Condition Guide

Condition grading playbook

Choose the condition that matches what buyers can actually see.

This guide helps sellers grade listings more accurately and helps buyers review condition with clearer expectations. Strong condition grading should align with photos, descriptions, disclosed flaws, included accessories, and seller communication.

Platform reminder

Middle Who Market does not inspect, authenticate, process payments, hold funds, ship items, or guarantee purchase outcomes in this version.

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Seller clarity

Grade conservatively.

When unsure, choose the lower condition and explain the reason in the description.

Buyer confidence

Match words to photos.

The selected condition should be supported by visible photos and direct flaw disclosure.

Marketplace trust

Do not hide wear.

Small flaws still matter. Clear disclosure reduces confusion and protects marketplace quality.

Condition scale

Condition grading standards

Use the condition that best reflects the current item, not the item’s original retail quality or desired resale value.

1. New / Unused

No known use and no visible wear. The item should look unused, but sellers must still disclose storage marks, handling marks, missing packaging, or uncertainty.

Best for: Items that appear unused and have no visible use-related wear.

Disclose clearly

  • Storage marks
  • Missing tags, packaging, dust bags, cards, boxes, straps, or receipts
  • Handling marks
  • Any uncertainty about use history

2. Excellent

Very clean overall with minimal signs of use visible only on close review. Excellent does not mean flawless unless the item truly has no visible issues.

Best for: Highly presentable items with only very light wear.

Disclose clearly

  • Light hardware hairlines
  • Small marks
  • Very light corner or edge wear
  • Minor interior marks

3. Very Good

Light normal wear from careful use. The item remains clean and desirable, but buyers should expect minor visible signs of ownership.

Best for: Clean resale-ready items with mild wear that does not affect normal use.

Disclose clearly

  • Minor corner wear
  • Light scratches
  • Gentle shape changes
  • Small interior marks
  • Light handle, strap, or edge wear

4. Good

Visible wear is present, but the item is functional and still presentable. Buyers should be able to understand the wear before messaging.

Best for: Usable items with noticeable wear that should be priced and described accordingly.

Disclose clearly

  • Noticeable scuffs or marks
  • Corner wear
  • Interior wear
  • Patina, hardware wear, odor, or shape loss
  • Repairs, alterations, or missing accessories

5. Fair

Heavier wear or multiple notable flaws. The item may still be usable, but condition issues must be photographed and explained clearly.

Best for: Items with significant cosmetic wear or several flaws that buyers must review closely.

Disclose clearly

  • Heavy staining or scuffing
  • Cracking, peeling, or structure issues
  • Broken or missing parts
  • Strong odor
  • Major interior or exterior wear

6. For Repair

The item needs repair or has condition issues that affect normal use. Sellers should not position repair-needed items as everyday-ready.

Best for: Items with damage that may require professional repair before normal use.

Disclose clearly

  • Broken straps, zippers, closures, or hardware
  • Severe peeling, cracking, holes, or staining
  • Missing components
  • Functionality issues
  • Any repair estimate or uncertainty if known

Seller decision rules

How to choose the right condition

  • Choose the lower condition if you are between two grades.
  • Do not use Excellent when visible wear is present.
  • Do not rely on buyer assumptions; describe the item directly.
  • Photograph flaws close up and mention them in the description.
  • Condition should match the photos, title, description, price, and seller messages.
  • If normal use is affected, consider Fair or For Repair.

Photo review checklist

Photos should support the grade

If the condition depends on a flaw, mark, repair, or missing piece, the buyer should be able to see it or understand it from the listing.

  • Front, back, sides, bottom/base, and interior
  • Corners, edges, handles, straps, closures, and hardware
  • Brand stamps, labels, serial/date details, or markings where applicable
  • All visible flaws, stains, cracks, peeling, odor concerns, repairs, or missing parts
  • Included and excluded accessories such as straps, boxes, dust bags, cards, receipts, or pouches

Buyer review guidance

Buyers should verify condition before moving forward.

Condition labels are seller-provided. Buyers should review the listing carefully and message the seller when something is unclear.

Compare the selected condition against the photos.
Read the full description before messaging.
Ask the seller for more photos if condition is unclear.
Confirm included accessories and missing pieces.
Keep payment, shipping, and final terms direct and documented between users.

Direct marketplace expectations

Condition transparency is a seller responsibility.

Middle Who Market does not inspect items, authenticate items, verify item condition, process item payments, hold funds, ship items, or guarantee purchase outcomes in this version. Sellers are responsible for accurate condition selection and disclosure. Buyers should review photos, descriptions, condition, and seller messages carefully.

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