Grading is done in person by an experienced seller. This process isn’t standardized (nor is it enforced or absolutely agreed upon), so it’s worth noting that there will likely be variables from store to store. Grading is usually done under intense light, so the person doing the grading can easily see faults on the record or its packaging. They will also play the record on a turntable to listen for defects and distortion, then assign a grade based on everything they’ve seen (and heard).

The system focuses on the physical condition of both the record itself and its packaging, including the cover and any internal sleeves. And just like in school, a higher grade is better. In a nutshell, higher-graded records look better and sound better. They’ll cost you more, though, which is the trade-off. Despite that, though, this higher grade is always a better investment if you can afford it. At the very least, opt for higher grades on your very favorite albums if you can manage that for your entire collection.

A record in “mint” condition is, as you’d imagine, in pristine condition and one of the grades you should shoot for when shopping for secondhand vinyl. Records of this grade have never been played and were possibly never even removed from their packaging. Furthermore, you won’t see any blemishes or other physical issues at this level—no warping, no scratches, no split seams, no bent album covers. Nada.

Mint vinyl is also extremely rare and almost always super expensive. Some stores don’t even use this rating or may require some negotiation between the seller and the buyer on applying the label (and its accompanying price). Many collectors say they don’t believe in using the term and won’t use anything beyond “Near Mint.”

Near mint means near perfect. These records look like new, with little to no visible defects on either the record or its sleeve. It has likely been removed from its sleeve and played once (or maybe two times at most) but was handled gently, and you shouldn’t hear any surface noise when you play it. This is probably the ideal grade to look out for, as it’s still in great condition but will be a little cheaper and easier to find.

Records with this rating won’t have any tacky stickers or other markings or discoloration on the cover. They will also be free from factory defects, like an off-center label. Some Near Mint records can be “never played,” as well, but that isn’t a requirement. You may still see light scuffs or scratches, or faint discoloration of the label.

When looking at Very Good vinyl, expect there to be a few minor faults and clear signs of handling. Vinyl of this grade is still playable for the most part but will have more noticeable distortion like light clicks or pops compared to Very Good Plus-rated vinyl. It shouldn’t negatively disrupt your listening experience, though.

Visually, there might be light scratches, warping, or maybe even a split edge on these records, but they should be otherwise undamaged. Its sleeves and cover will show equal amounts of wear, with damaged corners, creases, tears, stickers, or yellowing. These also commonly sell for just a fraction of what Near Mint vinyl costs, down to just one-third of the price.

Despite the positive connotations of “Good,” this grade (and any below it) should be avoided. You’re gonna start to see more visual issues on vinyl with this rating, like bad warping, ring wear, groove wear, a well-worn label, and scratches, but these records are still technically playable. You’ll experience notable surface noise, and it’s not an ideal listening experience.

Depending on the store, you may also see similar ratings at this level like “Good Plus” or “Very Good Minus,” but those aren’t common and not terribly different from Good. We do not recommend buying records with this rating (or lower), even though they might be tempting price-wise. If you just have to have an album, however, and plan on upgrading to a better version later, this’ll work in a pinch, we suppose.

Simply put, a better grade means better quality, which, in turn, means a higher price. Records with a Mint rating will sell for much (much) more than a Near Mint record, which will be priced higher than an Excellent record, and so on.

If you’re looking for audiophile-grade records, stick with Near Mint (or Mint if you can find it and afford it). These records will sound the best and hold up better over time. If you’re a little more flexible, we recommend sticking with anything at or above a Very Good Plus level; those records will sound fantastic and still be in solid condition.

You’ll definitely be gambling more with Very Good and Good records since they’ll have a few issues visually and with playback, but those grades are still good enough for the average listener. And as we mentioned, just do your best to avoid Fair or Poor records; they might only cost you a dollar or so, but you’ll rarely ever get your money’s worth.