Conditions and Grading

GRADING
The condition of all items is graded (for all vinyl grading is Disc/Cover) and strictly in accordance with our grading standards. We have included as much information as possible, in the space we have. If you have any further questions please contact us.

Still Sealed (ss)
Self-explanatory. A record which is still sealed in shrink-wrapped and has not been opened.
Near Mint (NM)
This is the highest grade used by B-Bop Records for an unsealed item. "Mint" is not used as a grade because, without a microscope and 40 minutes of inspection per record, perfection cannot be verified to everyone's satisfaction (see explanation at bottom). Near Mint ranges from a record appearing unused, to an item that may have been used, but is without a notable cosmetic defect as evidence of that use.

For jackets, this means that the beginnings of some light yellowing of the paper, and perhaps a lightly bumped corner. Minor color flaking at the bottom or top seam may be allowed, but no splits, tape, ring wear, creases, tears, water staining, writing, or image defacement (such as blemishes from removed price stickers, etc.)
For discs, this means that faint impressions/patterns in the wax from sleeving in paper or plastic, or inconsequential pressing variations (i.e. small dips, bumps, or discolorations in the vinyl that do not affect play) are acceptable. However, multiple rubs around the spindle hole; loss of luster or wear to the wax; and certainly any scrape, scuff, or scratch in the grooves are unacceptable for NM (no matter how pristine the rest of the surface). Basically, a NM/NM record should be a reasonable simile to a fresh, unused copy.
Very Good Plus Plus (VG++)
This grade refers to an attractive, fresh-in-appearance item that, upon closer inspection, has been disqualified from the NM category due to (usually) one flaw that could not be overlooked.
For jackets, this includes: a small split of the seam; faint beginnings of minor ring wear; some clear tape on one corner; damage or illegibility of the spine. Basically, and this includes discs as well, a VG++ item is qualified by having a noticeable, yet functionally insignificant defect that verifies that the item has been used. A VG++ item appears neither blatantly second-hand, nor does it have the sparkle of "brand-new".
Very Good Plus (VG+)
This is the broadest grade serving as a catch-all for any decent, presentable, usable (not marred or defective) item. People ordering VG+ items usually are prepared to accept an imperfect item representing the artifact that it is, and are going to enjoy it without being excessively preoccupied with cosmetic details. VG+ is a fine copy that is indisputably "used", being a "decent used record" for utilitarian purposes. this is the same rating as some other dealers term "excellent".
Jackets will have some combination of one to a few of the following defects: partial seam split (with or without clear tape repairs), minor ring wear, minor dirt ring, a creased corner, faded spine. The jacket must be free of major defacement, and will certainly not have ALL of the preceding minor ones on the same piece!
Discs may have a series of light abrasions which catch light, but no dramatic defects that would hazard the stylus, or offend the ear. In other words, the disc will be free of any marks that can be detected by touch or which are likely to be an audible distraction when played..
Very Good (VG)
This is the beginning of "rough" for collector's purposes. A VG record is usually one that a collector will buy to fill a "hole" in his/her library until a better copy comes along. We usually don't advertise items with either VG covers or discs unless they are deemed scarce enough to attract a collector for this purpose.
A VG jacket is one that is beginning to look tattered and worn, while retaining a complete and sound construction (i.e. no chewed edges, no front-cover scarring larger than a price tag-removal blemish, no more than two seams splitting). A VG cover is adequate, but not fetching.
The disc is usable, and could be tossed onto any turntable for some sound entertainment, but visually won't impress the esthete, and definitely not the investor. Note: Understandably, in any other application, the word "good" supported by "very" is quite affirmative, but as it is used in record collecting, this is just not so. The above describes how most dealers utilize this grade, despite the optimistic Webster definitions of these terms.
Good Plus (G+)
Averaged between VG and G.
Good (G)
Items graded "good" are very used and only presentable to the least discriminating record hunter. This classification is usually employed for jackets when it's the disc that's worth collecting, and vice-versa; or when the component in question is so very rare that its existence in any condition is regarded as manna from heaven. "Good" indicates "sound", really meaning that the record is useful for sound and will "soundly" serve that purpose. It should not be confused as referring to "Good" COLLECTIBLE condition.
A G Jacket must be able to enclose the record entirely, protecting it from the elements, dust, other frictive surfaces, and especially from other records, which have been left out of their covers by the same careless owner. Artwork and information must be legible and splits are OK, even expected.
All a G disc must do is play from start to finish, and provide source music which is just any louder than the background noise.
Why B-Bop Records does not use the grade "MINT" when evaluating records
The verb MINT traces its origin from the making of coins in Rome. A mint is the place where metal coins are cast, stamped, issued or made. Mint as a condition then can be applied to a coin (a metal element that can withstand this kind of handling) and be termed in mint condition.
In contrast, the manufacturing process for records made of vinyl and paper, places stress that compromises the integrity of said materials. The cutting, folding, gluing and manipulation of the paper and board; the stacking and spindling of the still warm, highly fragile freshly pressed discs; the sleeving and boxing of the records, etc. can result in all new records exhibiting some evidence of stress due to this process. Any collector can recount the experience of opening up a factory sealed record or CD only to find that, even though never used, they do not appear to be "mint" and sometimes even had a bent corner or creased CD inlay booklet. What's more is that even a mint looking vinyl record can be play poorly due to poor pressing.
In addition a record is far too complex of an object to assess thoroughly within a practical time frame. The physical object is the subject of the collecting, but the music it makes (usually about 40 minutes worth) when the stylus is inserted into the grooves is the verification of the true "condition" of arguably its most important element. Unlike coins, stamps, posters, and other collectibles, a record has countless minute surfaces which are significant to the true appraisal of its condition, and consequently, the aspiration to verify the absolute grading of "mint" for a record is simply impractical and implausible.

