Making a Living from Your eBay Business (2nd Edition)

1E

First edition. The first edition of a book or similar item. Don't confuse with first printing, which is the initial print run of a given edition.

1st

Same as 1E.

2E

Second edition. The second edition of a book or similar item.

2nd

Same as 2E.

ABM

Automatic bottle machine (bottles prior to 1910).

ACC

Accumulation (stamps).

ACL

Applied color label (bottles).

ADV

Adventure (books/movies).

AE

American Express.

AG

About Good (coins).

AIR

Air mail (stamps).

AMEX

American Express.

ANTH

Anthology (books).

AO

All original.

ARC

Advanced readers copy. A prepublication version of a book manuscript, typically released to reviewers and bookstores for publicity purposes.

AU

About Uncirculated (coins)

AUTO

Autographed. An item that has been autographed by the artist or other celebrity.

BA

Bronze Age.

BB

BB-sized hole. A small hole drilled through a record label. (Can also be an abbreviation for Beanie Baby.)

BC

Blister card. The display card packaging for many retail items. (Can also be an abbreviation for .)

BCE

Book club edition. A special edition of a book sold exclusively through book clubs.

BIM

Blown in mold (bottles prior to 1910).

BIN

Buy It Now.

BIO

Biography.

BJ

Ball jointed body (dolls).

BK

Bent knee (dolls).

BKL

Booklet (stamps).

BLB

Big Little Book.

BLK

Block (stamps).

BOMC

Book of the Month Club edition. A special edition of a book published exclusively for the Book of the Month Club.

BP

Blister pack. (Can also be an abbreviation for booklet pane, which is a type of display case for collectible stamps.)

BTAS

Batman: the Animated Series.

BU

Built up. For models and other to-be-assembled items, indicates that the item has already been assembled. (Can also be an abbreviation for brilliant uncirculated, a condition for collectible coins.)

BW

Black and white (photos, illustrations, drawings).

C & S

Creamer & sugar; can also be an abbreviation for cup and saucer.

C

Cover (stamps). (Can also be an abbreviation for cartridge only when referring to videogamesno instructions included.)

CART

Cartridge (videogame).

CB

Club book (stamps).

CC

Cut corner. Some closeout items are marked by a notch on the corner of the package. (Can also be an abbreviation for carbon copy, credit card, andwhen referring to collectible stampscommemorative cover.)

CCA

Comics Code Authority.

CCG

Collectable card game.

CDF

Customs declaration form (stamps).

CF

Centerfold (magazines).

CFO

Center fold out (magazines).

CI

Cartridge and instructions (videogames, computer equipment).

CIB

Cartridge/instructions/box (videogames, computer equipment).

CIBO

Cartridge/instructions/box/overlay (videogames, computer equipment).

CLA

Cleaned, lubricated, adjusted. For cameras, notes standard pre-sale maintenance.

CM

Customized.

CO

Cut out; closeout item.

COA

Certificate of authenticity. Document that vouches for the authenticity of the item; often found with autographed or rare collectible items.

COC

Cutout corner. Same as CC (cut corner).

COH

Cut out hole. Some closeout items are marked by a small hole punched somewhere on the package.

COL

Collection.

CONUS

Continental United States (ship-to destination).

CPN

Coupon.

CPP

Colored picture postcard.

CS

Creamer & sugar. (Can also refer to cup & saucer.)

CTB

Coffee table book.

CU

Crisp uncirculated. For currency, a description of condition.

D

Denver mint (coins).

DB

Divided back (postcards).

DBL

Double; 2-in-1 (paperback books).

DG

Depression glass.

DJ

Dust jacket included with many hardcover books. (Can be an abbreviation for disk jockey copy, when referring to promotional records or CDs distributed to DJs and radio stations.)

DOA

Dead on arrival (item in nonworking order when received).

DUTCH

Dutch auction (multiple quantities available).

EAPC

Early American Prescut (a type of Anchor Hocking glass c. 1960+).

EAPG

Early American pattern glass.

EC

Excellent condition.

