Why Grading Matters More Than You Think

When you sell a record online, the buyer cannot hold it, tilt it under a lamp, or drop the needle. They rely on your words. A grade is shorthand, but it is also a promise. Get it right and you build trust; get it wrong and you invite returns, refunds and awkward messages. Grading is about giving an accurate picture so the right buyer can decide with confidence. A record described as Very Good Plus should not arrive with a deep scratch that clicks through every chorus. A sleeve described as Near Mint should not have a split spine. A clean Near Mint copy can be worth two or three times a VG+ copy, whilst a VG copy appeals mainly to someone happy to upgrade later. Before you price anything, grade it honestly.

The Two-Part Grade: Sleeve and Vinyl

Always grade the sleeve and the vinyl separately. The usual format is sleeve first, vinyl second, for example “VG+ sleeve / VG vinyl”. Some sellers write “cover/record”, which is fine as long as you explain it. A beautiful sleeve cannot rescue a noisy record, and a pristine record in a tatty sleeve is still a lesser package overall. Buyers search by both grades, so a two-part grade helps them find what they want. Use the same order every time. If you have played the record, say so. A visual grade is useful, but a play grade is stronger. If you cannot play it, state “visual grade only” and price accordingly.

The Standard Grades in Plain English

Most UK sellers use a familiar set of grades. They are not law, but they are widely understood. Use them carefully, and add detail whenever a record sits between two grades.

• Mint (M): Sealed and unplayed. Rare for vintage records. Do not use it unless you are certain. Even sealed sleeves can have storage wear.
• Near Mint (NM or M-): Vinyl is glossy with no marks that affect play, perhaps one or two ultra-fine paper scuffs. The sleeve is almost like new.
• Excellent (EX) or VG++: Not universal, but useful. Vinyl shows light play, a few hairlines, and plays cleanly. Sleeve may have minor creasing or a small sticker. Describe what you mean if you use EX.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): The workhorse grade. Light hairlines or scuffs, light surface noise in quiet passages, but no jumps or skips. Sleeve may have minor ring wear, light edge wear, or a small split starting.
• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear. Light scratches, audible crackle or the odd pop, but it still plays through. Sleeve may have split seams, heavy ring wear, writing, or sticker damage.
• Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P): Heavy wear, deep scratches, warps, repeats or skips. Sleeve may be torn, water damaged, or missing. Only for rare titles, and be blunt. Good is not good; it is rough.

Do not grade up. A VG record described as VG+ will disappoint. A VG+ record described as VG may delight. Under-promise, then let the condition speak for itself.

Grading the Sleeve with a Critical Eye

Hold the sleeve under bright light. Check the seams, spine, corners and faces. Look for ring wear, creasing, laminate lift, stickers, sticker residue, writing, tears, stains and splits. A spine split of a few centimetres matters, especially on a fragile vintage sleeve. Cut-out holes, promo stamps and price stickers do too. Mention any original inner sleeve, insert, poster or booklet. If the inner is plain or generic, say so. Describe defects by position and size: “3cm split to top seam”, “small sticker mark top right”, “light ring wear to front”. That beats “some wear”. If it is a plain paper sleeve rather than a picture cover, state that clearly. Buyers hate surprises more than imperfections.

Grading the Vinyl and Caring for It Before Sale

Clean the record before you grade it. Dust and fingerprints can look like scratches and add noise that is not permanent. A carbon fibre brush or a careful wet clean will reveal the true surface. Do not use cleaning to hide damage, though. Once clean, tilt the record under a strong light. Look for hairlines, scuffs, scratches you can feel with a fingernail, warps and pressing faults. Check the label for writing, stains or spindle marks. Then play it. Play grading at home on your own system is the best way to catch clicks, jumps, repeats or distortion. Note where they happen: “one light click at the start of side two”, “plays through with light crackle in quiet sections”. If there is a warp, say whether it affects play. Store records upright in anti-static inner sleeves, away from heat and direct sunlight. When you write the listing, put the two-part grade near the top, then add the detail. Mention that you have played and cleaned it. Photograph any defects honestly. If you are unsure between two grades, choose the lower one. That habit will do more for your reputation than any clever sales copy.