How to Spot Reconditioned Books Posing as New Sealed 1st Prints

When purchasing sealed 1st print mangas, it’s important to be aware of potential counterfeit listings. Some sellers on eBay claim their books are “New Sealed” 1st prints, but many of these items are actually reconditioned books from second-hand stores. To help you avoid falling into this trap, here are a few key red flags to watch out for.

1. The Sticker on the Back is Missing

One of the most obvious giveaways is the absence of the sticker on the back of the book. Genuine new sealed mangas always come with a sticker that displays the print number and date. This sticker serves as proof that the book is a first print and hasn’t been tampered with. If this sticker is missing, the book could be a reconditioned or resealed copy. You can refer to the first photo in this guide to see what this sticker looks like.

You can also verify this by checking the listings here, where all sealed manga listings require the display of this sticker to confirm authenticity.

2. Suspicious Wrapping

Take a close look at the wrapping around the book. Genuine new sealed books have smooth, factory-applied plastic wrapping, fully enclosing the book and making it airtight to the external air. If the plastic wrapping appears uneven, too tight, or poorly sealed, it’s a strong indication that the book has been resealed. Authentic new copies should have clean and precise wrapping, free from signs of resealing.

Pro Tip: Always compare the photos and descriptions carefully before making your purchase. If something doesn’t seem quite right, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller for more information. A genuine sealed 1st print should always meet the standards outlined above.

 

Good luck with your purchase! By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you’ll be able to make safer and more informed decisions when buying sealed 1st print mangas. Always stay vigilant and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.

Happy collecting!

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