I use Goldmine
Grading (with additional "Excellent" category adapted from Record
Collector Grading) as per ebay grading for cassettes, sleeves and inlay and
other contents.
See guide at end of
description for an explanation of terms. Any further description will be added
to the details below and to the condition field in the listing.
Goldmine Grading for
cassette, sleeve, inlay and other contents as listed
Mint (M)
J-Card is crisp, clean and perfect in every way. Likely sealed. Cassette is brand new, and professionally produced. Used sparingly as a grade, should be free of even the slightest blemishes and/or defects. This grade should be used sparingly, if at all.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve should be totally crisp and clean with only the slightest evidence of handling. Tape is likely new, free of any wear or damage.
Excellent
I will use this grade when I consider a cassette to be in outstanding condition, even though I know it has been played. The case, J-Card and other contents might have slight wear and/or minor creasing. The cassette will play evenly and without any degradation of sound or surface noise. As all cassettes are play tested there will have been no noticeable faults during playback.
The record shows some
signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening of sound
quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and / or creasing.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve has slight wear, marks, indentations, and/or may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar). Tape 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)
Sleeve will contain more wear, marks, and/or indentations than a VG+. May have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing. Shell may have heavier marks and wear than VG including plastic discoloration. Should play with some stronger hiss or degradation, but not enough to overpower music.
Good (G), Good Plus
(G+)
Sleeve 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. Tape will have heavy wear on shell. Felt stopper may be missing. Tape may have minor creasing, but not broken. Must play through, may have heavier degradation that will overpower music.