How Mint Is Mint?

[Nansu]

#884

Hi, I'm Nancy and I've been reading and obsorbing information from your wonderful site for a bit now. I fell in love with solids at first sight a just few months ago. My first piece is a Lucky Ladybag. hehe, I don't think I've ever seen anything as cute as that!

Now I'm trying to learn as much as I can about everything. I was hoping all you experts might be willing to share a bit of your knowledge on quality? What is an acceptable “flaw” for a solid? Must latches always click tightly shut? Do boxes need to be in perfect condition? How about nicks in the perfume?

Is there anything that I should steer clear of under any circumstance?

I would appreciate any advice anyone is willing to impart.

Thanks,

Nancy

[VEGAS LADY]

#22264

Hello Nancy and welcome to the site….. <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

Some of the older solids are so hard to find and mint condition can be very rare,
so it is up to you what you will accept and what you will not. In my view perfume that has shrunk or gone black with age is acceptable and I would accept a not so perfect box in an older solid. ( thats if you get the box at all )

When you buy a new solid from the shops never accept anything that is not perfect…….. Always check them well.

Hope this helps a little bit as there are better experts than me on the site and I'm sure that they will give you their take on it.

Regards…. Margaret….. <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

[Queenie]

#22265

Welcome Nancy! <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />
Yes as Margaret stated for your selection it is pretty much up to your descision,
although if purchasing on eBay you should ask all the questions you have stated or atleast check photos of solids you wish to purchase and presume nothing.
I recently purchased the 'Peach” on eBay and when it arrived the box was smashed in on one side. It appears it was not wrapped for shipping correctly, hence perfect solid but box not. <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ />
Yes even a collector like me learns after two years of collecting perfume solids.
Happy Hunting Nancy! <img src='style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’rolleyes.gif’ />

[VEGAS LADY]

#22266

HI PAM….. THAT'S A GOOD POINT ABOUT EBAY, AS WE ALL SAY “IT'S BUYER BEWARE” !!!!!!!!!! <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ />

MARK…….HAVE JUST SEEN YOU ON THE SITE, IF YOU DON'T MIND ME ASKING WHAT WAS VENICE LIKE…..

Regards……Margaret

[Petals]

#22267

Hello Nancy, and nice to have you on board.

As far as Mint is concerned, if I am selling an item and describe it as Mint (MI:cool:,
then it has a perfect box and the perfume is untouched! In other words, how
you would expect it to be when newly released. So if I am buying
and the words MIB are used, that is how I expect to receive the item.
Any flaws, i.e. the perfume is marked, the gold box is damaged or slightly
grubby inside, then I would mention that to the buyer. But a solid
perfume does not have to have a box to be Mint. Also, some collectors
like to have the outer white box too. Obviously that is a bonus if
available.

Hope this helps. As Vegas Lady explained, many of the older solids
that one finds, do not have their original boxes. One with the original
box will command a higher price than one without. It depends how
you personally feel about this. I collect what I love, box or no box. But
if I have the chance to purchase one with the box, then I do just that and
try and sell the one without the box when the opportunity arises.

Do what you feel comfortable with and enjoy the ones you have. With perfume, without perfume, with box, without box…….As you learn more and
find more, your tastes might change and you will make mistakes in the
process i.e. paying too much, not noticing something you should have before
buying etc. And……don't get caught out on Ebay! Check the pictures
and make sure you are not buying something that is half finished or
misssing the stand etc. etc. It takes time and I am sure even the
experts sometimes get it wrong <img src='style_emoticons//huh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’huh.gif’ />

Enjoy!

P.S. Pam, hope you had a refund for the damaged box! <img src='style_emoticons//wink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’wink.gif’ />

[Nansu]

#22268

Thank you so much for all the advice. I confuse myself sometimes <img src='style_emoticons//blink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’blink.gif’ /> hehe

I bought a Bejeweled Bottle from NM last week and the box was rubber banded together and has what looked to be a tape mark on the bottom of the gold box. There was no white outer box. I've been fretting over that silly box for a week. I think I'll give them a call and see if there is another one available, if not I'll probably keep it. It's wonderful!

Nancy

[Sandra]

#22269

QUOTE(Nansu @ Jan 12 2006, 01:52 AM)

What is an acceptable “flaw” for a solid? Must latches always click tightly shut? Do boxes need to be in perfect condition? How about nicks in the perfume?

Is there anything that I should steer clear of under any circumstance?

[snapback]21076[/snapback]

Hi Nancy. Welcome to the site!

Here's my answer to your questions:

1. There are really no acceptable 'flaws' for a solid if bought new. Just make sure you are aware of anything untoward before paying a motza for anything bought 'second hand'.

2. Yes, I believe latches and hinges etc. should always work properly.

3. Boxes aren't always perfect, but again if bought new, they should be. If bought second hand then it should be pointed out I guess. Depends how bad the problem is.

4. No there shouldn't be any nicks in the perfume if bought new. If bought second hand then it should be absolutely mentioned. You ARE buying the 'solid perfume' after all.

5. Steer clear of half finished things or incompleted things . . . . try not to get pressured by sellers you don't know. Buy things YOU like as you will enjoy them more.

