I see a number of posts that come across as angry or a bit upset.
I think we ALL need to keep in mind that this is merely a discussion; an exchange of opinion.
In the end, we might not change anyone's minds, but this will help us all understand more about how OTHER people communicate, making us better buyers and sellers.
As for the definition of mint meaning that flashing, etc. should be included, I offer three options (with links) for comparison:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mint-condition
mint condition
noun
in new or like-new condition
Examples
In stamps, mint condition means unused.
Applying the "stamps" example, a lot of JANKY models could be described this way.
"My dog chewed it up, but i never actually used it... so, i guess it's mint."
Yeah. That would (in most opinions, I'd wager) be an improper use of "mint." I'm just exagerrating for effect, since we HAVE had traders here in the past who i could easily have seen try something like this.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.p ... +condition
mint condition
A condition where something is perfect or as if it was originally manufactured.
A state where something has no flaws.
"As if it was originally manufactured" could be seen as ambiguous. On one hand, if you're referring to the end product of the manufacturing process, then you're talking about the inclusion of a base. If you are referring to the early steps of the process, it could support the "with flashing" point. There is a lot of subjectivity here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_condition
Mint condition is an expression used in the description of pre-owned goods. Originally, the phrase related to the way collectors described the condition of coins. As the name given to a coin factory is a "mint", then mint condition is the condition a coin is in when it leaves the mint.
Variations
The term mint condition may be used to describe a variety of collectible items, including action figures, dolls, toys, stamps,[1] records,[2] comic books and similar items.[3] The term may have a slightly different meaning in each case. For instance, when describing trading cards, "perfect" condition is used to describe the condition as it is when pulled from a pack, while "mint" would be new but opened. Similar graduations of mint condition exist for other collectibles based on their specific characteristics. For example, a postage stamp may be mint or mint never hinged.
Abbreviations include:[4]
NRFB – Never removed from box
MIB – Mint in box
MIP – Mint in package
MOC – Mint on card (For accessories sold attached to a card)
Now, this is my favorite of the three. I know.. I like the wordiest one. SURPRISE! LOL
I like it for that reason, though. it goes into more depth than the others. It calls out that it can be used for different items and that the definition might vary between items. What I like about it the most is that what i see as the most important part of the definition can be applied to almost anything commercially created:
"As the name given to a coin factory is a "mint", then mint condition is the condition a coin is in when it leaves the mint."
Make the reference from "coin" to any other item and change "mint" at the end of the quote into "showroom" or "factory" or "manufacturer" or "dealership" or "assembly line" or any of a multitude of locations, and it's applicable. Obviously, other descriptors might change, depending on the item (you wouldn't refer to a 'car factory" as a showroom... but you'd refer to a dealership as one).
Eric
Lower rating? You ship first.
Give me a sense of humor Lord. Give me the grace to see a joke.
To get some humor out of life and pass it on to other folk.
I think what this situation needs is some imagination.
"...I'm a nerd, and I'm here tonight to stand up for the rights of other nerds.” – Gilbert Lowell
Want my help with a BTR or backout? All messages sent/posted should be in CHRONOLOGICAL order. Otherwise, I just won't read it.