Book Condition Guide

If you are a book lover like us, you know that each book is unique—some are fresh out of print, while others are well-worn and cozy. Some books have been read countless times, while others are just waiting for their first reader. Some books have been signed by the author or belonged to a library, while others have no special markings. These differences influence not only the appearance and feel of the books but also their value and desirability. Today, we'll guide you through the grading system of BooksRun, offer some tips on choosing the right condition, and help you find the best books to match your needs.

Book conditions explained

To fully comprehend the book condition ratings, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of how the book condition system works. Essentially, the rating is determined by taking into account the overall condition and appearance of the book, including things such as any damage, markings, or additional materials that may be included. It's important to be aware of these things as they can significantly impact a book's value, particularly if it's considered a collectible item. Even more so for books with artistic or rare cover designs).

There is no universal standard for rating book conditions, but most booksellers use some variation of the following terms:

• New: The book has never been read and looks exactly as it came from the publisher.
• Like New or Mint: The book is exactly in the same condition as when it was published. It has no defects, no signs of wear or tear, and no damage. It may or may not have a dust jacket, depending on how it was originally printed. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Fine: The book is almost as good as new but may have some minor flaws, such as slight rubbing or fading of the cover or spine. It has no tears, stains, or markings. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Very Good: The book shows some signs of wear, but it’s still in good condition. It may have minor defects such as small tears, creases, or marks on the cover, spine, or pages. It may also come with or without a dust jacket. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Good: The book is in average condition, with noticeable signs of wear. It may have significant signs of damage, such as large tears, stains, water damage, or loose pages. It may also have markings or annotations on the cover, spine, or pages. May have a dust jacket or not. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Acceptable: The book is fairly worn but still can serve its purpose pretty well. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings or show other signs of previous use. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Fair: The book is in poor condition, with major signs of wear and damage. It may be missing parts such as pages, illustrations, or dust jacket. It may also have extensive markings or annotations on the cover, spine, or pages. Cardboards, access codes, toys, etc. can be missing if there is no special comment stated in the item's description.
• Poor: The book is in very poor condition, with extreme signs of wear and damage. It may be incomplete, unreadable, or falling apart. It may also have severe defects such as mold, mildew, odor, or insect damage or even extreme defects such as fire damage, rodent damage, or vandalism. It may also have excessive markings or annotations on the cover, spine, or pages.

Different book condition rating systems

Various platforms and booksellers use different rating systems (with different terms or abbreviations) to describe the condition of books. Here are some examples from popular book marketplaces:

• Amazon: Amazon typically uses terms like "New," "Used - Like New," "Used - Very Good," "Used - Good," and "Used - Acceptable" to describe used book conditions. There’s a similar grading for the collectible items.
• eBay: eBay uses similar terms, including the following ones: “Brand new,” “Like new,” “Very good,” “Good,” and “Acceptable.”
• AbeBooks: AbeBooks employs terminology ranging from "As new" to "Fair" and “Poor,” with detailed descriptions provided by individual sellers.
• Biblio: Biblio uses a rating system similar to AbeBooks, with the following descriptions: “As New,” “Fine (F or FN),” “Very Good (VG),” “Good (G),” “Fair,” and “Poor.”
• Alibris: Alibris uses five condition categories: "New," "Very Fine," and varying degrees of "Used," with “Poor (P)” being the worst.
• Walmart: Walmart marketplace sellers can use different grading systems, but the most frequently used categories are New and Pre-owned (with the details from the seller).

BooksRun book condition rating system

At BooksRun, we pride ourselves on providing clear and accurate book condition descriptions to help our customers find exactly what they need. Here's a breakdown of our book condition rating system:

• New
• Used - Like New
• Used - Very Good
• Used - Good
• Used - Acceptable

New

When an item is listed as being in "New" condition, it means that it's in the exact same condition it was initially published and sold by the publisher. No tear and wear, no signs of damage—the books should look like it's almost fresh from print. Additionally, this type of item may be shrink-wrapped and come with supplementary materials that may be missing in other conditions, but the publisher should specify this information clearly in the item's description.

