grading used books

I aim to describe each book accurately.  I use a light box to photograph the exact book that I am selling.  When I have multiple copies in different conditions, I take the time to distinguish between them and price accordingly.  I avoid buying books with certain flaws – noticeable odors, underlining, highlighting, and damaged bindings. Protecting dust jackets is important so I protect most dust jackets with removeable archival Brodart covers. I may not notate the condition of every component of a book in my written description; if there is a flaw or any degradation, I will notate it. There are only so many ways to say that the text block is clean and the binding is square and sturdy.  If you have a question before buying, just ask.

I look to adhere to standards cited here at the great aggregator of booksellers, Biblio.

https://www.biblio.com/book-collecting/basics/how-to-read-rare-book-condition-descriptions/

These are the definitions I look to follow when describing my inventory.

As New This is an unused, unread, clean and flawless copy of the book. I will only use this designation if I know or can infer the provenance; otherwise, I will use fine. I sell books that were previously owned and do not use the designation ‘new’.

Fine (sometimes abbreviated F) This designation is very close to As New in condition.  There are no notable flaws.

Near Fine (sometimes abbreviated NF) I will use this designation if there are any notable flaws, but only those from careful handling (shelf rubbing, a discrete embossed owner’s stamp) 

Very Good (sometimes abbreviated VG) This is a book that shows signs of previous ownership and use, but is still a very nice copy. Writing in the text block, tears or discoloration to the dust jacket are noted. Bindings will be secure and all pages are present.

Good (sometimes abbreviated G) Significant wear, but still a fundamentally solid book.

Fair (sometimes abbreviated F) I buy very few books that would be given this designation.  This would still be a serviceable reading copy.  If pages are missing, it would be noted but would be end pages or other pages that would not interfere with the reading of the book.

Poor A book with significant wear and faults. A poor condition book is still a reading copy with the full text still readable. Any missing pages must be specifically noted.

Reading Copy I don’t use this term for grading, preferring the continuum from
poor -> fair -> good -> very good -> near fine -> fine -> as new 
I would describe a book that in my judgment is not collectible but certainly worth owning and reading.

Binding Copy: If I have a particularly notable book that would be worth the effort to rebind I would note this as a binding copy, certainly describing flaws or missing binding.

Ex Library: I usually avoid library discards unless the markings are few and slight, or if the book is extremely scarce or rare.  If rare, I look at the ex-library copy as a steeply discounted opportunity to own a hard-to-find gem.