Conditions and Grading

Record Grading Policy
Goldmine Grading System
At White Elephant Records we follow the grading system first developed by Goldmine Records with an additional grading of Very Good Minus (Vg-) and a single grading of Good (G). Virtually all methods currently in use for the grading of LP records are based in some way, shape, or form, on the Goldmine system.
Visual and/or Play Grade
In an ideal world, every record would be played before it is graded. But the time involved makes it impractical for most dealers to play every record, and it is rare that you get a chance to hear a record before you buy through the mail. At White Elephant Records, we occasionally play-grade some records to determine a grading that may be borderline. But unless otherwise noted, records are visually graded
How We Grade
We examine everything about a record: the playing surface, the label, the edges, the shape, ie is it warped? The examination is conducted under a strong light. Before proceeding we thoroughly clean the record, if required, to enable a better assessment of the quality of the vinyl. Then based on our overall impression we allocate a grade based on the following criteria:
Mint (M) Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly may never have been played, possibly even still sealed. (See the note on Still Sealed below). Mint Grading is used sparingly as the majority of records do not meet this measure.
Near Mint (NM or M-) A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect.
The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects, nor any cut-out holes. The same applies to any other inserts, such as posters, lyric pages and internal sleeves.
Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just brought it home from a record store, removed the shrink wrap, ready to go on the turntable for a first spin.
Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides.
 
Very Good Plus (VG+) A Very Good Plus record may show some slight signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuff marks that do not affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are generally acceptable.
The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The centre hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.
Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves may have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.
In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.
Very Good (VG) Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise may be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be slightly worn and scuffed. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers, which may display ringwear. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only one or two of them.
Very Good Minus (Vg-) Many of the defects found in a VG record will be much more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. The first tracks on both sides may also display a hissing and scratchy effect, although the LP will generally play OK.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached, or display ringwear. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Good (G) Generally worth 30 percent of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).
A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.
If the LP is a common item, you may find another copy in better shape eventually, or at the next Record Fair. But, if it is something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it when you can and keep looking to upgrade.
Poor (P), Fair (F) Generally worth 5-10 percent of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon.
Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each or disposed of. White Elephant Records rarely lists albums of this grading unless there is a certain interest in the item.
Other Considerations
At White Elephant Records we give a separate grade to the sleeve or cover and also for the record. In our LP Listing in the Emporium, the grading of sleeve or cover is listed first, followed by the grading of the record
With Still Sealed (SS) records, let the buyer beware as it is too easy to reseal a record. Unless the LP is a US pressing from the last 10-15 years It is unlikely that it would still be sealed. There may be in existence some legitimately never-opened LP's from the 1960's but these will be rare. European Imports are not normally factory-sealed, so if you see them advertised as sealed, someone other than the manufacturer may have sealed them
But if you're looking for a specific pressing, the only way you can know for sure is to open the record.

