Condition Grading Guide
At Snows Mini, we specialise in genuine Japanese imports, including CDs, games, Blu-rays, books, figures, and collectibles. Many of these items are vintage, limited edition, or no longer available at retail.
To help customers buy with confidence, we have introduced a standardised grading system from 18 June 2026. As this is being applied gradually, some older listings may not yet display a condition grade.
Our grading focuses on the cosmetic condition of the item and its packaging. Any notable inclusions, omissions, defects, Obi strips, slipcases, manuals, bonus items, or other collector-relevant details will be stated in the product listing where known.
New
Factory sealed or unused.
These items remain in the same condition as when originally sold. Minor storage or shelf wear to outer packaging may occasionally be present, particularly on older stock. Some items may not have retail packaging if they came as promos, not for sale, or part of bigger editions.
Pristine
Collector quality.
Exceptionally well-preserved with little to no visible wear. Complete. For OBI strip, please refer to the listing. Very light shelf or storage wear may be present, especially on vintage items.
Suitable for collectors seeking the best available condition without requiring a factory-sealed or new item.
Very Good
Well cared for and highly presentable.
Items may show minor signs of handling, use, or storage, such as light marks, slight edge wear, or small imperfections to the packaging or contents. Non-essential contents may occasionally be missing. The item remains suitable for most collectors.
Good
Noticeable signs of age and use.
Items may have moderate wear to the packaging, visible marks, creases, scuffs, or scratches. Non-essential contents may occasionally be missing.
Most items remain attractive and collectable in this condition.
Acceptable
Significant wear or incomplete contents.
Items may have substantial cosmetic wear, damage, heavy markings, or missing contents. These items are often listed because they remain desirable, uncommon, or difficult to source despite their condition.
Japanese Collectibles & Vintage Media
Many of the items we sell were originally released exclusively in Japan and may be decades old. As a result, some degree of age-related wear can be expected even on well-preserved examples.
Japanese second-hand items are often exceptionally well cared for, and our grading is intended to be fair, consistent, and conservative. It is not unusual for a Japanese item graded “Good” to compare favourably with equivalent pre-owned items from other markets.
For collectors, special features such as Obi strips, slipcases, first-print bonuses, promotional items, and other original contents can significantly affect desirability. Where these are present and known, we will highlight them within the individual product listing.