Grading the Condition of Preloved Records

For every pre-loved record, we provide a grading for the condition of the sleeve and the vinyl record itself. Product listings state the sleeve condition first and the record condition second. Grading is based on visual inspection, and/or on a play-through of the record, where possible. The grading categories are:

Mint (M)
Perfect in every way. This record has never been played. We use this grade very sparingly.

Near Mint (NM)
The sleeve should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters or lyric sleeves.
The record will be in near perfect condition. It has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. The record should show no obvious signs of wear but may have evidence of slight handling.

Very Good Plus (VG+)
The sleeve may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.
The record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback.
Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discolouration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split.

Very Good (VG)
The sleeve may have some signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. The defects on the cover will be more pronounced that for a VG+ grade. Any ring wear should be faint.
The record may emit surface noise upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade but will not overpower the music. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)
The sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear.

Poor (P), Fair (F)
The sleeve barely keeps the record inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing.

Grading the condition of preloved cassettes

For every pre-loved cassette tape, we provide a grading for the condition of the “J-card” cover and the cassette tape itself. Product listings state the j-card condition first and the cassette condition second. We have replaced the outer plastic jewel cases on our pre-loved cassettes, unless the original case is not standard (e.g. tinted-coloured cases). Grading is based on visual inspection, and/or on a play-through of the tape, where possible. The grading categories are:

Mint (M)
The J-Card cover is crisp, clean and perfect in every way. Likely sealed.
The cassette is brand new, and professionally produced. It should be free of even the slightest blemishes and/or defects. We use this grade sparingly.

Near Mint (NM)
The J-card is crisp and clean with only the slightest evidence of handling.
The cassette is likely new, and free of any wear or damage.

Very Good Plus (VG+)
The J-card has slight wear, marks, indentations, and/or may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar). The cassette has been taken very good care of and may have light marks or spindle wear. Should play cleanly with minimal noise or degradation.

Very Good (VG)
The J-card will contain more wear, marks, and/or indentations than a VG+. It may have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing.
The cassette plays with some stronger hiss or degradation, but not enough to overpower the music.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)
The J-card will be well worn, marked, and contain obvious indentations, fading, and/or writing, more so than a VG grade - possibly a more significant tear/rip.
The cassette’s felt stopper may be missing. The tape may have minor creasing but is not broken. The tape plays through but may have heavier degradation that will overpower the music.

Poor (P), Fair (F)
The J-card will be torn, heavily stained, showing general heavy damage, or will be partially missing.
The cassette will be heavily damaged, showing complete fading on the face, crinkled tape, missing screws or teeth, staining, and other heavy wear. The tape will more than likely not play through.