Rating System

An important part of grading is the rating system. Each condition must be clearly defined and each defect must be clearly assigned to a specific rating based on the degree of damage. Therefore, a detailed and unambiguous definition is extremely important in order to objectively evaluate states and to avoid a subjective influence as far as possible. This scoring definition is very important for repeatability. The corresponding scale is numerical from 10 to 100 in tens or constructed in five steps. The 10 represents the worst condition. As the rating increases, a better and better state is defined. The 100 describes immaculate condition.

 

There are 18 stages in total. The first seven levels 10 - 70 are divided into ten steps. From level 70 to 100 in steps of five. In addition, from level 75 to 95, a "plus" is awarded for an even finer gradation. For example, between 80 and 85 there is an intermediate rating of 80+. The rating system can be roughly divided into four areas:

  • 1.

    The first range is between 10 and 70 (seven levels). Objects in this area are in below-average condition and have larger/clearly visible defects.

  • 2.

    In the range from 75 to 85 (five levels), the objects are well preserved on average and have small visible imperfections.

  • 3.

    In the range of 85+ to 95+ (five levels) there are only few or no visible defects.

  • 4.

    The 100 is only awarded if the object is absolutely flawless. The object must be free from both externally supplied and production-related defects.

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Gading Scale

  • SEALED

    The SEALED category is intended for new and still originally sealed objects. The prerequisite for evaluating an object in the Sealed category is that the object is still originally sealed at the factory. Distributor welds will only be accepted if they are specific to the item or version.

    The overall rating consists of the box (50%) and the seal (50%).

     

    For objects that are not wrapped in foil but only sealed with a sticker, the overall rating is the same as the box rating. The condition of the seal sticker is included in the evaluation of the box and the subgrade for the seal gets an "A" for authentic.

  • CIB (Complete in Box)

    The CIB category is set for used items that are in complete condition. We define the typical three main components of a game as complete, namely the module/CD, the associated game instructions or operating instructions and the outer packaging.

    Example: A US cartridge with a US game manual in an original US box.

     

    Another requirement is that the components must belong to at least the same version and have to match each other in terms of time. For example, a "1st Print" box cannot be combined with instructions from a much later print (e.g. Players Choice, Platinum).

    The overall rating consists of the box (50%), the module/CD (30%) and the game instructions (20%).

     

    All other components are not included in the evaluation, but are listed in the grading overview. Enclosures, such as receipts, are completely removed from the object. In addition to the authentication and the status assessment, a functional test is also carried out. This is limited to a short test of the game.

  • NIB (New in Box)

    Only new and unopened items that were unsealed at the factory are evaluated in the NIB category. In addition, objects are also possible that do not meet our requirements for the "SEALED" category, but are sealed and have never been opened (e.g. shop seals). In the case of shop seals that completely seal the object with foil, the foil must be removed. If the object was only sealed with stickers (sticker seal), these do not have to be removed. In this case, however, there is no subgrade for the “A” seal for Authentic. Games that are factory sealed are also allowed, provided the foil can be removed. For example, if the film is in extremely poor condition.

     

    The overall rating is equal to the box rating.

     

    As a general rule, all items submitted under this category must show no signs of having been previously opened. Should any doubt arise due to fine stress lines or other characteristics, the object will be rejected.

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    The basic requirement for all categories is that the objects and their components are authentic products. Officially licensed reproductions are excluded. newly revised games such as from LimitedRun and iam8bit.

    All objects that do not meet the above requirements/criteria will be rejected. We reserve the right to reject these objects for grading if there are deviations that are not traceable or if there are features that indicate possible manipulation.

    If your object is rejected, a processing fee in the amount of the currently valid authentication costs per object will be retained. The balance will be refunded to the original payment method.