Condition Grading

We have constructed a grading system where the grading reference is far more in line with buyer's expectations than most other systems.

1) NEW (N) = item is new.

Any other grading indicates that the item is 'used'. Age is taken into account, so an item 100 years old graded as 'average' will not be in the same condition as one 10 years old graded the same.

2) NEAR MINT (NM):  May have a couple of minor defects or faults but essentially could pass for new except on close inspection.

3) EXCELLENT (EX)  = Fine (F):  A very nice clean item that has has a couple of minor defects or faults. 

4) GOOD (GD): A nice used item that has has a number of minor defects or faults. 

5) AVERAGE (AV): The condition will be like the majority of items that have been used on a regular basis.

6) FAIR (F):  Condition is somewhat worse than average. Rough but usable

7) POOR (P): Item performs its most basic function, but is cosmetically degraded.

Most CDs and DVDs will be listed as playback checked. This does not mean the whole thing has been played through. 
A DVD will have been played to the main menu to make sure it loads. 
A CD will have been played in Windows Media Player to check all songs register.

Unless otherwise stated most vinyl records and VHS videos are listed with a visual grading only!

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BOOKS

With the above system in mind here is what reasonably can be expected condition in regard to books:

NEAR MINT (NM):  
 - Book may have very slight wear from shelving, shipping or usage.
 - Dustjacket will be close to new with only a little superficial marking or wear

EXCELLENT (EX)  = Fine (F): 
 - Book: Light usage wear. May have a few of the following:
Spine ends may have slight bumping. 
Corners may have slight bumping.
Edges may have very slight wear.
May have light creases to spine, corners, cover or pages. 
Pages may show minor signs of use.
 - Dustjacket in excellent order. May have some superficial marking or wear.

GOOD (GD): 
 - Book: A nice used copy with a number of minor defects or faults. Will have some usage wear: 
Spine ends may have some bumping. 
Spine may be very slightly rolled.
Spine creasing.
Corners may have been bumped/creased.
Edges may have been bumped and/or have slight wear.
Pages may show signs of use - slight marking, a few folded corners, very slight discolouration.
May have a minor cover crease.
 - Dustjacket may have superficial marking & wear. May have one or two slight knicks.

AVERAGE (AV): 
 - Book: The condition will be like the majority of books are once used. A good reading copy with general usage wear, expect: 
Spine ends may have been bumped. 
Spine may be rolled.
Spine creased.
Corners may have been bumped.
Edges may have been bumped and/or have other wear.
All pages are present and well bound but show signs of use - marking, some folded corners, slight discolouration.
Cover may have a few creases.
Cover may have fading.
 - Dustjacket: May have marking & wear. May have some knicks or tears.

FAIR (F): 
 - Book: A reading copy only.  Condition is somewhat worse than average, though all pages will be intact.
 - Dustjacket a bit tatty.

POOR (PR):
 - Book: Considerably worn and tatty, but has a complete legible text.
Probably will a a good few of the following: soiling, scuffing, staining, or spotting, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.
 - Dustjacket will have major faults, rips, pieces missing etc.

RECORDS

Shown as (Vinyl/Cover)

NEAR MINT (NM):
 - Record played only a very few times with no lessening in sound quality.
 - Cover and packaging may have very slight wear and/or creasing.

EXCELLENT (EX):
 - Record shows signs of having been played, but with little lessening in sound quality.
 - Cover and packaging may have slight wear and/or creasing.

GOOD (G):
 - Record has been played repeatedly, but with no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch.
 - Normal wear and tear on the cover without any major defects.

AVERAGE (A):
 - Record has been played many times + the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated (slight distortion and minor scratches).
 - Cover suffers from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc

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