A written condition scale for pawn shops
Short answer: use five condition grades with written definitions, and apply them the same way to every item. When "good" means the same thing at every counter, prices from different sales become comparable, and so do your loans.
A five-grade scale
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| New | Unused, sealed or with all original packaging and accessories. |
| Very good | Light signs of use, no visible scratches from normal viewing distance, fully working. |
| Good | Visible signs of use such as light scratches, fully working. |
| Worn | Clear wear, dents or deep scratches, still fully working. |
| Faulty | Something does not work, or a part is missing. |
Rules that keep it consistent
- Function first. Anything that does not work is faulty, however good it looks.
- Missing accessories. Note them separately; a missing charger can matter more than a scratch.
- Battery. For devices with a battery, note its health when the device shows it.
- Write the reason. One short phrase next to the grade, for example "scratch on back".
Train with examples
Keep a few photos of real items for each grade and show them to new staff. It is the fastest way to make the scale mean the same thing for everyone.
How PawnMeter uses it
PawnMeter uses the same five grades: new, very good, good, worn and faulty. When the clerk chooses a grade, prices for the same item in that condition are compared, using each shop's own condition settings.
PawnMeter: Type the item. PawnMeter shows the resale price and a suggested loan, calculated only from what comparable items really sold for. When there is not enough data, it says so instead of guessing.
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