EF

Extra Fine condition.

EG

Elegant glass (Depression-era).

EP

Extended Play (records, videotapes).

ERR

Error.

EX

Excellent (condition), extra, or except.

EXLIB

Ex-library. A book that was obtained from a public or school library.

EXT

Extended

F/E

First edition (books).

FC

Fine condition. (Can also be an abbreviation for the front cover of a book or magazine.)

FDC

First day cover (stamps).

FE

First edition (books).

FFC

First flight cover (stamps),

FFEP

Free front end page/paper. This refers to the first blank page of a book, usually an extension of the part pasted down on the inside front cover.

FFL

Federally licensed firearms (dealer).

FN

Fine condition.

FOR

Forgery

FPLP

Fisher Price Little People.

FS

Factory sealed. Still in the original manufacturer's packaging.

FT

Flat top (beer cans).

FVF

Final value fee; the fee charged by eBay based on the final price of auction.

G

Good condition.

GA

Golden Age.

GD

Good condition.

GF

Gold filled.

GGA

Good girl art (paperback book covers).

GP

Gold plate. Item is gold plated. (Can also refer to gutter pair in the world of stamp collecting.)

GSP

Gold sterling plate.

GU

Gently used.

GW

Gently worn. Used clothing with little wear.

HB

Hardback or hardcover book.

HB/DJ

Hardback with dust jacket. Hardcover book complete with original dust jacket.

HC

Hardcover (as opposed to softcover, or paperback) books. (Can also refer to hand colored maps or engravings.)

HE

Heavy gold electroplated. Item has heavy gold plating.

HIC

Hole in cover. A book with a hole stamped through the cover.

HIL

Hole in label. Same as HIC, but for any type of merchandise label.

HIST

Historical (books).

HM

Happy Meal (McDonald's).

HOF

Hall of Famer (baseball memorabilia/autograph/trading cards).

HP

Hard plastic; a particular type of doll. (Can also refer to any hand painted item, or to products from the Hewlett-Packard company.)

HS

Hand stamp (stamps).

HTF

Hard to find. Item isn't in widespread circulation.

IBC

Inside back cover.

IFC

Inside front cover.

ILLO

Illustration.

ILLUS

Illustration or illustrated.

INIT

Initial, initials, or initial issue.

IRAN

Inspect and repair as decessary.

ISH

Issue.

JUVIE

Juvenile delinquency theme.

L

Large.

LBBP

Large bean bag plush (Disney).

LBC

Lower back cover.

LE

Limited edition. Item was produced in limited quantities.

LFC

Lower front cover.

LFT

Left.

LLBC

Lower left of back cover.

LLFC

Lower left of front cover.

LP

Little People (Fisher Price toys) or long-playing record.

LRBC

Lower right on back cover.

LRFC

Lower right on front cover.

LSE

Loose

LSW

Label shows wear. Item's label shows normal usage for its age.

LTBX

Letterbox (video that re-creates a widescreen image).

LTD

Limited edition.

LWOL

Lot of writing on label (records).

M

Medium, mint, or mono (records).

MA

Madame Alexander (dolls).

MAP

Map back (paperback books).

MC

Miscut.

MCU

Might clean up. Might show a higher grade if cleaned or otherwise restored.

MEDIC

Medical genre (paperbacks).

MIB

Mint in box. Item in perfect condition, still in the original boxalthough the box itself might not be in mint condition.

MIBP

Mint in blister pack. Item in perfect condition, still on the original blister packaging.

MIJ

Made in Japan.

MIMB

Mint in mint box. Item in perfect condition, still in the original boxwhich itself is in perfect condition.

MIMP

Mint in mint package. Item in perfect condition, still in the original packagewhich itself is in perfect condition.

MIOJ

Made in occupied Japan.

MIOP

Mint in opened package. Item in perfect condition, although the package itself has been opened.

MIP

Mint in package. Item in perfect condition, still in the original package.

MISB

Mint in sealed box. Item in perfect condition, still in the original box with the original seal.

MIU

Made in USA.

