Every vinyl is cleaned by hand and inspected. Every vinyl is played while I'm creating the listing, then graded. A vinyl outer sleeve is provided to secure the jacket, inner sleeve, and vinyl. I only ship in LP mailers. Cardboard stiffeners are always used. Corners are reinforced with tape. The package is marked fragile. Then we put our trust in the USPS.
Record Grading Standards:
MINT (M)
These are absolutely perfect in every
way.
NEAR MINT (NM)
This is the highest rating I use. NM is almost always sealed. Occasionally I will find a jacket or vinyl that is so close to flawless that I will use NM. But NM is typically factory sealed.
EXCELLENT (EX)Except for a couple minor
things, this would be Near Mint.Jackets may have very slight rounding of the corners. I take pictures of the corners in these high grade covers. Flaws in an EX cover will be hard to find but described.
EX vinyl will be almost flawless. There may the the shortest First-Song-Itis, or a few low album noises, at most. Play this vinyl to showcase your audio system, or loud, or to stump Mr. Find-A-Fault. Many times EX means I didn't hear any surface noises at all but I'm afraid to call it NM.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)
VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs
or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience.
Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of
handling are OK. Appearance will be noted.
I weigh the listening experience heavily. I listen to every LP I sell because appearance doesn't tell the whole story. VG+ might have a few ticks or pops. Whatever there is will be pointed out. A VG+ vinyl can range from a little bit shaky in a few spots to almost as flawless as EXCELLENT.
A VG+ cover might have slightly rounded corners, some ring wear, and could even have the beginnings of a split on the seams. Overall it will be a well above average jacket. Price tags and Hype stickers will be shown and described. The high side of VG+ can be almost EX.
VERY GOOD (VG)VG can be the goldmine. These are the jackets that may have some ring wear, rounded or even furry corners, and some ink loss. My job is to scrutinize as if I was the one receiving this in the mail. What would I see? Price tags and hype stickers will be identified and photographed.
The appearance of VG vinyl can be really nice, or not so nice. A visual description will be provided. These albums can get very specific attention when on the turntable. Spectacular looking vinyl can play like an average record and a beat up survivor can play surprisingly well. These are VG vinyls to me.
GOOD PLUS (GP)These are showing their age with split seams, dented corners, or stains. Photographs and description will be provided. These can be lovable because they are broken in.
A GP vinyl will probably have some visual damage like scratches and scuffs. I will identify the situation with each vinyl. Some may be GP because one song is damaged. Some may have repetitive noises at a volume and/or frequency that will be described. This record will be played and spot checked, and double cleaned if necessary. A GP vinyl will be a great addition to the right collection. I cherish many.
GOOD (G)
GOOD is going to be thoroughly described and not just played, but listened to. There is a reason this album is being sold. You already know it has flaws, I will describe them honestly. GOOD still has my respect. This album has enough value to be on eBay.
FAIR (F)
FAIR may be used because something about the jacket or vinyl is keeping it out of the donation bin. Perhaps a VG+ cover contains a FAIR album or vice versa.
COMMUNICATION is always welcome. Ask a question. Ask for a picture. Ask for a more details.