Used computer grading

Quality grading guide for used computers

An authorized professional service center provides a transparent and reliable grading system. It is continuously improved based on feedback, so you can be confident that the final product meets defined quality standards.

This page gives a detailed overview of how devices receive a specific quality grade. Devices are classified by their visual condition and functionality. A clear and standardized testing process carried out by an authorized service center ensures transparency — so that the device you buy matches the description and the criteria defined on this page.

Sections

• Visual inspection process
• Screen inspection
• Visual grading of laptops
• Desktop computers and iMac
• Functional grading
• Box and accessories information

Testing process (at an authorized service center)

Before sale, all devices are tested at an authorized service center with the following tests:

• Certified data wiping
• macOS installed on MacBooks (except 12″ models and/or models from 2015 and older)
• No operating system is preinstalled on PC laptops
• Professional cleaning of the device
• Power-on test
• Battery charged for 30 minutes before testing
• The battery must hold a charge for at least 10 minutes (PC devices)
• Battery cycle check (Apple devices)
• Software check
• BIOS check
• Boot test
• Screen inspection
• Fault diagnostics
• Touchscreen test (if applicable)
• General functionality check
• Keyboard test
• Touchpad test
• Storage health check
• Speaker test
• Port test
• Camera test
• Physical condition check
• Check for scratches, cracks and missing parts
• Assignment of a visual grade

Visual grading of laptops

This section describes the visual grading. At the authorized service center, devices are assessed by inspecting the top and bottom housing, the corners and the inside (keyboard, screen, etc.).

Important: the final grade is most often determined by the condition of the screen.

Visual inspection process

• The inspection takes about 15–20 seconds per device
• The assessment is made at a distance of about 40–50 cm
• The overall visual appearance is assessed, not microscopic imperfections

Available visual grades

Only for fully functional devices (Working and Working*):

• Brand New (BN)
• A+
• A
• B
• C+ (Apple devices only)
• C

Note: grade C+ is not used for PCs. Older Apple models (up to 2015 and 12″ models) may be graded less strictly.

Screen inspection

The authorized service center checks the screen for:

• Physical defects (scratches, wear, delamination, etc.)
• Functional defects (discoloration, backlight problems, spots, etc.)

Defect levels:

Normal defects
Natural wear resulting from use, usually not visible when the screen is on.

Minor defects (Working)*
Visible when the screen is on but do not significantly interfere with use (for example, bright spots, small scratches).

Severe defects
Make the device difficult or impossible to use (for example, a damaged display).

In such cases, the device is classified as Grade E.

VISUAL GRADES

Brand New

• The device is in its unopened original packaging
• The security seals are intact
• The device is in perfect condition

Grade A+

Condition: almost like new

Housing:

• Max. 3 micro-scratches on the bottom
• Max. 1 micro-scratch elsewhere

Screen:

• Almost perfect
• No white spots, lines or other defects

Grade A

Condition: very good

Housing:

• Slight wear
• One small dent possible

Screen:

• Light scratch lines
• No deep damage

Grade B

Condition: regularly used

Housing:

• Small dents or scratches
• There may be small cracks in plastic parts
• Traces of removed stickers are possible

Screen:

• Light keyboard imprint marks
• 1–2 dead pixels
• Small, faint spots

Grade C+ (Apple only)

Housing:

• Similar to Grade B
• One deeper dent allowed

Screen:

• Visible wear
• 1–2 dead pixels allowed

Grade C

Condition: visibly worn but functional

Housing:

• May have:
• cracks
• glue marks
• missing screws or rubber feet
• deformations

Screen:

• Scratches
• Dust at the edges
• Visible wear defects

DESKTOP COMPUTERS AND iMAC

Desktop computers and iMacs are assessed using the same visual and functional grades described on this page.

• For iMacs and other computers with a built-in screen, the final grade is most often determined by the condition of the screen
• The housing and stand are also assessed (scratches, dents)
• Battery, keyboard and touchpad tests are not carried out if these parts are not built into the computer
• Whether a keyboard, mouse and power cable are included is stated for each product

FUNCTIONAL GRADING

The authorized service center checks each device's battery, software and overall functionality (keyboard, ports, touchpad, etc.).

Apple's “Battery service recommended” message is not considered a defect for used devices — the actual battery condition is taken into account.

Working*

A fully functional device with minor defects that are always clearly described (for example, bright spots, discoloration, minor screen damage).

Grade D

The device has physical or functional damage that affects use (for example, a damaged keyboard, housing, etc.).

Grade E

The device has significant damage (especially to the screen) that interferes with normal operation.

No Power (NP)

The device does not turn on. Data wiping has been carried out at an authorized service center.

Incomplete (IC) – Apple only

The device has been tested at an authorized service center but is missing certain components, for example:

• hard drive
• battery
• keyboard
• touchpad
• display
• internal cables

In addition:

• no operating system
• screws may be missing

Box and accessories

Information about the packaging and accessories is stated for each device.

Original box

• The device is supplied in its original packaging
• The main accessories (charger, cables, etc.) are included

If “UK” or “US” is stated, the charger is intended for that market.