Payment Methods Accepted

PayPal, Cash (US $ only at your own risk. Conceal it well.), Postal Money Order (US $)

Shipping Costs All orders are shipped via the US Postal Service safely packaged with a tracking number. Check the rates below for shipping savings on multi-disc orders. Insurance is optional but definitely recommended as B-Bop can not be responsible for loss or damage due to postal service negligence. USA: LP, 12", 10", Video, 7", CD, CS, DVD Media Mail: $7.00 for UNLIMITED QUANTITY Domestic U.S. Priority Mail – send me a quote CANADA: LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $19.50 up to 8 oz. LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $28 for 8oz-2 lbs (usually 2 single LPs) LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $40 for 2 to 3 lbs (usually 4 single LPs) LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $56 up to 4 lbs (usually 6 single LPs) REST OF THE WORLD: LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $22.50 for up to 8 oz LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $35 for 8oz to 2 lbs (usually 2 single LPs) LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $51 for 2lbs to 3 lbs (usually 4 single LPs) LP, 12", 10", 7", CD, DVD, CS, Video, First Class International: $78 for 3lbs to 4 lbs (usually 6 single LPs) International orders above 4 lbs. must ship Priority Mail International as per USPS regulations. Send me a quote Registered mail is available for additional cost of $17 per package

Return Policy

RETURNS POLICY (Subject to change without notice):
- All our items are visually inspected & graded with conditions documented prior to being sold & shipped.
- Please don't place orders unless you are able to accept and follow the returns policy.
- Please examine your package carefully when it arrives to see if you are satisfied. If you have any problems or
questions, please contact us right away. Buyer pays for return shipping unless we made a mistake by
listing the wrong item, or we send you the item (not the item we listed).
- B-Bop Records must authorize all returns prior to buyer returning item.
- Buyer must state clearly and accurately the reason for wanting to return the product purchased and be able to
verify such when discrepancy arises.
- If you don't agree with our grading, please let us know and we will inspect item upon return to verify.
- All claims must be made within 7 days of delivery or they will be null & void.
- All returns must be received by B-Bop Records within the following time periods after authorization is granted:
7 Days for domestic orders & 14 days for international ones, or they will be null & void unless a delay is due to
extenuating circumstances such as post office closure.
- If we authorize your return even though it was made outside of the above stated time range, a 25% restocking fee of the returned item's retail price applies.
- All returned items are inspected to verify claim.
- If claim is approved, we provide full refund.
- If claim is not approved and the returned item(s) is received by B-Bop Records in the same condition as it was
sent, we will charge a 25% restocking fee of item(s) selling price. The remainder of the item price will be
refunded.
- We do not refund shipping charges unless we are responsible.

Seller Information

PLEASE READ ALL TERMS PRIOR TO PLACING ORDERS:
MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING FOR ALL DOMESTIC US ORDERS IS $7 FOR UNLIMITED QUANTITY SO STOCK UP
Payment must be received within 7 days of invoice being sent from us to the buyer or order will automatically cancel. If for some reason you are not able to pay within the allotted period (money order, cash), you must notify us in advance so we can authorize an extension of the payment period. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
FEEDBACK: If you are unhappy with your order, please do not leave neutral or negative feedback until you give us a chance to make you happy. If we make a mistake with your order we will try to resolve it amicably. We try very hard to make my customers happy with their orders.
We appreciate you taking the time to check out our seller policies.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Buyers pay for shipping and additional charges like insurance, registration, etc. All orders are shipped via the US Postal Service with a tracking number. Insurance is optional though definitely recommended as B-Bop is not responsible for delays, loss or damage due to postal service negligence. B-Bop Records reserves the right to add insurance to any order it deems requires it based on a variety of variables such as rarity, quantity and/or value of ordered items and shipping destination.
Vinyl records are stored & shipped outside their cover so as to protect the cover from split seams and other damage during shipping. All orders are professionally packaged, timely shipped with two stiffeners to protect items and NOW placed in the extra secure WHIPLASH RECORD MAILERS that protect records and their corners on all sides. 78 RPM Shellac records are shipped with extra padding due to their fragility.