Is this mold or a spilled soda/liquid on this genesis game insert?

Just got this on ebay, seller described the condition as "very good" but it seems that it encountered some kind of accident previously. What do you guys think, mold or soda? Especially if its mold, regardless of whether its dead or whatever, I don't feel good having it in my collection next to all my other non-moldy genesis games.

 

Looks like water damage/mold; the small black dots are a give away for me

 

I'd ask for a refund. Mold or not, this is not in "very good" condition.

 

100% not "very good"
Looks like mold/damp then dried out for a while
Return it to him and ask for a refund and eBay will always side with you

 

That is seriously gross.

I bet he/she was really hoping you weren't going to take it out the case; they could've hidden it in that case.

I'd ask for a refund and send it back to them. You're money is better spent on someone who isn't trying to deceive their buyers.

 

That is DEFINATLY mold, must have gotten damp, then mold developed.

 

Probably stored in the garage, good thing the moisture dried up coating is on the inside of the cover. Not a big deal, just wipe the buildup with a damp paper towel. You don't have to scrub off the entire stain, just get the crust buildup.

Be sure to open the game cart and clean the contacts.

 

Get a refund.

 

Not playing the devil's advocate here but I once had an insert like that and it was hard to notice it from the outside. The sega cases have that somewhat opaque plastic that has also some texture to it. It makes any humidity or dampness adhere to it while keeping most of it's structure. It's only when it dries and you try to take it that it crumbles to pieces or even sticks so hard that you need to scrub it firmly. I had it happened to me (fleamarket buy if that matters, I mostly inspect the cart and manuals), while the interior materials were pristine.

I wouldn't be surprised if the seller didn't noticed that, though.

 

Just to satisfy people's curiosity, I think I'm going to hang on to the game instead of return for a refund, because the cartridge itself seems to be in good clean shape and I won the auction for about the going price of a cart only copy. I'll see what I can do to source a better condition insert and/or try to print a passable one. I've contacted the seller to see about a partial refund, but I think he's intentionally ignoring me and I can't force the matter without shipping back the game.

 

If it was a good deal after factoring in the damage, why not?
It looks alright from the outside. The inside of the insert can be treated and lightly cleaned up.

Are there any manuals/cards/paper work inside the case with that level of damage?

 

Nah no manual/paperwork was included. I already tried cleaning the insert with a damp cloth and soap and also with some alcohol before taking the pictures in the first post. It didn't do too much cosmetically unfortunately.

 

Looks like it was stored somewhere without any type of climate control and moisture from humidity/mold built up.

 

I would scan that cover with very high dpi settings, fix whats possible in gimp/photoshop and then reprint it.

 

Don't scan that one, just use one from the cover project http://www.thecoverproject.net/view.php?game_id=7173
If you don't have a good printer you will have to spend $2 at a photo place (and from my experience they don't know the first thing about printing)
Also brochure paper would probably be best. Normal copy paper will make the colors bleed and photo paper will crinkle when you fold it.

Also for the record I think even "Fair" would be a stretch here lol I would ask for a refund or partial refund.

 

eBayer for a living here: give them a chance to make it right. They probably didn't pull the cover out to look at the back, and if they're not an avid game seller, their understanding of condition grades could be way off - in other words, it could have been an honest mistake. If you just send them a polite message with the pictures you already took, they SHOULD be more than willing to work with you, in whatever way YOU want to resolve the situation. If not, the buyer automatically wins every dispute...

 

Ignorance isn't an excuse. If someone can't find a condition flaw as HUGE as the one TC showed then they shouldn't be grading their product favorably. My guess is the ebay seller is one of those people who buy up all the games they can at thrift stores and list them immediately without even inspecting the product past making sure the game is in the box, or they maliciously hoped he wouldn't notice.

 

I'm not suggesting that he shouldn't be held completely liable for the issue. I have a shocking number of friends that would consider anything that doesn't look like it was burned in a house fire to be in "good" condition. It's not totally obvious that the water damage is that bad on the back of the label from the pictures of the front, and I don't think "regular" sellers would pull the insert to check. Absolutely, no matter what, it is the seller's problem and fault. I agree wholeheartedly with that. But, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt to first let them personally fix the problem without forcing eBay to intervene. That's all. Politeness goes a long way, coupled with not making accusations about their intent. Regardless, they owe you a discount even if you're keeping the item.

 

I would return it. Mould is a health hazard. You don't want that around your prized games.