The Vault Grading Guide

How we define “Vault-Quality” for our vintage treasures.

Buying vintage online shouldn’t be a guessing game. At Vault Shop, we use a strict 5-tier grading system to describe every item, from 1980s action figures to 90s wall plaques.

Tier 1: Vault Mint (VM)

  • Condition: Perfection.

  • The Details: For carded/boxed items, this means no “veining,” no corner wear, and a crystal-clear bubble. For loose items, the paint is flawless and joints are factory-stiff.

  • Best For: The “Investment” Collector.

Tier 2: Near Mint (NM)

  • Condition: Almost perfect, with very minor shelf wear.

  • The Details: May have a tiny soft corner on a card or a microscopic paint rub. It looks incredible on display but has lived a little bit of life since the 90s.

  • Best For: High-end display hunters.

Tier 3: Great / “Collector Grade” (CG)

  • Condition: Typical “well-kept” vintage.

  • The Details: Expect minor play wear, slight sticker peeling, or very light discolouration (yellowing). For our vacuum-formed plaques, this might mean a tiny crack on the clear plastic mounting edge that doesn’t affect the art.

  • Best For: 90% of collectors. Great eye appeal at a fair price.

Tier 4: Battle-Damaged (BD)

  • Condition: Well-loved and played with.

  • The Details: Significant paint wear, loose joints, or missing accessories. These items have definitely seen some action in the backyard or the sandbox.

  • Best For: “Fixer-uppers,” customizers, or those looking for a nostalgia hit on a budget.

Tier 5: Restoration Required (RR)

  • Condition: For parts or heavy repair.

  • The Details: Broken limbs, heavy yellowing, or major cracks. We only stock these if the item is exceptionally rare and worth saving.

  • Best For: The hardcore restorers.

 Pro-Tips for Vault Shoppers:

  • Check the “Macro” Photos: We use high-resolution photography to highlight any “Battle Damage” so there are no surprises when you unbox.

  • The “Smell” Test: All Vault items are stored in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment to prevent that musty “attic smell.”

  • Packaging Matters: All items are shipped in “Vault-Safe” packaging (bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and “Fragile” tape) to ensure the grade stays the same from our shelf to yours.