Hello everyone!

It's been quite a while, so I thought I'd wander on by with a question...

When it comes to RPG box sets, I assume collectors grade the box halves separately from the set's contents, yes?

If so, then what are some good standard definitions for the typical grading terms?  For example, I assume that when both box halves are squashed flat and all four corners "blown out" and a good deal of rubbing/scuffing/scratching wear, that would be considered a "Poor".

But how about if both box halves only have one split corner, and there's some "dishing"/'caving in" of the top box half? Would that be considered "Very Good" or "Very Fine"? Or is it all very subjective? (This is the condition of a Fourth-Plus Basic D&D box set I have.)

And generally speaking, how much of a factor is box condition to a box set's final value/selling price?

I ask because I recently got in a collection with some box sets whose contents are in terrific shape, but their box halves aren't, and I want to be as accurate as possible when describing them.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/comments!

Cheers,
JohnH aka Wandering Monster

I agree with Yuk.  Pictures of the item really lay it all out for a potential buyer and being as honest as you can about the condition is always good practice.  With boxed sets, the sum of the parts could be more than the whole and if the box is demolished, i would consider selling items individually.  

-SKA

For reasonably good quality items, I find the more accurate the description, the better the price. As a buyer that's what I would want- more information to base my decision. It takes a lot of extra time, so it's up to each seller to determine whether it's worth it.

Pictures can be misleading (it's really hard to see the impression marks, creases, scuffs, degree of bowing, etc.). So the "rating" per se isn't the most important thing, but rather the descriptive details - major and minor flaws, their length, their magnitude - and zoomed pictures of each. I also rate the interior separately from the box.

Of course, as others have said, if the box or contents are really abused, then I know the buyer will most likely be a player and so the approach to listing the item changes - a simple picture, short description and listing of contents suffices.

ckorczak wrote in Box set grading question — box halves vs. contents:IMO - "good", "good+", etc are useless. A description needs to be written: "top half of box has three splits, rubbing at the two top corners, and significant compression, though not quite "crushed". the contents are near fine and probably unplayed with. Bottom half of box shows some mild rubbing, nothing severe, and a tape repaired split"

Agreed. A complete as possible description along with as many pictures as you can manage are the best way to list an item. Don't try to assign a grade to it, just let the item stand on it's own.