MINT IN THE BOX-NOT!

As a die cast metal replica dealer and collector I have found more than one instance on the part of a e-Bay seller using "mint in the box" not realizing that a marked up outer box slashed with a marking pen, the original packing materials no where to be found, repairs made to an item using the wrong screw or? and then not stating it has been altered from the original is enough to drive a collector/buyer up the wall when the package arrives.  When I wrote to the seller about a problem-his response was "I didn't say it was new" and seemed to think that solved the problem.   Well, what the heck is "mint in the box"? 

MINT IN THE BOX

The term Mint in the Box in the collector world does not mean brand new.  If it was being sold as brand new it would be Mint in the Box by default.

Mint In the Box refers to items that have been in a collection, held in storage, excess old inventory or any other manner to be demmed "not new".  Mint in the Box refers to items that  are in the original box (undamaged outer box or marked by stickers or marking pens), with the original packing materials (usually a plastic bag or styrofoam) as originally packed by the producer, and the item has not been on display outside of the box or repaired by the original collector or seller.  Usually items that have been displayed can be damaged by sunlight (even painted diecast collectibiles can fade in sunlight) subject to an environment that contains cigarette or other tobacco smoke, excess moisture/humidity, or subject to mechanical wear and tear from being handled or stored incorrectly.

Mint In the Box can be used if the seller notes that there is some shelf wear on the outside of the box to let the buyer/collector know that the outer box is not in mint condition.  Terms such as "slight shelfwear" or some slight damage to the box helps avoid having a buyer upset about what they bought.  Why the big deal about the outer box?

OUTER BOX

Until several years ago people didn't bother with keeping a box that an item came in and discarded both the box and packing materials and displayed the items proudly.  Then, the market changed and having all the packing materials and box became important to the possible resale value of a collectible.  The more original (with box, packing materials and mint item), the higher the perceived value to collectors.  As we went through the collectible frenzy the collector became more particular about what they were buying and thus another term popped up-"Never removed from Box" or "Removed from box for picture".  For many buyers that does not matter but for the serious collector this is important information to know about an item-so we get to the point of feedback of "As described".

AS OR NOT AS DESCRIBED?

To return to my example of buying an item that had been repaired with a large sheet-metal screw, the outer box was marked with black marking pen in several areas, the original packing material was missing, yet it had been described as "Mint in the Box".  Not so, it wasn't even "new with no box" or some slight shelfwear, or any of the other points that help define Mint in the Box.  My response to the seller was "not as described" and we resolved the issue over a period of time.  So to avoid these issues, know what it means to use the terms.

"Mint in the Box"-not so fast, Sparky.