I use well-designed cardboard LP mailers, additional cardboard reinforcement at no extra cost, and either bubble wrap or soft wrap cushioning in all packaging in order to minimize any potential for damage during shipment.  

Grading Scale:    

Mint… Perfect record, unplayed, beautiful in every way.  

Near Mint… Very clean, plays as new with only a few light marks. A great record. 

VG++... Almost a Near Mint, but not quite.  Any noises as described under VG+ will be incidental in nature.  

VG+… Used, but not abused. Light scratches only, mostly heard in between the tracks. Should play and look very nice with minimal surface noise.

VG… Still a nice record. Looks a bit used, with noticeable scratches, but no gouges, loud skips, or stops.  Still plays well, some surface noise. 

VG-… A bit rough. May have a couple skips or occasional loud pops but will play ok.  Fills the collection. 

G… Plays very rough. Has multiple scratches.   

P... Skips and pops galore.  You probably want it for the cover?