Book description on BooksRun

Book condition example

Used - Like New

The product has minimal to no signs of wear and no visible cosmetic imperfections, but note that such books may come without any packaging or shrink wrap. Even if the original protective wrapping may be missing, the original packaging is intact and in good condition, with minor damage possible. Please note that supplementary materials may be missing (such as dust covers, cardboards, access codes, toys, etc.) if there is no special comment stated in the item's description directly by the publisher or by the seller.

Book description on BooksRun

Book condition example

Used - Very Good

The item may show minor signs of wear and tear, but everything is readable and intact, with all pages included. It's a well-cared-for item that has been read and is still in good overall condition. You may notice some slight markings or highlighting on the pages, but they won't affect your reading experience. That's just a sign of a book that's been well-loved. *

* There's no guarantee that the supplementary materials will be included unless the seller mentions it specifically.

Book description on BooksRun

Book condition example

Used - Good

This condition indicates that there may be some general signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlighting, etc. However, all of the text should still be legible, and all pages should be included. While the item might show some signs of use, it is still in good condition. You may also notice labels indicating that it was once part of a library collection (e.g., "From the library of"). Some additional items, like shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set cases, will most probably be missing. Also, bundled media won't be included with the item. This is simply due to the fact that these items are often lost or discarded over time. *

* There's no guarantee that the supplementary materials will be included unless the seller mentions it specifically.

Book description on BooksRun

Book condition example

Used - Acceptable

This item has been definitely used before, with evident signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlights, stains, or bent corners. However, you can still read all the text and none of the pages are missing. Please note that the item may not have its original shrink wrap, dust cover, boxed set case, or any media that comes with it. * **

* There's no guarantee that the supplementary materials will be included unless the seller mentions it specifically.

** Items in this condition may come with a note of "Heavy wear"—in such a case, the item may have signs of damage such as tears on the cover and pages, signs of water damage, wrinkles and creases, and bent corners.

Book description on BooksRun

Book condition example

Acceptable (Heavy wear)

Book condition example

Books we do not sell

At BooksRun, we have strict guidelines to ensure that books sold on our platform are legitimate and of high quality. We do not sell counterfeits or books with various signs of damage, missing pages, mold, or strong odor. We strive to provide and maintain our high standard of quality; therefore, these are some examples of the books you can never receive from us:

• Copies marked "Not for resale," "Not for sale," or "Preliminary edition," "Uncorrected proof," as well as exam, promotional, or complimentary copies

  

  

• Books with torn, ripped, or missing pages or cover

  

  

• Books with any signs of water damage

  

• Books with heavy wear, including but not limited to: damaged or detached binding, torn pages or cover, general unacceptable condition

  

  

  

  

This is but a short list of examples of the books that we don’t sell; you can also check our Buyback Condition Guide for examples of the books we don’t buy (and consequently don’t sell).

Important note: At BooksRun, we care a lot about books. Therefore, we kindly request our customers to handle their books carefully. By doing so, you can ensure that the books maintain their value and can be of use to others in the future. Plus, it would be much easier for you to sell them.

Book conditions and prices

Why book conditions are always a part of a book description? Because they play a significant role in determining prices: books in better condition command higher prices. For collectors, first editions and books in pristine condition can be extremely valuable. However, for readers looking for more affordable options, books in "Used - Very Good" or "Used - Good" condition provide a balance between quality and cost. At BooksRun, we have a wide selection of books and textbooks in different conditions at affordable prices.

Tips for choosing the right condition

When it comes to buying books, your purpose matters.

• Purpose: Are you a collector who wants the book in pristine condition, a student in need of an affordable textbook, or are you just looking for a good read? Depending on your goal, you can choose a new book or a worn-out copy at a relevant price range.
• Budget considerations: If you're on a budget, you might want to look for used books, as they're often cheaper than new ones (especially textbooks).
• Seller reputation: Always buy from trusted book businesses, like BooksRun, that offer accurate condition descriptions and have a track record of happy customers.

BooksRun's wide range of book conditions

At BooksRun, we understand that readers have varying preferences and budgets. That's why we offer a range of book conditions to cater to our customers' needs. With our transparent book condition rating system, you won’t be misled or lost in our diverse inventory. Whether you're looking for brand-new, fresh-from-print releases or well-cared, slightly-worn, well-loved classics, BooksRun will find the exact title for you. Check our catalog now and buy books that suit your budget and needs.