Box Condition Question

[rosenthm]

I'm new to this site and the discussion boards. I have a couple of questions about box condition. On the site I see ornaments listed with DB (damaged box) and SDB (slightly damaged box). Is there a key somewhere that tells you what each condition code means? Is there a designation for no price tag on box or is that cinsidered DB or SDB?

Also, as a buyer, but one that wants to maintain a collector's value of my ornaments, is there a big value difference between a box with a price tag and one without? Should I stay away from boxes with no price tags?

Thanks I look forward to some answeres to my questions.

[nicki]

Sept 28, 2008 16:50:48 GMT -5 rosenthm said:

I'm new to this site and the discussion boards. I have a couple of questions about box condition. On the site I see ornaments listed with DB (damaged box) and SDB (slightly damaged box). Is there a key somewhere that tells you what each condition code means? Is there a designation for no price tag on box or is that considered DB or SDB?

Also, as a buyer, but one that wants to maintain a collector's value of my ornaments, is there a big value difference between a box with a price tag and one without? Should I stay away from boxes with no price tags?

Thanks I look forward to some answeres to my questions.

Hi Rosethm,
Welcome to the forum.
We do have the box condition abbreviation key question listed under our "Frequently Asked Questions" tab on the site:
Q5 The item name includes SDB, BNT, DB or NB - what does that mean?

These are standard Hallmark Collectible abbreviations indicating the box condition. The ornaments are ALWAYS mint unless specified in the individual item description. Here's what the abbreviations mean and a brief description -
SDB - Slightly Damaged Box - The ornament is mint, but the box has some slight damage - a small crease, rubs, marks, etc
BNT - Box, No Tag - Ornament and box are mint, but the perforated price tag has been removed
DB - Damaged Box - Ornament is mint, but the box is damaged. (Severe damage is classified as NB)
NB - No Box - Ornament is mint, but the original box is missing.


As for value,
The highest value of any collectible in the secondary market always goes to the most perfect condition item including the box.
As far as how much is deducted due to a price tag, it really varies depending to the value of the item. For example, a #1 Frosty Friend in a perfect box but missing the gold corner price tag would sell for $75-$100 less that the same item with the gold price tag. While an inexpensive ($15 or below) ornament would be devalued by just a dollar or two.

Hope this info helps! Happy Collecting, Nicki