GRADING STANDARDS

Know Exactly What You're Buying. Before it Ships.

Every refurbished phone we sell is inspected against a published, line-by-line standard. No "as pictured" loopholes. Just two grades, A-Stock and B-Stock, and the precise definition of each, written down so you can hold us to it.

2 Grades
Clearly Defined

3 Surfaces
Inspected per device

100%
Tested before listing

30-Day
Grade Guarantee

Why We Publish This

Most refurbishers grade phones in private and ask you to trust the photo. We don't.

The standard below is the same checklist our techs follow, the same one our RMA team enforces, and the same one we'll measure your device against if you ever question a grade.

The Vocabulary

Before we grade, we define.

Light Scratch

Thin and visible only at certain angles or close inspection. Disappears when the screen is on. Cannot be felt by running a fingernail across the surface.

Regular Scratch

Thin and visible at any angle and distance. May disappear when the screen is on. Detectable by running a fingernail across the surface.

Deep Scratch

Visible at any angle and distance. Remains noticeable when the screen is on. Easily felt by finger. Often discolored along the scratch line.

Crack or Chip

Any visible damage to the screen, a split in the glass or a small piece missing from the surface. Disqualifying for both grades.

Bend

Physical damage where the phone's frame or body is no longer straight or properly aligned. Disqualifying for both grades.

Dent

A visible indentation or impression on the phone's body or frame, distinct from a scratch in that material has been displaced rather than removed.

the standards

Two Grades. Zero Ambiguity.

Every device we sell falls into one of two grades — A-Stock or B-Stock. Each is defined by exact, measurable criteria for the screen, sides, and back. No subjective calls, no surprises on arrival.

a stock phone

A-Stock

Excellent condition. The closest thing to new without the new-phone price tag.

A-Stock devices show only minor cosmetic wear under close inspection. From across a desk, you wouldn't know it wasn't new.

Ideal for executive deployments, customer-facing roles, and resale programs where presentation matters.

SCREEN

  • No more than 4 light scratches
  • No more than 2 regular scratches under 1"
  • No deep scratches
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

SIDES

  • No more than 4 regular scratches
  • No more than 2 deep scratches or dents
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • No discoloration
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

BACK

  • No more than 4 regular scratches
  • No more than 2 deep scratches or dents
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • No discoloration
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

B-Stock

Honest wear. Honest pricing. Fully functional in every way that matters.

B-Stock devices show visible signs of prior use, scratches you'll notice, maybe a dent or two — but no cracks, no bends, no functional compromises.

Perfect for field deployments, fleet replacements, and anyone who'd rather pay for performance than polish.

SCREEN

  • No more than 4 light scratches
  • No more than 2 regular scratches under 2"
  • No more than 1 deep scratch
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

SIDES

  • No more than 5 regular scratches
  • No more than 3 deep scratches or dents
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • No discoloration
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

BACK

  • No more than 6 regular scratches
  • No more than 3 deep scratches or dents
  • No cracks or chips
  • No bends
  • No discoloration
  • Free of fingerprints, smudges, and residue

What Buyers Ask Us Most.

Common Questions.

What happens if I disagree with a grade?

Photograph the device against our published standard and contact our RMA team within 30 days. If the device doesn't match its assigned grade, we'll either re-grade and refund the difference or accept a full return. The standard exists so we can settle the question.

Are batteries graded too?

Battery health is tested with every device. All units listed for sale meet a minimum 80% maximum capacity threshold. Battery health is disclosed on the listing — it's completely bundled into the cosmetic grade.

Do graded devices come with original packaging?

No. Graded inventory ships in protective CSG packaging with a charging cable. Original boxes, manuals, and accessories are not guaranteed and aren't part of the grading standard. If you need new-in-box, ask us about A-Stock with retail packaging.

Can I order in bulk and request a grade mix?

Yes. Bulk and fleet orders can specify any ratio of A-Stock to B-Stock. Most enterprise customers buy A-Stock for executives and customer-facing teams, B-Stock for warehouse, field, and backup deployments. Contact our team for volume pricing.

Do you buy used phones too, or only sell them?

Both. Our buy-back program offers real-time fair market pricing on retired devices, no monthly price sheets, no low-ball quotes to hedge against the market. Reach out for a quote within 24 hours.

Is the grading standard the same across all device brands?

Yes. The criteria above apply uniformly to every smartphone we list — Apple, Samsung, Google, and others. A scratch on a Galaxy is measured the same way as a scratch on an iPhone. One standard, every device.

Buy with Receipts. Always.

Browse current inventory, request a quote on volume orders, or talk to our team about building a fleet refresh program around the standard you just read.

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