Vinyl: VG to VG+. Nice copy and pressing.

Cover: G+ to VG. Saw cut and waviness on the back cover,

We've been grading records since the 1980s. We take a very conservative approach towards used records and use a range. We have a couple of very bright lights that shows every little flaw. We do sample grade all open records. Obviously we cannot play each record all the way through. Realize that some pressings have hidden flaws that could cause a skip, and it's not visible. If that happens, just let us know, and we'll figure out a resolution to your satisfaction. The below reflects our grading methodology.

Vinyl:

Mint - We only use this grade for sealed and albums we know 100% to be new (i.e. we broke the seal to validate condition or purchased the copy New directly without a seal). Please note that not all New records sound perfect. Vinyl is analog and definitely imperfect. That's why they invented the CD. :-)

EX to NM: These are the best used copies available and not that common. Many look new / unplayed, or the album was carefully played, and show no marks whatsoever. A sample play reflects a clean crisp sound.

VG+ to EX: These are the nicest copies you would typically find in the wilds, including used record stores. Same as EX to NM, except might display sleeve marks (very common, but not the same thing as a scratch or play marks). A sample play will reflect a clean, crisp sound.

VG to VG+: This is your common used record. It is a very nice and collectable copy! Some dealers would call this NM. Will show a few marks, a stray inaudible scratch or scuff (i.e. non-feelable). This is what we call a "true VG+", a grade that is commonly misused (both on the high and low side).

G+ to VG: Vinyl shows obvious wear but is still a very collectable copy. Has scratches, but no skips and sticks. Maybe a stray tick. You can expect some background noise, but doesn't overpower the music.

G to G+: We don't usually sell at this grade, except for highly collectable records (especially 45s). It will have more background noise and ticks. We sample any "trouble" spots to ensure it plays through without skips or sticks. Our Rega Planar II table isn't super sensitive like some we've heard, so we can only go by what we have. 

For 45's / styrene, you can expect a half grade down. Styrene wears far more easily than vinyl (some 45s are vinyl, which helps).

Covers:

We don't use Mint for any covers, including sealed. There's a new strain of collector out there who thinks they're collecting baseball cards. If you're that person, don't buy from us please. We're record dealers. Note that sealed records can still have a low grade.

EX to NM: No noticeable flaws. Oftentimes sealed or in shrink. Feels newish.

VG+ to EX: Similar to the above. Might have a light crease, or pinching on the spine (common for European records). Lamination bubbling or light peeling (another European feature.). Might have a sale mark (cut out hole, notch cut, saw cut, pinhole, corner cut, etc..). This is how record stores used to discount. Doesn't mean the cover isn't still in super nice shape. 

VG to VG+: This is your common cover you find in the wilds. Normal use. Back in the day most people did not put outer plastic sleeves on their covers, so those are highly likely to be in this range no matter how well they cared for them. Light storage or ring wear. Shelf and corner wear. A little bit of rubbing on the spine, but still readable. A small split could be seen, maybe repaired carefully with tape (these are usually North American pressings that cannot be easily glue fixed).

G+ to VG: Obvious ring and storage wear. Moderate creasing. Might show paper loss. Heavier splitting. Still a nice and collectable cover, and may display well with hidden flaws.

G to G+: Heavy wear but not trashed. Not ideal, and you'll probably want a cover upgrade at some point.

F to G: Your eyes do not deceive you :-) 

Packaging:

We have over 40 years of experience shipping vinyl worldwide. We take this very seriously and it's not uncommon for us to spend 20 to 30 minutes preparing your package.

LPs are shipped in solid cardboard mailers, the vinyl is removed from the album cover (and both are placed in a clear (and clean) plastic outer sleeve for storage in your collection), corners secured, so that nothing will be moving around. We use the whole box! What that means is that your record will be sitting very comfortably in the middle of the package. We use cardboard stabilizers and might use old record covers and sleeves to secure the bottom and top. Expensive records ($100+) will be likely be shipped in Whiplash boxes, Mighty Mailers, or similar.

45s / 7 inches will be shipped in special cardboard mailers designed for these smaller records. 

If there's any issues, just let us know. We can't solve a problem we don't know about. We're super reasonable.