How we work1 min read
Excellent, Good, Fair: what our condition grades really mean
A grade is a summary of cosmetic wear, not a promise about function. Here’s how we decide, with real examples from recent listings.
By UKUsed inspection team
Every item we sell gets one of three grades. Customers ask us about them more than anything else, so here’s exactly how we decide.
Grades describe appearance, not function
Every item goes through the same functional tests, whatever its grade. A Fair laptop isn’t less tested than an Excellent one. It just has more visible wear, and costs less because of it.
The three grades
- Excellent: marks only visible on close inspection under direct light.
- Good: light scuffs or small scratches you can see at arm’s length.
- Fair: obvious wear such as deep scratches, dents or worn keys. Every defect is photographed.
Why the condition report matters more
Two “Good” laptops can look different. That’s why each listing also has a condition report listing wear by location, such as “Lid: light scuffs near the logo”. Read the report, not just the grade.
The full definitions are in our condition guide.