This guide is written to help fellow ebayers grade records correctly in order to accuratly represent the records they are buying/selling.

1) First off, it is important to use a grading scale that people are familiar with.  We prefer using a grading scale based on the Goldmine standard, which is G, VG-, VG, VG+, VG++, NM.  I've seen 1-10 scales out there, and while I think they are nice because they allow for a bigger range, it is not as widely used and is too subjective. 

2) As a general policy, we tend to set aside and NOT sell records that are in poor condition.  Remember, G for Good in the grading scale actually means Bad.  We don't sell records in poor or bad condition because we, as record collectors ourselves, don't like listening to records with a ton of surface noise or skips or scratches.  However, we may list a record in G or VG- condition ONLY if it is an extremely rare record.  In this case we try to fully explain the defects.  Hopefully even a G or VG- record will still play through without skipping.  For the most part, we sell records that are graded either VG+ or VG++.  A VG+ record should be a very nice record with a few minor, minor flaws that shouldn't affect play.  A VG++ record should look almost perfect: clean, glossy, free of any marks.

3) As another general policy we try to avoid grading anything NM (Near Mint) unless it is still sealed or looks like there is a 99% chance that it has never been played.  Usually only records from the 80s or later will look like this.  Any record from 60s or 70s should be graded VG++ at the highest.  Over 40 years, things happen to take even an unplayed record out of the NM range.  And also, NM means mint.  There's no such thing as mint or perfect when it comes to record grading! 

3) When in doubt, grade a record to it's lower scale.  For example, if you are debating on grading a record VG or VG+, chances are that it is a VG record.  In our earlier days, we would find a cool record and find ourselves sometimes grading to what we WISHED it was, not what it really was.  When you find an early Blue Note that has some light surface scratches and marks that are fairly visible, remember: it is what it is.  It's a super cool Blue Note in VG condition that is still worth something to a collector.  We have found that it is much better to undergrade a record and have your customer pleasantly surprised than to overgrade and lose a customer.  The longer you are in business, the more opportunity your customer will have to get to know you and trust you.  Before my cousin and I opened Cousins Vinyl, I had a store I went to all the time because I trusted that they sold records in excellent condition.  If it wasn't, they would mark the grade on the outer sleeve.  I remember I tried out a new store and bought a record without looking at the vinyl.  When I got home it skipped!  Granted, I never went there again and they were out of business anyway in about a year.

4) Always offer a refund or look for one as a buyer.  Our policy is that if you are unhappy for any reason we will offer you a full refund.  We have found a few people to take advantage of this, but for the most part, the ebay community is excellent when it comes to being honest and reasonable.  Remember, nobody is perfect, grading mistakes or overlooks happen, just be prepared to fix your mistakes by offering a prompt refund.

5) Be sure to explain your grading scale in your listings.  This will help ensure that no gray areas are left open and will allow for clear understanding with the customer and buyer.  Grading will always be subjective, so communicating your intepretation of the scale you use is key.

6) Finally, practice makes perfect.  The more you grade, the better you get.  If you are working with more than one person, like we do, check and make sure you're both grading consistent.

Check us out at http://stores.ebay.com/Cousins-Vinyl