Grading guidelines

MINT
The record itself is in brand new condition
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EXCELLENT (EX) (EX-)
The record shows some signs of being played but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover may have slight wear &/or creasing.
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VERY GOOD (VG) (VG+) (VG-)
Tthe record has obviously been played many times and displays some deterioration in sound quality, maybe some surface marks & the occasional light scratch. Normal wear & tear on the cover or extra items.
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GOOD (G) (G+) (G-)
The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated , perhaps with some distortion & scratches. The cover & contents suffer from folding ,scuffing, spline splits, discoloration etc.
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FAIR (F) The record is still just about playable but has not been cared for, displays considerable surface noise & may even jump. The cover & contents will be torn , stained & defaced
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POOR (P) Possibly broken or so badly scratched and unplayable and useful only as a collection filler

ABBREVIATIONS
(W.O.L ) writing on label
(S.W.O.L ) small writing on label
(W.O.C) writing on cover
(S.W.O.C) small writing on cover
(S.O.L) sticker on label
(I.O.L) initials on label
(M.O.L) mark on label
(N.O.C) no original centre

7" = 45rpm, 7 inch single
10" = 10 inch single
12" = Maxi, 12 inch single
78 = 78rpm
LP = Long Player, LP Record

If a 7" or 12" Single doesn't mention PICTURE COVER or COMPANY SLEEVE then it means it comes in a plain cover.

GLOSSY PICTURE COVERS are sometimes stated and these covers are usually limited to the initial releases of a single and a higher quality than later pressings. They sometimes use card as well instead of thinner paper so are much more desireable.