Grading

"Grade A", "B-stock", "very good": anyone who buys or sells used IT encounters condition grades everywhere. They are meant to show at a glance how a device looks and works. But they are not uniformly regulated. This entry explains what is behind grading and why it determines the value of decommissioned hardware.

What are condition grades?

Condition grades describe the condition of a used device. They are not a system laid down by law or by a standard. Dealers, refurbishers and marketplaces use their own definitions, which are similar but not identical. Anyone comparing devices should therefore always read the description behind the grade.

A separation into two dimensions is common: appearance, i.e. scratches, dents and wear, and function, i.e. whether all components work perfectly. Many providers assign the letters only to functional devices and describe defects separately.

Typical condition grades at a glance

Grade	Usual meaning	Typical characteristics
A (sometimes A+ or "like new")	Little or no signs of use	Housing and display without visible scratches, fully functional
B	Slight signs of use	Fine scratches or abrasion, display without disturbing flaws, fully functional
C	Clear signs of use	Visible scratches, dents or discoloration, function intact
Defective / for parts recovery	Not fully functional	Repair, spare part recovery or recycling

The term "B-stock" is used differently in trade, often also for new goods with damaged packaging or returns. It is not synonymous with condition grade B.

What is looked at during grading

• Housing: Scratches, dents, cracks, missing feet or covers.
• Display: Pixel defects, scratches, pressure marks and burn-in images.
• Keyboard and touchpad: shiny or worn keys, function of all keys.
• Battery: remaining capacity relative to the original, see Battery condition.
• Function: Ports, camera, Wi-Fi, speakers, data carriers.
• Locks: BIOS password, Activation Lock or binding to a management system.

Grading and residual value

For the Residual value of a decommissioned device, the condition grade is, alongside model, age and equipment, one of the most important factors. Careful use, protective covers and careful packaging during transport therefore pay off. How companies can create value again from old notebooks is described in the article Old laptops: remarketing and sustainability.

Condition assessment at Second IT

At Second IT, refurbishment begins with a device analysis: each device is registered, its condition determined and documented in a test report. Depending on need, component refurbishing, housing and display repair, cleaning and comprehensive function tests follow, before tested devices are remarketed with a warranty. More on Refurbishment at Second IT.

Frequently asked questions about condition grades

Is there a standard for condition grades A, B and C?

No. Condition grades are not laid down by law or by a general standard. Each provider defines them itself. Therefore compare the descriptions, not just the letters.

Is a grade C device worse in function?

Not necessarily. With many providers the grade mainly describes the appearance. A grade C device can be technically flawless but has more obvious signs of use.

How do I improve the condition grade of my old devices?

Above all through careful use and secure packaging during transport. Stickers and asset tags are removed during refurbishment. Minor damage can often be fixed in refurbishment, for example by replacing the keyboard, display or housing parts.

What does B-stock mean for used IT?

The term is used differently in trade, often also for new goods with damaged packaging or for returns. It is not synonymous with condition grade B. Therefore always read the provider's description.

Does the condition grade influence the residual value of old devices?

Yes. Alongside model, age and equipment, the condition grade is one of the most important factors for the residual value. Careful use and careful packaging during transport therefore pay off.