VHS condition and grading

Describe before assigning a grade

There is no single universal VHS grading system. A useful listing separates packaging, cassette, labels, and playback instead of hiding everything inside one word.

• Photograph every side in neutral light.
• Name tears, crushing, fading, stains, writing, stickers, and missing pieces.
• Describe shell cracks, reel condition, labels, and visible tape pack.
• Only claim playback quality when the tape was tested on maintained equipment.

A practical condition ladder

Use plain terms consistently: exceptional, very good, good, fair, and poor. Follow the term with specific evidence. `Good-clean cassette, bright labels, moderate edge wear, tested through' is more useful than a high grade with no description.

Sealed is a packaging state

A sealed copy cannot be fully inspected or playback-tested. Record the type and condition of the wrap, openings, tears, stickers, and signs of rewrapping. Avoid claiming that sealed automatically means mint inside.