Picking the Right Condition Grade (with examples)

See `/guides/condition-guide` for full details on each grade.

• **Like new:** No visible wear, damage, or use. Looks fresh from the store.
• **Good:** Minor wear, small marks, fully functional. You'd buy this at a thrift store without hesitation.
• **Fair:** Noticeable wear, some damage, but still works. You'd buy this if you needed it and the price was right.
• **Poor:** Heavy wear, significant damage, or questionable functionality. Priced to move, not to keep.

The app looked at the photo and made its best guess. If the photo is clear and well-lit, the grade is usually right.

Accept it if:

• The photo quality is good (sharp, bright, no shadows)
• The condition you see in the photo matches the grade
• You don't see any damage the app missed

Upgrade to a better grade if:

• The item is cleaner or newer-looking in person than the photo suggests (dark photos can make things look worse)
• The damage you see in person is minor and you know it won't affect function or appeal

Downgrade to a worse grade if:

• You see damage in person that the photo didn't show (a hidden stain, a crack on the back, loose hardware)
• The item is missing pieces or has repairs that change its value

**Wooden dresser in good condition**

• App grades it: "Good"
• Photo shows: solid finish, no visible cracks, drawers open smoothly
• You see in person: one knob is loose
• Your action: Keep the grade at "Good" and add a detail: "One knob loose but easily fixed." The item is still solid.

**Ceramic vase in good condition**

• App grades it: "Good"
• Photo shows: painted design, no visible chips
• You see in person: small hairline crack in the glaze, bottom-left side
• Your action: Change the grade to "Fair." The crack changes perception and value. Buyers need to know.

**Lamp in like-new condition**

• App grades it: "Like new"
• Photo shows: clean shade, bright bulb, original price tag still attached
• You see in person: everything checks out; it was a gift that was never used
• Your action: Keep the grade at "Like new." This can command a premium price.

**Kitchen chair in poor condition**

• App grades it: "Poor"
• Photo shows: worn upholstery, one leg is slightly crooked
• You see in person: the crooked leg is a loose bolt, easily tightened; upholstery is worn but not torn
• Your action: Consider changing to "Fair" if the bolt is easily fixable. Or keep it at "Poor" and lower the price to match. Your call based on your market.

The condition grade tells shoppers the ballpark. The details field tells them the specifics.

Grade: "Fair" + Detail: "Glass shows water spots but no cracks" = shoppers know exactly what they're getting.

Grade: "Good" + Detail: "Wood stain worn in high-traffic areas but no dents or gouges" = honesty that builds trust.

Shoppers who discover undisclosed damage will return items, leave negative feedback, or dispute charges. Pricing honestly from the start prevents problems and builds your reputation.

If the condition is genuinely good but the photo made it look worse, upgrade it. If you see damage you didn't catch before, downgrade it. The right grade + honest details = faster sales and fewer disputes.