Picking the right condition grade (with examples)
The condition grade is one of two signals shoppers use to decide whether to hold or buy an item before seeing it in person — the other is the photo. Getting it right reduces disputes, reduces holds that fall through, and builds the kind of trust that brings shoppers back to your next sale.
The app suggests a grade based on the photo. You confirm or change it before approving the item.
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What the grades mean (organizer's view)
**S — Like New / Sealed:** Never used, or unused and in original packaging. Use this for new-in-box, never-opened items. If it's been used even once, it doesn't belong here.
**A — Excellent:** Functionally perfect with no visible wear under normal viewing distance. Minor surface marks that require close inspection are acceptable. The honest test: would you buy this at an antique market without hesitation?
**B — Good:** Normal wear for the item's age and use. Works fully. May have cosmetic marks, small scratches, or fading. The most common grade for household goods at yard sales, flea market booths, and estate sales.
**C — Fair:** Noticeable wear, fading, surface damage, or missing accessories that don't affect core function. The item works (or displays) but clearly shows its age. Priced accordingly.
**D — For Parts / As-Is:** Broken, incomplete, heavily damaged, or untested. Sold as-is. No returns implied.
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The most common mistake
Listing C items as A out of optimism. It's understandable — you want the item to look good — but shoppers who request a hold and then find a B or C item when they arrive lose trust. They may skip the hold next time, or leave early. Accurate grading is good for your sale's reputation.
When in doubt, go one grade lower than you think. Shoppers who find a better-than-expected item are pleasantly surprised. Shoppers who find a worse-than-expected item are the ones who don't come back.
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Why accurate grades reduce disputes and holds
A hold is a commitment from both sides: the shopper holds the item, you don't sell it to someone else. When the grade is accurate, holds convert to purchases. When the grade is inflated, holds fall through — which wastes your time and the shopper's trip.
For consignment specifically, accurate grades protect you with clients. A grade on record at the time of acceptance is documentation.
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Full condition guide with photo examples
For the complete breakdown of each grade — with side-by-side photo examples, common edge cases (rusted tools, cracked ceramics, working-but-cosmetically-worn appliances), and guidance on when to use D vs. C — see the full condition reference:
**[View the full Condition Guide with examples →](/condition-guide)**
The guide covers all item types: furniture, clothing, tools, electronics, collectibles, kitchenware, and outdoor equipment.
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Common questions
**What grade should I use if something works but looks rough?** C or D, depending on severity. If it works fully but has clear cosmetic damage, use C. If function is questionable or it's untested, use D. See /condition-guide for side-by-side examples.
**The app suggested A but I think it's B — should I change it?** Yes. Photo recognition works from the image you captured. If the item has wear that wasn't captured clearly (underside, interior, back of frame), update the grade manually. Your assessment of the physical item is more reliable than the photo.
**Can I change the condition after an item is live?** Yes. Open the item from your live sale, edit the condition, and save. The change takes effect immediately. If a shopper has an active hold, they'll see the updated grade.
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Related guides
- [The review queue: from photo to live listing](review-queue)
- [Pricing an item: suggested price, comparable sales, and your override](pricing-items)
- [Editing a listing after it's already live](edit-live-listing)