for instruction manuals I often see sellers
rate them numerically e.g. 6/10 or use phrases like good, very good, excellent,
near mint, like new etc. Clearly those are all opinions, so I'm curious how
people who've seen lots of older manuals would describe a manual like this.
3. I found this post in the archives: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1201452
and it seems like some people would unfold this when storing and others would
leave it be. If choosing to unfold, do people unfold completely, or up to a certain
size e.g. as much as possible so that it still fits in a binder or filing cabinet,
or just unfold enough so the main image is completely visible?
Thanx,
JAMES
|
MANY MANY new sets today come with instruction booklets folded on day 1 you unbox
it, the booklets are put into the Lego box probably with human hands that the
people won't care if it is folded or unfolded, they just rush to finish their
intensive work. it's so common.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Sep 14, 2021 16:35 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, smekel writes:
| | […]
Agree, I was just trying to get a sense of what the majority of buyers would
prefer. It's probably best to just leave things as I received them, mention
it in the comments and let the buyer decide how they want to store them upon
receipt, thanx.
|
Note that the sets you showed are small sets, which came in small boxes, and
the instructions were folded when packaged simply because they wouldn’t have
fit otherwise 
So there’s folded by accident and folded on purpose, and both either by LEGO
or by the previous owner.
I’d say you may try and fix accidental and/or owner-caused folding, but not original
ones… if you can tell which is which 
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Dinosaur | | Posted: | Sep 15, 2021 10:53 | | Subject: | Re: What condition is this instruction manual? | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
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| In Selling, SylvainLS writes:
| | In Selling, smekel writes:
| | […]
Agree, I was just trying to get a sense of what the majority of buyers would
prefer. It's probably best to just leave things as I received them, mention
it in the comments and let the buyer decide how they want to store them upon
receipt, thanx.
|
Note that the sets you showed are small sets, which came in small boxes, and
the instructions were folded when packaged simply because they wouldn’t have
fit otherwise
So there’s folded by accident and folded on purpose, and both either by LEGO
or by the previous owner.
I’d say you may try and fix accidental and/or owner-caused folding, but not original
ones… if you can tell which is which
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What's the problem with a folded instruction booklets? Whether it is on purpose
or not,
I cannot see the reason of feeling unhappy. I don't think a booklet in perfect
condition will worth a good amount of money after decades
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USA, California
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United Kingdom, England
Canada, British Columbia
Germany, Berlin
France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine