Do you buy items that have stains on them?
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
United States
July 11, 2018 7:55pm CST
Of course I don't mean clothes. I wouldn't buy clothes with stains on them at all.
What I refer to are things like cups and glasses with stains or a book that has a stain on it. Would you buy that item or would you pass it by?
In the picture above you will see a book I got today. I wasn't going to get it because there was a stain on it but I decided to get it anyway. The stain was so small that the person who was with me said he hadn't even caught it.
I'm assuming it's possibly chocolate from when an employee was putting the books up. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't imagine it's uhm.. well you know, I'm not going to say it because of those of you who might be squeamish.
Do you buy items if there are stains on them?
What item would you Definitely NOT buy if it had a stain on it?
Refresh the page if you do not see the photo.
23 people like this
25 responses
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
Yes, I'm definitely referring to second hand items. I would NOT buy an item that was new but had a stain on it. Those things should be sent back to the warehouse or manufacturer, I think most stores would get a credit for that type occurrence.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457249)
• Switzerland
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Yes, I suppose the stores get a credit for new items that are stained or have some defects.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@LadyDuck I know when I was a grocery stock clerk, we could send things back.
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
13 Jul 18
I have bought second hand books and magazines with stains. I use pictures from old magazines in my art and I don't care what the cover looks like, there might still be useful pictures inside the magazine. When I have removed the pictures I want I don't keep the magazines. I once found a huge spider inside one of the magazines, that was worse than a few stains 
I wouldn't buy second clothes with stains. I always check the clothes carefully, because sometimes there are stains or small holes in the clothes.
I wouldn't buy second clothes with stains. I always check the clothes carefully, because sometimes there are stains or small holes in the clothes.1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
13 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum I feel the same way about spiders .I got a shock when that spider crawled out of the magazine. It was the biggest spider I have ever seen 
I bought the magazines from a woman and I think she kept them outside in her shed or something like that.
Sometimes I have bought clothes with holes because I wasn't careful enough. I have found some nice second hand clothes, but I have also seen some very ugly things and things in bad condition. I was surprised to see that they sell used underwear as well,. I would never buy that.
I bought the magazines from a woman and I think she kept them outside in her shed or something like that.
Sometimes I have bought clothes with holes because I wasn't careful enough. I have found some nice second hand clothes, but I have also seen some very ugly things and things in bad condition. I was surprised to see that they sell used underwear as well,. I would never buy that.1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
13 Jul 18
Oh I abhor creepy crawlies especially when they are hiding in places like that or showers. Eek!
Yes, those small holes make all the difference. I've had a small hole become a big problem a time or two. Made for some embarrassing moments.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
14 Jul 18
@Porcospino Yes, definitely no to the used underwear. The thrift clothing shops around here even sell uniforms for the local grocery stores. That is to say, disgruntled ex employees give the tops to goodwill and they end up in their shops. I bought a top for a grocery store I worked at as a teen that way.
I find that some people do not take care of their collectibles, atleast not in the same respect I would. Of course do not see magazines as collectibles, which I can understand. My grandmother used to collect Time Magazines. This was many years ago, and one time when I came to visit they were gone. I believe my brother (who lived with them) had a hand in that.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215148)
• Chile
12 Jul 18
It depends. I accept many things in second hand books that I would not accept in a new book.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
You bring up a good point. I would be less likely to buy a book with a stain on it if the book was a newer one. I might consider it if it was something I really wanted to read, but only if it was legible and able to be read.
I've received books through the mail that has had stains on pages that I wouldn't have bought had I known about. That's only happened to me a time or two.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
13 Jul 18
@RubyHawk I had no idea but I can see where it would do that.
I'll stick with water, herbal tea and the occasional sweet tea.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
Vinegar, Baking Soda and Club Soda are a girl's best friend when it comes to stains. Though I've heard coca-cola gets stains out of things like porcelain.
I do still drink the stuff but very rarely now. That stuff can wash pennies clean there's no telling what it does to the inside of our stomachs.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
13 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Right, if you put a piece of meat in a carbonated drink and leave it overnight it will devolve the meat.
@DesirousDreamer (34783)
• Peoria, Arizona
12 Jul 18
I buy things with stains on them as long as they are not too gross. I have plenty of clothes with stains from clothing stores and rips and snags from thrift stores. Makes them cheaper.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I don't like to get clothes that have stains on them. I buy from thrift stores or the discount rack at regular retailers all the time. If it's ripped, sure I might buy it as long as it's a fixable rip.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@DesirousDreamer I had a friend that was a lot like that, and maybe still is. I haven't talked to her in many years but I do see her on facebook occasionally.
@DesirousDreamer (34783)
• Peoria, Arizona
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum I just feel like stains tell a story. As long as it isn't a nasty greasy stain. But like paint or even like maybe a juice stain or grass stains, just makes them interesting. But I'm also known as a grunge lover, so I guess that is why
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (58103)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
12 Jul 18
I buy books with stains. And on ebay if its from a seller I know and trust dvds with out cases
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I might be more iffy about buying DVDs without cases online. If they have bought jewel cases for them (the cd cases) then I would buy it. Some send dvds through the mail in paper envelopes designed for them. It still doesn't offer a lot of protection.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (58103)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum I will only do it if its someone I have bought from before and had a good experience with.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@thislittlepennyearns Have you ever had a DVD come in the mail that you expected to have the original case for? I have. It was actually a CD - ROM game. It came in an envelope but the seller specified it had it's original case. It listed that it would work on one of the machines I have. It didn't and the seller was good enough to give me a full refund without having to send the item back. I guess it was cheaper for them to cut their losses.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@AmbiePam Actually I picked up one book recently because of that. The price I mean. It ended up being a better deal than I though tthough. 90 cents for a book that has three different novellas in it. I didn't realize that at first.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
A nickel is an awesome, awesome deal. 
That is what gets me in trouble. "Oh but it's a great deal!"
That is what gets me in trouble. "Oh but it's a great deal!"1 person likes this
@vandana7 (98702)
• India
15 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Ha ha..I once bought a saree that was in show case, which had holes because of incense sticks. It was on discount, and I had little money. I used it extensively even though it was not what I liked. LOL Yes, my aunt did say that I was too short for the design, but she did not notice the holes. People find any reason to talk. I am too thick skinned now. LOL
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
15 Jul 18
@vandana7 I haven't grown too thick a skin. I can let some things bounce off of me but other things still hurt.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
14 Jul 18
I don't think I could buy clothes with stains on them but that is just me. It might be a conversation piece, depending on the stain. If it was paint, people might ask "Oh, have you painted your house recently?"
1 person likes this
@much2say (53907)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Jul 18
I can deal with a used book stain . . . as long as it's not like a stain from big time water damage (I'm always afraid of the mold that could be there). I would buy most things with a dinky stain as long as I know I can wash all or most of it off (depending on what it is).
@much2say (53907)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum I have a bunch of books in a box in the garage . . . I suppose I should look through them too!
Usually adult books are pretty good condition for the most part. But kids books can be a different story . . . stains, pen/crayon marks, folding, rips . . . some of those stains are who-knows-what it is!
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@much2say Yes, exactly. Children are so carefree and clumsy. A few years ago I had the opportunity to look through some of my old childhood books. Crayon marks, tears, food stains galore.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I hadn't thought about the mold but you are right. I have books that are moldy. They are in a box in my closet until I can sort through them and throw them out. Some are in good enough condition to sell.
I don't think I've ever come across a book that had anything more than a food stain on it.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73201)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul 18
I certainly would not buy clothes with stains but I have bought books with small stains. Nothing else though.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I have an acquaintance that used to be a close friend. She sells clothes that sometimes have stains on them. She has given me a few such items.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@RasmaSandra For the most part, I doubt the stains can be removed. If they didn't come out in the wash and were able to further set in, they are there for good.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73201)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum nope that doesn't work then you have to find a way to clean the clothes.
@just4him (305417)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Jul 18
If it's a used book, no problem. Chances are used dishes would have ingrown stains that don't come out, no problem. Clothes, no I wouldn't. I wouldn't by anything for children with stains on them.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I bought four plates from a friend of a friend once. It's an online friend so I gave them my address, paid through paypal and was able to get the plates. That was a big risk for me since I had no way of knowing if there were any stains not visible in the pictures they sent.
I have several cups that I'd like to get rid of because they are grimy. They are clean, it's just soap scum I cant' seem to get rid of. I can't justify doing that though because there's nothing else wrong with them
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@just4him I am sure no one would, and I wouldn't feel right giving it to goodwill.
I need to get in the kitchen and rearrange the cupboards where the glasses are. I did that with the food not too long ago and now it's time for me to do the same with the glasses.
1 person likes this
@just4him (305417)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum It might be best, if you want to get rid of them, to just throw them out if you don't think anyone would buy them.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
12 Jul 18
no, i would not at all. even if the stain can be removed.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I can understand that. There are plenty of people who are squeamish or just iffy about these things. For good reason, I guess. I tend to use my best judgment and I definitely will not buy anything if I think it's blood that is staining it.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@ridingbet If it has blood on it? Not necessarily. People cut themselves by accident and blood gets from their fingers to an item.
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@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum it would also mean that the dress is used by somebody? hahaha
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
Not even if it was a second hand (used) item and the stain could be easily removed?
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@Jessabuma Of course, it's lucky we don't often come across things with stains.
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@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum maybe I will buy if the stains can be removed.
1 person likes this
@mnglsp (3614)
• Philippines
12 Jul 18
For me, it's okay to buy books with stains. I love reading those books that smells like an old paper or something. I sometimes buy books on book sales and most of them have stains. When it comes to eyeglasses, mirrors, clothes I don't want to buy if it has stains on them.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I love the smell of old books as well. I have a wax melt that smells like old books and I absolutely love the smell. I don't use it that often because the seller went out of business. I am going to try to find out what they used so I can make my own.
I might buy a mirror if it has a stain. You can sometimes get stains on glass off with acetone.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@mnglsp It depends on the stain of course. If it's a paint then acetone should work just fine.
@mnglsp (3614)
• Philippines
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Waaaah I'll try that sometimes.
1 person likes this
@popciclecold (35022)
• United States
15 Jul 18
Depends on where I buy it from. I have bought used books at the Salvation Army. But not clothes with stains.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
15 Jul 18
I used to go to the salvation army to get books. This was when I was living in a different county. They had so many books at such great deals.
I now go to another thrift store to get mine.
I had a friend who would sell her clothes with stains on them. Stains that couldn't be gotten out.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I don't even understand how goodwill sells underwear. They have baskets of it out of packaging and everything. No, Thank You.
Stained Speakers.
Stained Speakers.
@JESSY3236 (18886)
• United States
13 Jul 18
I did buy a square pillow one time from Kohls and after I got home I noticed a black mark on it. It's ok though because I was using it as a workout pillow and Lily has been using it to lay on. I would mind stains on books just as long as there are no missing pages.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
13 Jul 18
Oh well atleast you didn't have to go to the trouble of taking the pillow back and getting replaced.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
12 Jul 18
we don't get used things..
didn't see the stain in the picture til after reading the whole post and looking again.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
It's not easy to see at first glance.
I was raised on "used items". Hand me downs and all. I guess I like to go for those before the new stuff.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum I had gotten some second hand clothes from a childhood friend, because they were name brands; but mostly always had new - though cheap, from Walmart. we had little money, but never had used items - well besides a big freezer that was my grandparents. - just didn't buy them.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
Definitely no antique fabrics, that's for sure. Okay, well, maybe? I don't know, I am of two minds on that. I do know that antiquated fabrics are more brittle, prone to tearing and are generally stained by age and the sun. Those would be a risk to buy because the value in them is hard to determine.
I would LOVE, absolutely LOVE to have an antique desk. The secretary desk type is what I refer to.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
12 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum no not fabric, but like tbles and desks and such.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
12 Jul 18
I would for a book or anything that was Antique but no not too much.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
12 Jul 18
I saw some books at the thrift store that were not antique but were proper big volumes of classics. I don't know that I would get an item that was antique AND had some sort of scuff or mark on it. If it was easily cleaned without damaging the integrity of the piece, I would.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
26 Jul 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Ys, same here- I would have to be able to clean it.
