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 |
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 applicable).
- Used- Good: Used- Good books are still in really good shape. They may be remaindered books, have no markings (or very minimal), may have some folded 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: Honestly there probably won't be any books in this category on this website. If it's unacceptable - well, that's pretty self explanatory. Never say never, though. If I feel a book is desirable but unacceptable for use as a reader, I'll use this term.