Ideally, all records should be listened to, from start to finish, while wearing a headset. Since this is not practical, the next best thing is sight grading. In sight grading, every attempt is made to measure the amount of wear a record has received. A record can appear almost new and sound awful because of something that happened in the pressing or groove damage that is not apparent. For this reason and just because it is good business, A-1 Record Finders sells all records with a money-back guarantee.

Having said that, admittedly the "sight method", is very subjective and only as good as the person doing the grading. Even the best of us are not infallible. For starters, all records are graded by the most worn spot on the record. In the case of a multiple set, we consider the worst spot on the worst record and grade the set accordingly.

[All sight grading deals with natural wear or damage and does not cover inherent surface noise—only playing can do that.]

The A-1 Record Finders grading system concentrates on the high end of the grading scale. We have three grades for records that show no sign of having ever been played and three grades for "good" used records; starting with records that show signs of having been played to those showing average wear. Our grading system also has two lower grades; for records that we don't usually offer for sale unless the titles are very rare.

You will find our grading system to be comprehensive and easy to understand--there is never a need to use pluses and minuses. We have been using this system for over 25 years and we don't know why more dealers haven't adopted it.

• FACTORY SEALED — The record is still in the original shrink wrap and has never been played. A dealer with any experience should be able to detect a resealed record; even if they were not the one's that resealed it. If we suspect that a record has been resealed, records are opened and regraded.
• MINT — This grade is reserved for records that have never been factory sealed; usually imports. A mint record has never been played. This designation is the equivalent of "store stock mint". The source of these records is either a wholesale record distributor or retail store; not a collector.
• LOOKS MINT — If there is any doubt about whether a record has been played; this grade is in order. The record will look like it has never been played but because the source was not as mentioned above, this designation is used. Some collectors take such good care of their records, both record and jacket, it is hard to tell that the record was ever on a turntable.
• ALMOST MINT — This is the highest grade of used record. This designation is the equivalent of the overused "N-" grade. An Almost new record only shows signs that it has been played. There is usually some wear in the spindle hole and other signs of handling but no real wear. These records have usually seen few plays at most or were handled so carefully that the appearance is still that of a hardly played record. Expect a full mint luster.
• ABOVE AVERAGE — This grade bridges the gap between an "average" used record and one that has seen few plays. As already mentioned, we do not use pluses and minuses. Records in this condition show signs of having been played more than just a few times. However, unless the record is very old, you should still see some mint luster; but certainly nothing in the way of surface scratches.
  Watermarks or rubs, (light scratches), that do not sound, are quite common. Considering the age of the record, these records are exactly what the grade would indicate. They are in better than average condition. . . for their age.
• AVERAGE — This is the middle grade for a used record; there are two grades above and two below. We've already indicated that "sight grading" is very subjective; and this is where many dealers push the envelope. They just don't like to call a record "average;" because collectors that are buying for the first time, through mail-order, are hesitant to buy a record graded "average".
  
  Here's what you should expect: An average record is not an abused record. While most of the luster is gone, it should not have deep scratches. However, you can expect light scratches—the kind you get from loose dust particles that are allowed to rub the surface of an unprotected record. While these records have been enjoyed and may have slight surface noise; they have not been used for a Frisbee. They have not suffered groove damage because someone used a nail for a needle. To put it as simply as possible, unless you are an audiophile, an average record should be like many of the records in your collection, that you've played and enjoyed. Especially those that you didn't purchase as new. Also, the age of the record is a major consideration. A record that is 10 years old should not look like it were 40 years old.
  
  An "average" record for most "non-audiophile types" is still a very good record. When in doubt, this is probably the proper grade for most used records.
• FAIR — If you know you're getting a "fair" record and are paying the equivalent for such a record; you shouldn't feel cheated. However, when someone sells you one of these records as "N-" (new minus), and without a money back guarantee--that's another story. Sometimes, you just need a record for research purposes; or the record is truly rare and you just can't wait; or wouldn't want to pay for what a good copy would cost--a "fair" record might fit your immediate needs.
  
  A "fair" record offers many or all of these possibilities: deep scratches; pops and excessive surface noise, not inherent in the pressing, (groove damage); and a record jacket that usually matches the quality of the record. By the strictest definition still a playable record.
  
  Somebody was playing the record before we got it. There should be no sticks of skips that can't be removed with a good cleaning. Public libraries and radio station libraries have produced many exhibits.
• POOR — This grade would not even be necessary if it were not for the fact that there were records in this condition. This is the Frisbee. If you care about your stylus, these records are virtually unplayable. The only reason you might consider purchasing a record in this condition, would be to acquire the cover. This assumes that the cover is a lot better than the record.
• COVERS — To the record collector, the cover is just as important as the record. Remember, with so much being reissued, if one just wanted the music and could tolerate the sound of a CD reissue, they wouldn't need to buy the record.
  
  Every attempt is made to describe any defect or unnecessary writing on the record jacket. If the cover has been repaired or needs repair—we tell you. If the cover has been drilled, clipped or otherwise mutilated, it will be part of the description. If there are tears in the artwork, water damage or if someone, other than Doris Day (that would be an autograph), has written near Doris Day's face—we will alert you to the fact and there won't be any surprises.