MM

Merry Miniatures (Hallmark). (Can also stand for mounted mint collectible stamps.)

MMA

Metropolitan Museum of Art.

MNB

Mint, no box. Mint-condition item but without the original package.

MNH

Mint never hinged (stamps)

MOC

Mint on card. For action figures and similar items, an item in perfect condition still in its original carded package.

MOMA

Museum of Modern Art.

MOMC

Mint on mint card. Item in perfect condition, still on its original carded packagewhich is also in mint condition.

MONMC

Mint on near-mint card. Same as MOMC, but with the card in less-than-perfect condition.

MONO

Monophonic (sound recordings and equipment).

MOP

Mother of pearl.

MOTU

Masters of the Universe.

MP

Military post (stamps).

MS

Mint state (coins), usually followed by a number from 62 to 70, such as "MS62" or "MS-62." (Can also stand for miniature sheet when referring to collectible stamps, or Microsoft when referring to computer software.)

MWBMT

Mint with both mint tags. For stuffed animals that typically have both a hang tag and a tush (sewn-on) tag, indicates both tags are in perfect condition.

MWBT

Mint with both tags. Same as MWBMT, but with the tags in less-than-mint condition.

MWBTM

Mint with both tags mint; same as MWBMT.

MWMT

Mint with mint tag. Mint-condition item with its original tag, in mint condition.

MYS

Mystery (books/movies).

N/R

No reserve.

NAP

Not affected play. Refers to scratches and other blemishes on a vinyl record that doesn't affect the playback of the recording.

NARU

Not a registered user.

NASB

Nancy Ann story book.

NBW

Never been worn (clothes).

NC

No cover. A used book or magazine that is missing its original cover.

ND

No date or no dog (when referring to RCA record labels).

NDSR

No dents, scratches, or rust. A well-preserved tin can or similar item.

NIB

New in box. Brand-new item, still in its original box.

NIP

New in package. Brand-new item, still in its original packaging.

NL

Number line. Refers to a means of telling the edition of a book; occurs on the copyright page and reads "1234567890." (The lowest number indicates the edition.)

NM

Near mint. An item that is in almost perfect condition.

NORES

No reserve.

NOS

New old stock. Old, discontinued parts in original, unused condition.

NP

Not packaged or no package.

NR

No reserve. Indicates that you're selling an item with no reserve price.

NRFB

Never removed from box. An item bought but never used or played with.

NRFSB

Never removed from sealed box.

NRMNT

Near mint.

NW

Never worn. Clothing that has never been worn.

NWOT

New without tags. Item, unused, but without its original tags.

NWT

New with tags. Item, unused, that still has its original hanging tags.

O

New Orleans mint.

O/C

On canvas (paintings).

OB

Original box. An item that comes with its original packaging.

OC

Off center, off cut, or on canvas.

OEM

Original equipment manufacturer.

OF

Original finish.

OJ

Occupied Japan.

OOAK

One of a kind.

OOP

Out of print/production. Item is no longer being manufactured. (Can also be an abbreviation for out of package.)

OP

Out of print.

OS

Operating system (computers).

OST

Original soundtrack.

P

Poor condition. (Can also refer to Philadelphia mint coins.)

P/O

Punched out. Same as CC (cut corner).

P/S

Picture sleeve (records).

PB

Paperback or paperbound. A softcover book.

PBO

Paperback original.

PC

Picture postcard or poor condition.

PD

Picture disk (a record with a photo or image on it).

PF

Proof coin.

PIC

Picture.

PM

Post mark (postcards; first day covers), postal markings (postcards; first day covers), or Priority Mail.

POC

Pencil on cover. A book with slight pencil markings on the cover.

POPS

Promo only picture sleeve.

POTF

Power of the Force (Star Wars).

PP

Parcel Post or PayPal.

PPD

Post paid

PR

Poor condition. (Can also refer to proof coins.)

PROOF

Proof coin.

PS

Power supply (electronics equipment) or picture sleeve (records).

R

Reprint

RBC

Right side of back cover.

