Flip Side uses the universal standards developed through Goldmine and expanded through Discogs for grading the condition of used items listed in our store. We do our best to grade conservatively and most used records are cleaned with a Spin Clean.
Here are our standard grades for used vinyl records, from best to worst:
Mint (M) – Absolutely perfect in every way. Sealed records are presumed mint unless otherwise noted.
Near Mint (NM) – A nearly perfect record. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The vinyl looks glossy and has only been played a few times. The vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback.
Excellent (EX) - An Excellent record falls between the top end of Very Good Plus and bottom of Near Mint meaning it has slight signs of use, i.e. a light hairline or small paper scuff on the vinyl, a light crease on jacket. There would very little lessening in sound quality.
Very Good Plus (VG+) – A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects are more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Signs of wear,slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences are ok, as are slight warps. An LP cover may have signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner.
Very Good (VG) – Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc, but it is visually and audibly USED. Light pops and clicks, an edge split, light visible scratches. Surface noise may 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 light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers.
Good (G) – A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
Poor (P), Fair (F) - The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.