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Shipping Costs Items will be packed and shipped within 48 hours following finalization and confirmation of order costs, including packaging and handling requirements. In the normal course of events we do not insure, register or track items mailed within Australia or overseas unless specified by the customer. Sea mail is only available for packages which exceed 2 kilograms and on request. Sea mail is not normally recommended as the longer time in transit allows the possibility of damage to the package. For most of our shipping requirements within Australia and overseas we use the services of Australia Post, as the costs charged are competitive and reasonable. All CDs and LPs are mailed in special CD/LP mailer boxes for safety and protection of the records. CDs are shipped under Australia Post letter rates for consignments up to 500g and up to 20mm in depth. This may suit purchases of one and two single CDs (up to three on occasion). For double CDs and consignments in excess of 500g and or 20mm package depth parcel rates will apply. Consignments may be sent untracked or tracked using registered mail. The Australia Post shipping parcel rates are based on distance and weight and this is the basis for LP purchases. The weight categories are 0 to 0.5kg, over 0.5kg to 1kg, up to 1.5kg, up to 2kg. Most albums with packaging fall into the first category. Some albums are heavier than normal, either 180gram, double albums or with heavy inserts and fall into a higher category, and accordingly extra shipping charges may apply. All shipping charges are current as of 1 March 2021. The shipping costs are for economy airmail within Australia. The costs are based on shipping from Adelaide to each Capitol City in Australia and slightly higher costs for deliveries outside the metropolitan areas in accordance with Australia Post charges. The total cost includes the packaging and handling cost plus the cost of shipping. If customers require Express or Courier services separate arrangements will need to be made. Australia Post has introduced two airmail shipping methods for overseas destinations and prices are shown for the Economy service, which is an non-trackable airmail service, and also the Standard airmail service which includes tracking. Both costs are shown. Australia Post has also revised the international mail zones for parcels from nine zones to five zones as follows: Zone 1 – New Zealand, Zone 2 – Asia Pacific, Zone 3 – USA & Canada, Zone 4 – UK & Europe, Zone 5 – Rest of the World. For CDs, which may be posted as "letters" up to 500g, there are only three international zones - Zone 1 - New Zealand, Zone 2 - Asia Pacific and Zone 3 - Rest of the World 1 LP/12in anywhere within Australia - $AUD13.55 (heavy 180g/dbl LP may be more) 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g up to 1kg anywhere in Australia - $AUD17.45 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) economy airmail to Zone 1 – New Zealand - NO TRACKING $AUD19.15 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) standard airmail to Zone 1 - New Zealand - WITH TRACKING $AUD21.65 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g economy airmail to Zone 1 - New Zealand - NO TRACKING $AUD25.75 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g standard airmail to Zone 1- - New Zealand - WITH TRACKING $AUD28.25 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) economy airmail to Zone 2 – Asia Pacific - NO TRACKING $AUD25.5500 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) standard airmail to Zone 2 – Asia Pacific - WITH TRACKING $AUD27.85 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g economy airmail to Zone 2 – Asia Pacific - NO TRACKING $AUD37.20 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g standard airmail to Zone 2 – Asia Pacific - WITH TRACKING $AUD39.70 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) economy airmail to Zone 3 - USA/Canada - NO TRACKING - $AUD28.25 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) standard airmail to Zone 3 - USA/Canada - WITH TRACKING - $AUD30.75 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g economy airmail to Zone 3 – USA/Canada - NO TRACKING $AUD41.15 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g standard airmail to Zone 3 – USA/Canada - WITH TRACKING $AUD43.65 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) economy airmail to Zone 4 – UK & Europe - NO TRACKING $AUD33.55 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) standard airmail to Zone 4 – UK & Europe - WITH TRACKING $AUD36.05 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g economy airmail to Zone 4 – UK & Europe - NO TRACKING $AUD47.10 2-3 standard LP 12in or one LP over 500g standard airmail to Zone 4 – UK & Europe - WITH TRACKING $AUD49.60 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) economy airmail to Zone 5 – Rest of the World - NO TRACKING $AUD41.35 1 LP/12in (Under 500g) standard airmail to Zone 5 - Rest of the World - WITH TRACKING $AUD43.85 2-3 standard LP/12in or one LP over 500g economy airmail to Zone 5 - Rest of the World - NO TRACKING - $AUD59.00 2-3 standard LP/12in or one LP over 500g standard airmail to Zone 5 - Rest of the World - WITH TRACKING - $AUD61.50 CD Mailing: prices to be determined on an order by order basis as there is some confusion as to whether Australia Post will allow CDs to be mailed as a ‘letter’ or a small parcel. I have no idea which rate to select...please apply appropriate rate and process my order.

Return Policy

If the order is lost in the mail:we will replace the order or refund your money 100%.
If the order is damaged in transit:we will replace the order or refund your money 100%.
If you ordered the wrong item:We accept returns in the same condition we sent them to you. Buyer pays all return shipping costs.
If we made an error with your order:we will pay all return shipping costs and correct the order or refund you.

Seller Information

We try to make sure our description of the albums, condition and relevant details is correct, and we aim to meet our customers' wishes.