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  • How We Visually Grade Our Records
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General Interest

When grading our records, we use the criteria established by Goldmine, what we believe is considered the industry standard.  We really don't get into the VG+ or VG ++ or anything like that.  We simplified their standards to three catagories.  We use good, very good and near mint.  We have only one mint record that is sealed and that is obviously mint.

We also don't use all the abbreviations that are in the Goldmine catalogue like dh for drill hole.  We simply put drill hole in the listing and write out any other defect instead of using abbreviations.  The reason for this is that not all customers are collectors.  Some customers are gift shopping and don't have a clue as to what Goldmine standards are let alone what dh or VG + stands for.  We think they will just go somewhere else to find the same item where it is easier to shop and will have more confidence purchasing a gift.

Upon first reading what the Goldmine Standards were, I couldn't believe that good was what I considered as pretty bad.  Needless to say, we are kind of tough when it comes to grading our records.  We are pretty picky and believe our customers are the same. 

We recently purchased a really good digital camera for taking photos of our items.  If we lie these pictures certainly won't.  They all are untouched photos.  Sometimes you will see the camera in the picture.  It is unavoidable, especially with a record in very good to near mint condition as these records are highly reflective.

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So this is how we rate our records following the guidelines outlined in the various Goldmine Record Guides.  We simplified our rating to some extent and always err on the side of  caution.  We would rather our customer be surprised at the condition of the record than be disappointed that we were overly optimistic in our assessment of the records condition.

Near Mint - This record is perfect, well almost.  It will have a few light surface scratches on it.  The vinyl definitely looks new and unplayed and the label looks perfect.  You will see that in the picture.  You can also hear the listing if it is a 45. 

Very Good - This record has some marks on it but it is definitely not Near Mint and better than Good Condition.  The label will have very little wear.  The vinly will have a few minor scratches or marks on it.  If they affect play it will be minimal.

Good - This is a record that has at least one scratch on it that probably will affect play.  This also includes a lot of light swirl marks that probably won't affect play but looks bad.  The record probably won't be discolored but black vinyl (unlike goldmine that states the vinyl will be discolored in the good rating.)  We won't sell a record in "good" condition according to Goldmine Standards unless it is rare or very collectable.  I think a buyer couldn't get past the picture unless they really want the record.

When rated good to very good and  very good to near mint, it means that the item does not meet the higher standard and exceeds the lower standard.  Most of the records in our store fall into this catagory.  When a record is rated within this standard it probably could be rated the higher standard and there is just one thing keeping us from giving the record the higher standard.  Again, we tend to be somewhat conservative in our estimation of a record's condition.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us.

Thank you.


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