Condition ratings
I have tried to follow the "Record Collector Magazine" rules for grading records. These are summarised below (taken from issue 255)
If you think the item you received has been rated badly then please let me know.
- Sealed
- The item still has its original shrinkwrapping (or equivalent) in place. As far as can be seen, the item inside is perfect.
- Mint
- The record is "as new" with no surface marks or deterioration. The cover is "as new" with no problems
- Excellent (EX)
- Some slight wear is acceptable, but nothing to worry about.
- Very Good (VG)
- Normal wear and tear, without any major defects.
- Good
- The cover and contents may suffer from folding, scuffing, split seams and spines, fading, discolouration, etc.
- Fair
- The record may jump, the cover may be torn, stained or defaced
- Poor
- The record will be scratched, and cover damaged or partly missing
- Bad
- A collection-filler for very rare items only.
Rather than rating the cover and contents separately, I give a single "overall"
rating. Any condition may be followed by a "+" (which means "a good example of
this category") or "-" (which means "nearer this than the one below!")
"Record Collector Magazine" makes the following points about CDs and cassettes:
- In general they either play (in which case they are "mint") or they don't (in which case they are "bad")
- The plastic cases can easily be replaced if they are broken or scratched (except for some special editions) and therefore are not considered
- Inserts, card covers and digipacks are subject to the same rules as record sleeves