RC

Reader copy. A book that is in good condition but with no true investment value.

RET

Retired.

RETRD

Retired.

RFC

Right side of front cover.

RFDO

Removed for display only.

RI

Reissue (records).

RMA

Return merchandise authorization number.

ROM

Romantic (books).

RP

Real photo postcard.

RPPC

Real photo postcard; same as RP.

RR

Re-release. Not the original issue, but rather a reissue (typically done for the collector's market).

RRH

Remade/repainted/haired (dolls).

RS

Rubber stamped on label (records). (Can also be an abbreviation for rhinestone.)

RSP

Rhodium sterling plate.

RT

Right.

S

Small, stereo (records), or San Francisco mint (coins).

S/H

Shipping and handling.

S/H/I

Shipping/handling/insurance.

S/O

Sold out.

S/P

Salt and pepper (shakers) or silverplate (flatware or hollowware).

S/S

Still sealed or single sheet (stamps).

SA

Silver Age.

SB

Soft bound or soft back (referring to soft large bound books).

SC

Slight crease. A hang tag, book, or magazine that has been folded or creased. (Can also be an abbreviation for softcover books.)

SCI

Science (books).

SCR

Scratch.

SCU

Scuff (records).

SD

Shaded dog (RCA record labels).

SF

Science fiction.

SFBC

Science Fiction Book Club (sometimes the true first edition).

SH

Shipping and handling.

SHI

Shipping/handling/insurance.

SIG

Signature.

SLD

Sealed.

SLT

Slight.

SLW

Straight Leg Walker (dolls).

SO

Sold out.

SOL

Sticker on label. A record that has a pricing or similar sticker on the record label.

SP

Sticker pull. Refers to the discoloration or actual removal of cover color on a book, caused by pulling off a sticker price. (Can also be an abbreviation for silverplate flatware or hollowware.)

SR

Shrink wrapped or light ring wear.

SS

Still sealed in the original package; stainless steel; or store stamp (a stamp on the endpaper or edge of a book that displays a store name/address).

ST

Soundtrack (records, CDs), Star Trek, or sterling.

STCCG

Star Trek collectable card game.

STER

Sterling.

STNG

Star Trek: The Next Generation.

SUSP

Suspended or suspense (books).

SW

Slight wear, shrink wrapped, or Star Wars.

SWCCG

Star Wars collectable card game.

SWCS

Star Wars collector series (toys).

TBB

Teenie Beanie Babies.

TC

True crime (books).

TE

Trade edition books. The standard edition of a book, often smaller than the first edition.

TM

Trademark.

TMOL

Tape mark on label (records).

TNG

The Next Generation (Star Trek).

TOBC

Top of back cover.

TOFC

Top of front cover.

TOL

Tear on label. A record with a torn record label.

TOS

Tape on spine, terms of service, or The Original Series (Star Trek).

TOUGH

Tough guy genre (paperbacks).

TRPQ

Tall, round, pyroglaze quart (milk bottles).

U

Used (stamps).

UB

Undivided back (postcards).

UDV

Undivided back (postcards); same as UB.

ULBC

Upper left back cover (books, magazines).

ULRC

Upper right back cover (books, magazines).

UNC

Uncirculated. A coin that has not been released into general circulation.

URFC

Upper right front cover (books, magazines).

V/M/D

Visa/MasterCard/Discover.

VERM

Vermeil. A type of gold plating on sterling silver, bronze, or copper.

VF

Very fine condition.

VFD

Vacuum flourescent display.

VFU

Very fine, used (stamps).

VG

Very good condition.

VHTF

Very hard to find.

W

West Point mint/depository (coins).

W/C

Watercolor (paintings, maps).

WB

White border (post cards).

WC

Watercolor (paintings, maps).

WD

White dog (RCA record labels).

WLP

White label promo.

WOB

Writing on back

WOC

Writing on cover.

WOF

Writing on front.

WOR

Writing on record.

WRP

Warp (records).

WS

Widescreen (same as letterbox).

WSOL

Water stain on label (records).

XL

Extra large.