Vinyl Grading

NM    -     This record looks like it has never been played. It's nice and shinny with no sleeve marks detectable when you hold it up to the sunlight.

Very Good++  -  This record looks like NM until you look at it in the sunlight. You will see light sleeve marks. These will be minimal. There will be no scratches from a needle. Scratches drop it down to a VG+ grading.

Very Good+  -    Records in this grade will have light sleeve marks,  light scratches, nothing that is deep or that can be felt. Very minimal surface noise, nothing that takes away from the music. Usually only noticeable between tracks or quieter passages.

Very Good           -       Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. 

Good       -       These records will definitely show wear and tear, occasional ticks/pops/skips. Background noise will be evident, not a final copy to keep in the collection, but a decent place holder. Typically only will sell on harder to find albums due to scarcity. Or for a cheap substitute.

 Jacket Grading

Near Mint -   Should looks really nice, near new, relative to the age of the album.  Should show NO WEAR, nice corners, no seam/spine wear.

VG++.    -      This cover will look like it's NM at first glance. When you look closer at the edges and spine you will see very minor wear. 

VG+    -     Should look very nice, only faint seam/spine/ring wear.  Only small splitting forming.

VG    -   This cover is beat up. It will have moderate ring wear, split seams, water damage, etc. 

Fair/Good  - These are all varying degrees of beat up.  Extensive splits, wear, water damage.