My grading system and various notes about condition

One of the most common complaints of people who buy stuff sight unseen is that when it gets there, it is nothing like they thought it would look like. Let's face it, no two people will have the same opinion on what is nice and what isn't. I have tried to develop a system of grading items that is fair and allows people to know what they are buying ahead of time. All items that I sell are graded and I feel that I am fairly strict about what I consider a flaw, so you may be pleasantly surprised when the item arrives. I also try to list out any special flaws (highlighting, torn pages, etc.), but I am not 100% perfect. I do miss things occasionally, usually when a collection of a hundred or so items arrives and I try and grade and inventory them all too quickly, so that people can get at them. Mistakes happen, but I stand behind every product that I sell. If you are not satisfied with any item, let me know and I will try to work something out with you.

I have loosely based my grading system on the one used for comic books. That system is very exacting and many flaws that apply to comics are not a big deal when it comes to modules and to a lesser extent magazines. It is important to remember that many of the same flaws will be found on any item that is more than a few years old, especially with the wear that is associated with being hauled back and forth to various games sessions, and the materials that many of the early products are made of are not too much stronger than photocopies. Here are the general grades that I use.

Grades

1. MINT - Like it just came off the press, may often be in the shrink wrap
2. Near Mint (NM) - Very sharp, no noticeable wear, but has been read. One or two minor creases to spine.
3. Very Good (VG) - Typical mid range copy. Has some creasing to spine, may have some cover fading. Minor marks are allowed inside. Taped reinforcement to spine is typical.
4. Good (G) - Will have greater than normal wear, serious creasing to spine and major fading of cover. Some interior pages may be well marked up, but it should still be complete and usable.
5. Poor (P) - Considerable wear to cover, pages may be torn and repaired. Marking throughout book. May or may not be complete. Basically only useful to play, not a collectible piece.
6. Split grades (i.e., VG/NM, G/VG) Generally they are a nicer copy than the lower grade would indicate, but they tend to have one major flaw that will keep it from getting the higher rating. Usually a nice copy at an affordable price.

Definitions used in grading terms and some common flaws

• Creases - Occur along the spine where the cover meets is. Happens from the item being read over and over. Common on all but the most pristine items. Not considered a real defect unless a large number are present. Should always be noted.
• Fading - This is typical of modules and magazines that are not stored in some type of plastic protector. When they are piled on top of one another, color may rub off on another issue, or it may pick up the color from said issue. Not a serious defect unless it interferes with the artwork. Should always be noted.
• Taped spine- Often clear tape is used to reinforce tearing spines on magazines and modules. This will keep the item intact, but prevents it from being considered anything but VG, or VG/NM if no other flaws are present. This is common and is not looked at too badly as long as it is noted.
• Missing items - typically it will be a cut out, a map or some other insert. This should always be noted, and though the overall condition may not be affected (i.e. it is still NM) the price should reflect that the item is not complete. As long as it is clearly noted and the buyer doesn't mind that something is missing, it can be an easy way to pick up a nice item for a fraction of the normal price.
• Torn Pages - Often repaired to some extent. Should always be noted. May not affect a buyers decision too much, unless a portion of the page is missing because of it.

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