Collectors: How do you feel about marker markings on carts?

[dieourumov]

Is it a big taboo that will keep you from buying a game? or will you still buy a game?

[smokehouse]

If I want it and it’s the right price, I will buy a marked copy. The good thing is that 4 out of 5 will clean off with some alcohol (if the writing is on the plastic, NOT the label), the others, well I just bough a cheap game so I don’t get bent out of shape about it.

[Jibbajaba]

It depends on other factors, like smokehouse says. Is the label in really good condition? Is the plastic free from dents and scratches? Is it a game that I'm looking for? If so, then I'll take it. I can chemically remove the ink, but a lot of times there will still be some residue that won't come off. If it's on the back of the cart then it's no big deal becauuse I can just switch it with a cart from my trade box.

So my answer is 'maybe'.

Chris

[legov8]

Yes, I will still buy the game. And I can just clean it off. (unless it's on the label)

[PDorr3]

Well if the game is cheap, and it has someones name on the back, I dont mind. But if its truly messing up the carts appealing look, and it still costs a pretty penny, Im passing.

[snes_collector]

It doesnt bother me at all. I have bought lots of games with stickers on the label, I'll let it pass. But I will not buy a game if the label torn, thats a big no-no.

[davepesc]

I'll buy anything if the price is right if it's a game I want to play. Later, I'll pick up a label upgrade and toss the old one into the trade pile.

[atari_wizard]

if the label is messed up in any way, i will shy from buying the cart. as for writing...i've had luck removing ink from carts. if the cart has writing on the label, i'll ask the owner if he can try and see if it will come off. every now and then the writing will come right off the label's protective coating. i usually stay away from carts that have the rental stickers on the label. that silver "void" is so ugly.

[Ryaan1234]

I don't mind writing or any kind of damage on my carts. I only care if the game works.( But it is pretty annoying when you have some label damage on your earthbound cart(I do! @_@) or when you have "Eddie" written in big letters on your Super Contra cart)

[imanerd0011]

I'm probabley the pickiest collector on Earth, so No I would never buy a cart with marker on it.

[smokehouse]

Who in the crap writes the name on their carts anyway?!!! I can see a rental place but I have been gaming since I was a little kid and I never wrote “Jon” on my games. That drives me nuts!!!

[Streetball 21]

I usually will buy a game if it has marking on it. Those are usually cartridge games that I see most of the time.

[AFGiant]

Well, back in the day, I initialed 'AF' in pen on the top corner of my Banjo-Kazooie cart because I was bringing it to my friends house (he was gonna help me with the final battle) and he also had the game. I wanted to tell them apart at a glance. Later, for this kind of situation, I turned to a removable white tape. The point is, I was not a collector then and I had a valid reason for writing on my game.

[TheRedEye]

Love 'em, can't get enough.

[kainemaxwell]

I usually buy it then use Goo-Off to clean the cart.

[phreak97]

ill buy anything if the price is right.
i also have put my name on things in the past, before i became a collector. not on the carts so much, but a few of my cases have J.A. written on them in permanent marker. i could probably clean that off or swap the cases over, but i havnt had the need. if it's ever going to make a difference, then ill clean it off.

[shoes23]

If I want it and it’s the right price, I will buy a marked copy. The good thing is that 4 out of 5 will clean off with some alcohol (if the writing is on the plastic, NOT the label), the others, well I just bough a cheap game so I don’t get bent out of shape about it.

Bingo! As price-concious collector right now I have no problem with slight marker marks on carts and CD's, in fact usually you can talk the seller down a couple bucks for a scuffed cart. A $1 bottle of alcohol and some paper towels usually due the trick and save me a couple of dollars at the end of the day.

[Bri79]

I'll buy it. Someone already mentiones Goo-Gone, I use for marker marks and that sticky residue that is left behind by rental stickers and such.

-Brian

[vectrexer]

I buy marked and stickered carts only if I am going to play with them.

Exceptions of course. If it is the origianl sticker from 20 years ago, or if the author of the game singned the cart I will buy it. Some times I will even ask for it.