The Energon Pub

Besides the shady grading and descriptions, the fact that a lot have resorted to parting out complete figures to try and squeeze an extra buck out bugs the hell out of me.

Now, now Bonger, this isn't the Wheeljackslab thread...

:EDIT: Seriously, $250 for an assload of mints in a Black Battle Convoy box. Any takers?

Leonardo wrote:You keep asking what is mint about various things that are lacking certain items, but you're missing my point entirely. Mint, as in the definition you have listed, does not mean complete. Mint refers to the quality or condition.

For example, one could sell a mint-condition necklace, but I wouldn't argue such a necklace wasn't mint if it didn't come with the matching earrings.

As for the "complete" aspect, that's entirely subjective (as all of this is), but suffice to say for my purposes a complete toy does not have to include all the paperwork. Things like bio cards are not, as far as I'm concerned, part of the toy. They're extras.

I kind of get what he's saying. Like the term "loose mint" is an oxymoron. It can't be mint if it's loose. By his definition mint = 100% complete. Just like MISB by most people's definition is a factory sealed box but people don't say MIFSB. The factory part is implied. I think the confusion comes from one group of people thinking mint refers to the figure and others consider it referring to the product as a whole. Dictionary.com says mint means "as if new". So if you think mint refers to the product as a whole it is hardly "as if new" if it is missing things.

Omega-1 wrote:

Leonardo wrote:You keep asking what is mint about various things that are lacking certain items, but you're missing my point entirely. Mint, as in the definition you have listed, does not mean complete. Mint refers to the quality or condition.

For example, one could sell a mint-condition necklace, but I wouldn't argue such a necklace wasn't mint if it didn't come with the matching earrings.

As for the "complete" aspect, that's entirely subjective (as all of this is), but suffice to say for my purposes a complete toy does not have to include all the paperwork. Things like bio cards are not, as far as I'm concerned, part of the toy. They're extras.

I kind of get what he's saying. Like the term "loose mint" is an oxymoron. It can't be mint if it's loose. By his definition mint = 100% complete. Just like MISB by most people's definition is a factory sealed box but people don't say MIFSB. The factory part is implied. I think the confusion comes from one group of people thinking mint refers to the figure and others consider it referring to the product as a whole. Dictionary.com says mint means "as if new". So if you think mint refers to the product as a whole it is hardly "as if new" if it is missing things.

That relates to what we were saying earlier about how different people take terms to mean different things. DJDrew's definition of mint differs to mine, and so forth. Even the phrase "as if new" can have different meanings, because to some it would mean complete, to others it would mean C9-versus-junker.

pittsburg_22_m wrote:MINT IN BOX?

I bought a Rodimus Prime TRU that was advertised as such but when it came it was in box....just wrapped in bubblewrap and tossed in the box without the plastic insert.

Am I out of line for expecting mint in box to mean it comes with everything including everything with the box and that its basically only an open box?

Seller Response: Pics I had on auction never showed insert. Description didn't say it included insert. It stated "Everything seen in pics is included". So if you had a concern on this issue before why did you not ask a question before bidding. And MIB does not mean insert should be included. MIB=Mint In Box not MISB which is Mint in Sealed Box.

The person who sold it was an idiot. There's no such thing as MISB = Mint in Sealed Box. If he's/she's advertising MIB = Mint in Box that means it's never been opened.

At least that's what I've allways been told. The mint part of mint in box means never been opened so if it was opened, hell even if the tape holding the box shut has been torn off or cut, it's not mint in box.

You know, given the completely differing opinions on what these terms mean, it's no wonder people feel like they get cheated on Ebay. Everybody seems to expect different things.

We have all brought up good points. Without a standard (accepted) definition, there will always be confusion. We should all take this with a grain of salt and as always remember, Buyers Beware!

By the by, Leonardo says,

would a so-called MIB Cybertron toy have to include all the twist ties for it to be MIB?

That is a very good statement. I never thought of it that way. I mean the shear number of twist ties for the newer toys makes it almost impossible to keep everything. However, the use of these over the past 20 years has changed also.

20 years ago, there was no need for twisty ties. The items for a toy were box, paperwork (in a bag), tray for toy, toy, and accessories. Now you have to add 200 twist ties.

...but, would you buy a Japanese TF MIB without the styrofoam? That was the real difference with the US vs Jap. toys. Every Jap TF that I buy, I get the styro for (if bought MIB).

If a toy came with a styrofoam insert originally I would probably look for it to be included. There is a practical reason for this; if it has the original box but lacks the styrofoam, then surely the toy will rattle around inside and increase the risk of damage during transit? Of course, that could be avoided by packing the toy separately, or filling the box with some kind of padding.

Ultimately, if the buyer is looking for something specific, or has certain expectations, then the buyer should ensure that the item description is clear and satisfactory. If not, then there is always the "Contact Seller" option. As DJDrew says, "Buyers Beware!"

This thread made for a interesting read, but I find myself agreeing with the statement below.

Exulted Unicron wrote:MIB to me means that the figure is in C9 condition with its original packaging. It doesn't necessarily mean that it comes with original inserts, trays etc unless specified

my new favourite for misb... mint in sealed bag as per

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Hasbro-Generation-1- ... dZViewItem

underdog wrote:my new favourite for misb... mint in sealed bag as per

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Hasbro-Generation-1- ... dZViewItem

Cunning!

Linguist?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Still clever use of MISB. Technically correct.