Most cds and vinyl are graded visually. If there is a questionable flaw the item is listened to before grading. Please feel free to email me for more details on condition or if you would like a jpg image of the item emailed to you. all cds are explicit versions unless otherwise noted."Goldmine Standard" grading:
SS Still Sealed
Never opened. Flawless, with no damage whatsoever.
M- Mint Minus
Has been opened, but is still flawless
with no damage whatsoever.
NM Near Mint
Vinyl:One or two tiny inconsequential flaws that don't effect play.
Cover:Close to perfect with minor signs of wear.
VG+ Very Good Plus
Vinyl: May have scuff marks and signs of some wear but
will still play almost perfectly throughout, with only
"barely detectable" crackles or pops. A slight noise at the
begining is allowable, but the remainder must be nearly flawless.
Cover:Some light wear from storage is acceptable.
VG Very Good
The majority of records (worth selling) fall under this grade.
Vinyl: May crackle, pop or make other annoying noises, but only
occasionally,never continuously, and not more loudly than the
music being listened to. May display visible signs of handling and playing such as loss of vinyl luster, light surface scratches, groove wear, and spindle trails from play.
Cover: Normal used cover wear such as ring wear and split seams.
If there is abnormal damage such as tears or markings,
but the seller still feels that it qualifies as a "VG",
the damage must be described in comments attached to the item.
G+ Good Plus
Vinyl: May have continuous crackles, pops, etc... but not so loud as to
make the music completely unlistenable or unenjoyable to the
casual listener.
Cover: More than normal wear and tear.
If the above policy leaves any doubts, please refer to GEMM's generally accepted Grading Standard