Please note:
The ratings for the medium only refer to the condition of the surface and not to the label.
Please use the pictures to check whether the label or the condition of the cover meets your expectations.
Mint:
Vinyl
Perfect in every way. Has definitely never been played and may even still be sealed.
CD
Perfect. No scuffs/scratches, unplayed - possibly still shrink-wrapped.
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Perfect. No wear, no signs of wear or other blemishes - possibly still shrink-wrapped.
Cassette
The insert card is clean, its edges are sharp and angular - it is in perfect condition. Often welded. The cassette is brand new and has been professionally manufactured. It is free from any defect and/or damage, no matter how small.
Excellent (Near Mint):
Vinyl
An almost perfect record. An Excellent disc may have been played. During playback, the record plays perfectly and without background noise. 99% of the record should not show any visible signs of wear. Slight hairlines (such as appear when pulled out of the cover) may be present. The sleeve of a record should at most show the slightest signs of wear and tear, such as those that occur with minimal use. The same applies to any supplements such as posters, printed inner sleeves, etc.
CD
Almost perfect. No obvious signs of wear, it may have been played - but has been treated with the utmost care.
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Almost perfect. No obvious signs of wear but may show minor signs of wear.
Cassette
The case should be perfectly clean with only the slightest trace of use. The strap is likely new, free from wear or damage.
VG+:
Vinyl
A record in Very Good Plus condition shows light wear from playing but was treated with care by its previous owner. Flaws should be more of a cosmetic nature and not affect the overall playback. The surface of the record may show minor signs of wear or have slight signs of abrasion and very light scratches, but these do not detract from the listening experience. A slight wobble is considered "okay" as long as it doesn't affect the sound. The label may show ring wear or be slightly faded - but this should hardly be noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture cover and inner sleeves are slightly worn, the corners are slightly bumped, there may be a slight seam split. LP sleeves show light wear and may be affected by a punched hole, cut corner or dents.
CD
A few light scuffs or scratches. The sound carrier was played, but handled with care - it was not "worn out".
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Cover/Digipak: There are slight signs of wear, dents and minor blemishes, possibly a punched hole (or similar).
Cassette
The case shows slight signs of wear, dents and minor blemishes. It may have a punched hole (or similar). The cassette has been treated with care, but may show slight signs of use or spindle wear. It should play cleanly with little extraneous noise or signs of deterioration.
VG:
Vinyl
Many of the same flaws found on a VG+ record are more pronounced here. Surface noises are audible during playback - especially during quieter passages and at the beginning and end of a piece - but they don't drown out the music otherwise. Wear on the grooves will gradually become noticeable, and light scratches (those deep enough to feel with a fingernail) will affect the sound. The labels may have been damaged by inscriptions, stickers or adhesive tape (or corresponding remnants). The same goes for picture sleeves or LP covers. However, not all of the impairments mentioned should be present at the same time.
CD
A number of minor scuffs/scratches or a few more significant scratches. The CD has obviously been played, but not treated as gently as a VG+ CD
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: More signs of wear, blemishes and dents than a VG+ copy. May have a slight fade, small tear or writing.
Cassette
The case shows more wear, blemishes and/or dents than a VG+ copy. It may be slightly faded, have a small tear, or have minor writing. The case may have more obvious blemishes and signs of wear than a VG example, and the plastic may also be discolored. Should be a bit more hissing when playing or show signs of sound deterioration; however, these should not dominate the listening experience.
Good:
Vinyl
A record in "Good" or "Good Plus" condition will play through without cracking, but will have noticeable surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. The record sleeve has pierced edges ("seam splits"), particularly often on the back and bottom. Tape, "Ring Wear", writing or other damage is present. Although the record plays without skipping, the listening experience is likely to be accompanied by significant surface noise and "pops".
CD
There are many scuffs/scratches. The CD plays through without any problems, although it has been treated very carelessly overall.
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Significant wear, signs of wear, faded colours, dents and writing are more evident than a VG example - may have a more serious tear or tear.
Cassette
The case has significant wear, is marked and has clearly visible blemishes, writing and/or colors are faded - the blemishes are more obvious than a VG example. It may have a more serious tear or tear. The ribbon cushion may be missing. The magnetic tape may crease slightly, but is not torn. Although the cassette must play through, signs of deterioration can be severe enough to drown out the music.
Poor, Fair:
Vinyl
The disc is cracked or severely warped and will not play without skipping or hanging. The picture sleeve shows water damage, it is punctured on all three edges and its condition is severely affected by signs of wear or writing. The record sleeve barely holds the record. Inner sleeves are fully ripped, wrinkled, or have writing on them.
CD
Some or all tracks on the CD (if not missing) may not be playable.
Insert/Insert/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Badly worn - may have clearly visible writing, be ripped or torn, colors may be noticeably faded, moisture damage may exist.
Cassette
The cover is torn, very dirty, badly damaged overall or partially missing. Accordingly, the case is badly damaged, completely faded on the sides, the magnetic tape is wrinkled, and there are no screws or lugs. The cassette as a whole is dirty and has strong signs of wear. There is a high probability that it will not complete.
Standard jewel case:
The condition of standard jewel cases is not given as they are interchangeable.
Generic:
A "generic shell" is either a neutral shell or a shell that has a standard, company-specific, but not release-specific design. A sleeve that is classified as "generic" does not need to be evaluated further, as it can usually be easily replaced and does not usually add much to the value of a release.