Clear, accurate listings are the foundation of trust between buyers and sellers. These standards define how to describe item condition and authenticity in a way that sets buyer expectations correctly and reduces the likelihood of disputes. Listings that do not meet these standards may be removed or edited by our team.

1. Item Condition

Every listing must include a condition rating. Use the grade that most accurately describes the item — not the one that is most favorable. When in doubt, choose the lower grade and explain any positives in the description.

Condition Grades

New / Mint in Box (MIB)

Item is unused and in original, factory-sealed or factory-perfect condition. For boxed items: box is undamaged, all contents are present, and nothing has been removed, tested, or handled beyond inspection at the factory. If a box has any shelf wear, price stickers, or handling marks, use Excellent instead.

New Old Stock (NOS)

Item was never used but is no longer factory-sealed or may show minor storage wear on the packaging. The item itself is unplayed with and in original condition. Common for items stored in warehouses or shop stock for decades. Disclose any box or packaging wear in the description.

Excellent

Item shows little to no signs of use. Any wear is minimal — very light handling marks only — and does not affect appearance or function. Original box or packaging, if applicable, may have light shelf wear. All original parts are present. No repairs, touch-ups, or replacements.

Very Good

Item shows light to moderate signs of age or gentle use. Small scratches, light paint wear, or minor surface marks may be present but are not prominent. All key parts are present. No significant damage, repairs, or missing components. A common honest grade for pre-owned collectibles in above-average condition.

Good

Item shows clear signs of use or age but is complete and intact. Visible wear, fading, minor chips, or light soiling is acceptable at this grade. Minor non-structural repairs are acceptable if disclosed. Item functions as intended (if applicable). This is an honest and respectable grade for a used collectible.

Fair

Item has significant wear, damage, or flaws that are clearly visible. May have chips, cracks, fading, staining, heavy soiling, amateur repairs, or missing non-essential parts. Still recognizable and structurally intact, but condition issues are prominent. Must be disclosed in detail with photos.

Poor / Played With

Item has heavy wear, damage, or significant issues that substantially affect its appearance or completeness. May have broken parts, significant missing components, heavy restoration, major paint loss, or structural damage. Still has collectible or display interest at the right price. All issues must be fully documented with photos and described in detail.

For Parts / Not Working

Item does not function as intended and is sold for parts, repair, or display only. Buyers should not expect the item to work. Use this grade for items with broken mechanisms, incomplete electronics, significant missing parts, or structural damage that prevents normal use. This grade must be stated prominently in the listing title.

Untested

Seller has not tested the item and cannot confirm whether it works. Use this grade only when you genuinely do not have the means to test — for example, a vintage electronic item requiring specialized equipment. Do not use Untested to avoid disclosing a known problem. If you have reason to believe there is an issue, disclose it.

Required Condition Disclosures

In addition to the condition grade, you must disclose the following in your description whenever they apply:

• Missing parts, accessories, or components
• Replaced or non-original parts
• Repairs, restoration, or touch-up work — including what was done and by whom if known
• Personalization, inscriptions, or engravings
• Odors (smoke, pet, musty storage)
• Staining, soiling, or discoloration
• Chips, cracks, hairlines, or crazing (ceramics and glass)
• Tears, folds, writing, or trimming (paper items, cards, books)
• Veneer loss, refinishing, or replaced hardware (furniture)
• Corrosion, battery damage, or frayed wiring (electronics)
• Alterations to the original item not present at manufacture

2. Authenticity Disclosure

Buyers have a right to know exactly what they are purchasing. For any item where authenticity is relevant — collectibles, signed items, vintage pieces, graded cards, luxury goods — your listing must include one of the following authenticity statements:

• Original — item is genuine and unaltered from its original state
• Authentic — item is genuine; use only when you can support the claim with provenance, photos, or a named third-party certification
• Believed authentic — item appears genuine to the best of your knowledge, but you cannot guarantee it
• Reproduction — item is a copy or replica; must be stated in both the title and description
• Replica — unlicensed copy intended to resemble an original; must be clearly labeled
• Reissue — a manufacturer-authorized later production of an earlier design
• Restored — original item that has been repaired, repainted, or otherwise returned to a prior state; disclose what was restored
• Custom — item has been meaningfully altered or customized from its original form
• Unknown authenticity — you cannot determine whether the item is original or a reproduction

Autographs and Signed Items

Signed items carry a higher risk of misrepresentation and require additional disclosures:

• Include clear, close-up photos of the signature
• Disclose provenance if known (obtained in person, through a dealer, at an event)
• If a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is included, name the issuing company or authenticator — do not simply state “comes with COA”
• If the item is third-party authenticated (PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett, etc.), include the certification number
• Do not describe a signature as “guaranteed authentic” or “100% real” without a named third-party certification
• Printed facsimile signatures must be disclosed as such and may not be represented as hand-signed

Graded and Certified Items

For items graded by a professional grading service (PSA, CGC, BGS, JSA, WATA, etc.):

• Include the certification or case number in the listing
• Photograph the label, case, or certificate as part of your listing photos
• Do not use homemade or informal grades (e.g., “I grade this a 9”) in a way that could be confused with professional grading
• Altered, cracked, or tampered grading cases must be disclosed

3. Photo Requirements

Photos must show the actual item you are selling — not stock photos, catalog images, or photos from a prior sale. In addition to general photo requirements, include:

• Photos of all visible damage, wear, or condition issues referenced in your description
• Photos of all sides of the item, including the bottom or back when relevant
• Photos of maker's marks, stamps, labels, or signatures
• Photos of the original box or packaging if included in the sale
• For graded items: photos of the grading label and case
• For luxury goods: photos of serial or date codes, interior labels, hardware, and stitching where applicable

4. Category-Specific Requirements

Some categories carry a higher risk of misrepresentation and require additional disclosures beyond the general standards above.

Trading Cards, Comics, and Paper Collectibles

• Disclose if a card has been trimmed, pressed, cleaned, or altered in any way
• Disclose if a comic has been restored, pressed, or had color touch-ups
• Sealed packs must be genuine factory-sealed — resealed packs are prohibited
• Use the correct professional grade if graded; do not substitute personal grades

Luxury Goods (Handbags, Watches, Accessories)

• Photograph serial numbers, date codes, interior labels, and authentication cards where present
• Disclose any repainting, re-dyeing, replaced straps, buckles, or hardware
• For watches: disclose replaced dials, hands, bezels, bracelets, crystals, or movement parts
• Disclose service history if known

Military and Historical Collectibles

• Reproduction medals, uniforms, and insignia must be labeled as reproduction in both title and description
• List items in a historical or educational context — descriptions must not promote, glorify, or celebrate hate groups or ideologies
• Human remains and body-associated relics are prohibited (see Content & Listing Policy)
• Functional weapons, live ammunition, and explosives are prohibited regardless of era

Natural History and Wildlife Collectibles

• Disclose the species and approximate age of any natural history item
• Items made from protected or endangered species require documented legal provenance before listing — contact us before listing if you are uncertain
• Ivory, rhinoceros horn, sea turtle products, and migratory bird feathers are prohibited unless documentation establishes lawful pre-ban origin (contact us before listing)

5. Enforcement

Listings that do not meet these standards may be removed, edited, or placed under review. Sellers who repeatedly misrepresent item condition or authenticity may face account suspension. See our Content & Listing Policy for the full consequences framework.

If you have a question about how to describe a specific item, contact us at support@buyhappythings.com before listing.