SEALED = The record is still factory sealed (shrink wrapped) and has never been opened. MINT (M) = The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality.
The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. NEAR MINT (NM) = The vinyl/sleeve are virtually unblemished. It looks & plays like new though the record is used, And possibly has very light paper withdrawal marks or hairlines. EXCELLENT (EX) = The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing. VERY GOOD (VG) = The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable. GOOD (G) = The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration etc.
+ and - are used to differentiate between those categories.