The five condition categories we use, and a description of what each one means, are listed below:

MINT (M):
The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. We usually don't use it for 2nd hand records, besides it is still in original shrink wrap.

EXCELLENT (EX):
The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. Occasional pops - nothing terrible. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and or creasing.

VERY GOOD (VG):
The record has obviously been played many times, noticeable surface marks, the occasional light scratch and pops. Still OK for DJing - music always dominates. Record plays through - no jumps. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items is acceptable.

GOOD (G):
The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

POOR (P):
The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, jumps etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing and is only of use as a collection-filler.

Grading can be fine tuned by adding + or - ie:
VG+ is better than VG but not up to EX.
MINT- is better than EX but not up to MINT grade.
As a rule sleeves are graded first ie:
EX+ (sleeve)/MINT- (disc).

Abbreviations:
(S)WOS..(small) writing on sleeve.
(L)WOL..(large) writing on label.
TOS/L..tear on sleeve/label.
SOS/L..sticker on sleeve/label.
LD..label damaged
LW..label wear
NAP..not affecting play
NC..no center