Record Grading Policy
Record Grading Policy
We get it, buying second hand records can sometimes be a risk. There's nothing more disappointing than receiving a record that doesn't meet your expectations. At Wax Merchant, we are committed to providing vinyl enthusiasts and DJs with high-quality second-hand records that meet professional standards. To ensure consistency and satisfaction, we adhere to the following grading practices:
Grading Standard
At Wax Merchant we ensure that all the records we sell are graded conservatively, meaning that you can be confident that what you receive will be as described on our site. We only sell records graded Very Good Plus (VG+) or higher, as defined by internationally recognised grading standards. Here’s what you can expect from different record gradings:
Mint: Never played, sealed copy.
Near Mint (NM): Played only a handful of times, no noticeable pops, scratches or crackle.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Most of our records fall into this category, after all the majority of our stock is 90's house music. Very light surface scratches that do not impact play with the extremely occasional crackle.
Each record for sale will clearly state the grading of the specific record.
We're record lovers ourselves (who'd have guessed) and don't sell any records that you wouldn't be able to play in a DJ set.
Before records are listed on our store we grade and clean them. If the sleeve is substantially damaged then we will replace it with a generic new sleeve to protect the record.
Some records may include unique features from their previous owners, such as writing or stickers on the inner circle or sleeve. We do not list notes in relation to the centre label so please note that stickers or writing may be present.
These characteristics do not impact the sound quality or playability of the record. Instead, we view them as part of the record’s story, adding charm and historical value to the piece. Lots of these records have been loved prior to arriving at Wax Merchant. We think it adds to the beauty of collecting!
Our Commitment
Every record we sell undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets our VG+ standard or higher. By maintaining these high standards, we aim to deliver records that:
- Provide an exceptional listening experience
- Meet the needs of DJs and vinyl collectors
- Preserve the authenticity and nostalgia of vinyl culture
If you're not happy with the condition of your records, then please get in touch with us at help@waxmerchant.co.uk.