Condition Guide
Every item we sell is rated 1 to 5 stars across six condition dimensions. This page explains exactly what we mean by each rating so you know what to expect before you bid.
On This Page
1. The Star Scale
Our stars are color-coded so you can scan condition at a glance: green for high quality (4-5★), yellow for items with trade-offs (2-3★), and red for as-is / for parts (1★).
Brand new or like-new condition. Top-tier quality with no significant issues across any dimension.
Excellent condition. May have minor cosmetic wear or be missing original packaging, but functions perfectly and is complete.
Good used condition. Shows signs of normal use. May need light cleaning or have minor imperfections. Fully functional or close to it.
Fair condition with disclosed issues. Item works or is mostly intact but has problems you should be aware of before bidding.
As-is / For parts. Item has significant issues, is non-functional, or is sold purely for components.
2. Item Condition Tiers
When we list an item, we assign one of five top-level condition tiers. This is the primary signal for what to expect — and it caps the maximum star rating an item can receive.
New
5★ maxItem is in brand new condition, sealed in original packaging.
Open Box
4★ maxPackaging opened or missing, but item is unused and shows no wear.
Used - Excellent
4★ maxLight signs of use; fully functional and complete.
Used - Good
3★ maxVisible wear; functional with possible minor cosmetic or accessory issues.
For Parts / Salvage
2★ maxNon-functional or heavily damaged. Sold for components or repair only.
3. How We Calculate the Rating
We use a "worst descriptor wins" system. For each item, we evaluate six condition dimensions independently, and the final star rating is set by the lowest-rated dimension — plus any cap from the top-level condition tier.
Why this matters:An item can't be rated 5 stars overall if any one dimension has issues. This protects you from inflated ratings — every rating reflects the weakest point of the item.
Example
A blender that's in like-new condition, tested working, complete, clean, and doesn't need assembly — but came without its original packaging — would rate 4★ LIKE NEW. The packaging dimension caps the rating at 4★ even though everything else is perfect.
4. The Six Condition Dimensions
Every item is evaluated across these six dimensions. Each descriptor is color-coded by the maximum star rating it allows: green for 4-5★, yellow for 2-3★, and red for 1★.
Functional Status
Does the item work?
- N/A - Non-Powered Item — caps at 5★
- Tested - Fully Functional — caps at 5★ · "Tested and fully functional"
- Powers On - Not Fully Tested — caps at 3★ · "Powers on; not fully tested"
- Untested — caps at 3★ · "Untested - functional status unknown"
- Partially Functional — caps at 2★ · "Partially functional - some features work"
- Not Functional / For Parts — caps at 1★ · "Not functional - sold for parts or repair"
Physical Condition
How does it look?
- Like New - No Damage — caps at 5★ · "Like new with no damage"
- Light Wear — caps at 4★ · "Light wear consistent with normal use"
- Minor Damage — caps at 3★ · "Minor cosmetic damage"
- Moderate Damage — caps at 2★ · "Moderate damage - visible dents or cracks"
- Major Damage — caps at 1★ · "Major damage"
Completeness
Are all parts and accessories included?
- All Parts Included — caps at 5★ · "Complete with all parts and accessories"
- Minor Accessories Missing — caps at 3★ · "Minor accessories missing"
- Missing Parts (described in notes) — caps at 2★ · "Missing parts (see notes)"
- Unknown if Missing Parts — caps at 1★ · "Unknown if missing parts"
Packaging
What is the box / package situation?
- N/A - Packaging Not Applicable — caps at 5★
- In Original Sealed Package — caps at 5★ · "In original sealed package"
- In Original Packaging (Opened) — caps at 4★ · "In original packaging (opened)"
- No Original Packaging — caps at 4★ · "No original packaging"
- Damaged Original Packaging — caps at 4★ · "Original packaging is damaged"
Assembly Status
Is the item assembled and ready?
- N/A - Not Assembly-Type Item — caps at 5★
- Ready to Use — caps at 5★ · "Ready to use"
- Assembly Required - Hardware Included — caps at 5★ · "Assembly required — all hardware included"
- Unsure if Hardware is Missing — caps at 2★ · "Unsure if assembly hardware is complete"
- Hardware Missing — caps at 2★ · "Assembly hardware missing"
Cleanliness
Does it need cleaning?
- Clean — caps at 5★ · "Clean"
- Dusty - Light Cleaning Needed — caps at 4★ · "Dusty - light cleaning needed"
- Dirty - Requires Cleaning — caps at 3★ · "Dirty - requires cleaning"
- Stained / Soiled — caps at 2★ · "Stained or soiled"
- Has Strong Odor — caps at 2★ · "Has a strong odor — see notes for details"
5. "Sale Is Final" Items
Some listings are marked "SALE IS FINAL" — typically items with disclosed defects, missing parts, or damaged packaging. These items carry no warranty and cannot be returned under any circumstances.
The "Sale Is Final" designation is always shown clearly on the listing before you bid. By bidding on a "Sale Is Final" item, you waive any warranty rights for that item. See our Terms & Conditions for the full policy.
6. Photos Are Part of the Description
Every listing includes photos that show the actual item, not stock images. These photos are part of the condition disclosure— they may show cosmetic details (light scratches, packaging condition, etc.) that aren't spelled out in the written descriptors.
Before bidding, please review all photos carefully. It is your responsibility to inspect the photos and understand the item's condition. If anything isn't clear from the photos and descriptors, reach out before you bid.
7. Have Questions?
We're happy to clarify anything about an item's condition before you bid.
- Email: info@shopsneakypetes.com
- Phone: (269) 724-1155
- In store: 69651 US Hwy 131, White Pigeon, MI 49099
- Contact form: /contact
See also: Terms & Conditions · How It Works