What does condition mean when it comes to used books?
There is a basic chart that outlines grading books, but as with anything, the basics can be expanded upon to the point of confusion. Here are the basics:
| 4/5—Fine, Very Good | Like New Very Good |
| 3/5—Good | Good |
| 2/5—Acceptable | Acceptable |
| 1/5—Everything else | Unacceptable |
After you think you understand the basics, you;ll find sellers who list their books as "fine/ near fine" or any combination of the above terms. What it boils down to is every seller has their own interpretation of what the basic grading terms mean. And that is perfectly fine, as long as you understand their grading system.
I use simple terms when grading my books, but then I'll go into detail about the actual condition of the book in the listing - are there marks? Are they permanent? Folded/ torn pages? Missing dust jacket? I hope to answer all of your questions in one glance!
Here is how I use condition/ grading terms:
- Used- Very Good: Looks new, like you'd pull it off of a shelf at a book store. No markings, no torn pages, no spine cracks, dust jacket intact (if the book originally had a dust jacket).
- Used- Good: Used- Good books are still in really good shape. They may be remaindered or price clipped books, have no markings (or very minimal, perhaps a price written in pencil or a small owner's inscription), may have some creased pages, show some signs of having being read, but they are clean and presentable and ready to join you in your library.
- Used- Acceptable: Acceptable books are going to have markings, whether they are highlighter marks, pencil marks, margin notes, etc. They may have tears/ spine cracking/ missing dust jackets, and just show overall wear. A lot of vintage paperbacks are going to fall into this category. They are still perfectly readable though. If anything is notably questionable, but the book is still desirable (in my opinion) I'll include a photo for you to decide.
- Used- Unacceptable: Some books are just beyond salvaging. If I decide a book is unacceptable, I probably won't list it. Then again... The pages of a book might be suitable for ephemera, or crafting, you may be more creative than I am. You might find bundles of unacceptable books for crafting. You never know!