GOOD LUCK!!! <img src='style_emoticons//cool.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’cool.gif’ />

[Ron]

#22270

Nansu
There is no excuse for not having a white box from Neiman Marcus. I would return it and ask for a refund on postage. The only way I would accept that is if it were the last one in the whole world.

Shrinkage and darkening of perfume is pretty much a natural occurrence so I would still consider a perfume in that condition to be Mint. If it has a finger print then it is no longer mint.

Just my opinion after 20 years of collecting perfume

[Mark]

#22271

Hi Margaret-
Thanx for asking- All of Italy was incredible <img src='style_emoticons//tongue.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’tongue.gif’ /> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is beyond words- Unfortunately- We went in the rainy season and when we got to St. Marks in the am it had a few puddles- after our gondola ride and shopping and visiting the glass factories there- the plaza had about 1 1/2 feet of standing water and we had to walk on elevated platforms- We had the best tour ever- we saw Rome, Florence, Assissi, Verona, Pisa, Venice- the islands of Murano,Burano- The most AWESOME Amalfi Coast-Sorento, Pompeii, Naples- the Isle of Capri and everything in between these marvelous places- If we get a chance- Venice will be our whole destination next time

So- ya all- if you get a chance- go to Italy <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ /> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark

[Topbev]

#22272

I am new to collecting solids – especially at auction sites. Until I found this site, I had no idea how important the boxes are. I think I've been very lucky with my ebay purchases with just a few exceptions. I went to ebay understanding that photos are “retouchable” and what you see is not always what you get. But certainly nothing has been so bad I would return it at this stage of my experience.
I did purchase a few solids over the recent holidays at Saks and Neiman Marcus. Each store had problems finding the outer white box and I came home with only the gold box for one solid from each store. Hmmm – how does that happen? And I'm told EL no longer makes the molded boxes and is using the gold box with pouch only?

Also, I find it amazing how many of one solid a seller can have especially in the “limited editions”? Where do they get them? Are they EL employees? Store employees with access to store inventory?

I was showing my new pieces to my neighbor and in an attempt to open the compact, he promptly stuck his fingernail in it. Oh well – I suppose that's why I haven't gotten too upset over used auction pieces not being perfect. Nothing lasts forever.

I could go on and on – but this is my first post and I have so much more to learn.

Thanks

[Sandra]

#22273

Hi Topbev ! Welcome to the site – nice first post! <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

I have had the same experience with retailers not being able to locate the white box and have even been given a different box and they have scratched out the wrong title and just written the solid I am buying on it ! <img src='style_emoticons//sad.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’sad.gif’ />

Anyway, what do they know? Some are just casual shop assistants part time working as they go through uni. Can't blame them!

Yes – it does appear EL have decided to just pacakge in the gold box with the pouch only. I was only just saying that to my mother yesterday as we were looking at the little Harrods bear. I liked the old molded boxes myself, but the new gold boxes are very nice too. You can see them trying to cut down on expense, can't you?

That's the thing with showing them to people – I have learnt just to show them to certain people through the glass cabinet windows. No touching – just looking! Other people closer to me I explain them what they are are and to be careful when handling. It just saves angst and inner fury.

[Petals]

#22274

I think these new boxes are much nicer than the old type. They are smaller and have a nicer finish. I personally think they are stronger than the previous
gold boxes. Also, they still come with the outer white box. I cannot understand the retailers selling these items without the white boxes. Maybe they are collecting them to sell on Ebay <img src='style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’rolleyes.gif’ /> They certainly start educating
themselves and can get hold of the items far below cost price!

Yes, I agree about being careful when showing the solids. I have had the
same thing happen.

It's great to see so many new Collectors. That can only be a good thing
and we welcome you to the Wonderful World of Solid Perfumes and Compacts!

<img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

[VEGAS LADY]

#22275

Hi Mark…. <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

Glad you enjoyed your holiday. As you say the Amalfi coast sure is awesome I spent two weeks there a couple of years back staying in Amalfi itself……so beautiful. Perhaps I will get to see Venice this year.

Thanks again…..Margaret…. <img src='style_emoticons//laugh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’laugh.gif’ />

[VEGAS LADY]

#22276

Hello Topbev, welcome to the site….. <img src='style_emoticons//laugh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’laugh.gif’ />

Nice to see such a good first post, you will learn from the best teachers on this site.

I do agree with what Jacky says about the white outer boxes ending up on ebay, but some of the oddest things turn up there, as we all know….. <!–emo&<_<img src='style_emoticons//dry.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’dry.gif’ />

Keep posting…..My Regards to you…..Margaret…. <img src='style_emoticons//wink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’wink.gif’ />

[KK]

#22277

Hi TopBev, <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ /> welcome to the site. <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />
I enjoyed your first post. You're right about the molded inserts, but I just now realized that all my new solids came in the gold padded top box in a silky pouch. I just thought someone was being lazy, but I guess it' the new way.
As for your neighbor with the clumsey fingers (poor guy) you can take the hair dryer to the solid and it will melt the nail mark. That is one of Lisa's handy tips. It works! <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ /> <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />

[Author]

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