Purpose

This guide is to establish the condition ratings of Music CDs and Audio Book Media.  As of July 2010 eBay Australia moved to mandatory Condition ratings which are defined by eBay - all CD Conditions in this guide now align with this rating.  The Buyer may refer to the eBay definition for the Condition which is displayed with Item Specifics at the top of the Description Page.

Scope

Applicable to all music CD sales by Martians from OZ. 

Guarantee

All CDs sold are guaranteed to play OK.  That is free of faulty tracks and excessive noise, or we will happily refund your purchase.

CONDITION CODE DEFINITIONS FOR CDs

Buying CDs is Complex, you are interested in what is the CD itself like on the Playing Surface? How is the Case? Is the Booklet /Lyrics included and in what Condition?  To meet this each CD Listing has four parts to define th CD condition:

   1. Overall Condition - including any specific damage / observations
   2. CD Surface Condition
   3. Booklet/Insert Condition
   4. Case Condition

OVERALL CONDITION

Brand New (Never played - could have minor cover marks from shelving)
An item that has never been opened or removed from the manufacturer’s sealing (if applicable). Item is in original shrink wrap (if applicable).

Like New (Could easily be mistaken for brand new)
An item that looks as if it was just taken out of shrink wrap. No visible wear, and all parts of the item are flawless and intact.

Very Good (You would give it to a good friend as a gift)
An item that is used but still in very good condition. No damage to the jewel case or item cover, no scuffs, scratches, cracks, or holes. The cover art and liner notes are included. The teeth of disk holder are undamaged. Minimal wear on the exterior of item. No skipping.

Good (You would use it yourself, but wouldn't necessarily give it as a gift)
An item in used but good condition. May have minor damage to jewel case including scuffs or cracks, or to the item cover including scuffs, scratches, or cracks. The cover art and liner notes are included. No skipping.

Acceptable (Item beaten up a bit but it works)
An item with obvious and significant wear but is still operational.

CD (Playing) SURFACE CONDITION

As New: Shiny No Visible Marks
Very Good: No Significant Marks (may be minor visible marks) |
Good: Some Visible Wear Marks
Acceptable: Significant Visible Wear

BOOKLET / INSERT CONDITION

As New: Booklet/Insert Included in As New Condition
Very Good: Booklet/Insert Included in Very Good Condition
Good: Booklet/Insert Included in Good Condition
Acceptable: Booklet/Insert Included but may be torn or have significant wear
Missing: Booklet/Insert Missing

CASE CONDITION

As New: Shiny No Significant Marks, No Broken Parts
Very Good: No Cracks ; No Major Marks (may have minor shelving/handling wear and/or labels/label marks)
Good: May have visible Scuff / Wear Marks. May have labels/label marks
Acceptable: May be cracked or broken can not be changed by seller due to being special case or with specific labels on case

LISTING TERMS FOR MUSIC LISTINGS

Booklet: Two or more pages containing photos, lyrics, or other information about the CD in addition to basic track listing.  (See also Insert below).

Cardboard Cover: Some CDs are originally in a cardboard slipcase / cover, this will be shown in the listing under the Cover Condition where this si the case.

CD: Compact Disc (Music or PC Game).

CD Album: Any music CD with  more than 5 tracks including three or more songs.

CD Promo Album: A music CD released for radio or promotional use other than retail

CD Set: Two or more CDs in a set excluding 2CD Albums as below.

CD Single / EP: Any music CD which does not meet Album criteria

2CD Album: Two CDs typically in the same jewel case as an extended Album.

Enhanced CD: CD containing other content for PC use – typically videos but may include screensavers, photos, website content.

Insert: A basic 1 or 2 page insert with no information / photos other then basic Track Listing.  Common on compilation and bedget CDs.

Jewel Case: The hard plastic case commonly used for CDs today.

Scuff Marks: The dull spots on CE Jewel Cases from where the cases rub against shelves or other CDs, this is normal wear for a CD Case.

Skipping: The music (or video on enhanced CDs) shows noticeable signs of missing information which can be seen or heard. 

Slimline Case: The thin half-height Jewel Case becoming more popular for CDs, saves on storage space with the same protection.

Teeth: The parts of the disc case that go in the hole to hold the CD in the case - if these are broken the CD may fall out easily.  Also called fingers.

Trifold: A Trifold Cover is the usually Cardboard Covers which fold out into 3 parts with the CD(s) in the sleeves within the cover.

Please rate this guide if it proved helpful - appreciated.