Condition Ranks Explained: N, S, SA, A, AB, B, BC and C

Every pre-owned item at Vintage Designer Club is graded with the condition ranking used by professional luxury resale specialists. You will find the rank on every product page, for example Rank A or Rank AB. This guide explains what each rank means, so you know exactly what to expect before you order.

Why we use condition ranks

In the professional pre-owned luxury trade, dealers inspect every item on the outside, the inside, the hardware and the corners, and then assign a letter grade. That makes it much easier to compare items than vague descriptions such as "good condition".

The ranks at a glance

Which rank should you choose?

• Looking for a gift or a collector's piece? Choose N, S or SA. These items look close to new.
• Want the best balance of price and condition? Rank A is the sweet spot. Most of our collection falls into this rank.
• Buying a bag for everyday use? AB and B offer the most value. Signs of use are visible, but the item is fully usable and often much cheaper.

Always check the photos

A rank is a summary. Every product page shows detailed photos of the outside, inside, corners and hardware, plus notes on the included accessories. Take a moment to look at them: they show exactly what the rank means for that specific item.

Authenticity is never part of the rank

The rank only describes condition. Authenticity is checked separately for every item, whatever its rank. Read more about our authenticity check.

Common signs of use, explained

Product notes often mention specific types of wear. This is what they mean:

• Corner rubbing: light wear on the bottom corners of a bag, the area that touches tables and floors most often.
• Patina: natural darkening of untreated leather, such as the vachetta on Louis Vuitton handles. It is not damage, but part of how the leather ages.
• Creasing: soft folds in the leather, often on handles, flaps or the body of softer bags.
• Hardware scratches: fine scratches on clasps, zips, locks or chains from normal use.
• Interior marks: small pen marks, stains or wear inside the bag.
• Stickiness: some older pieces with a coated lining can become sticky over time. We always mention this when it is the case.

How ranks apply to watches and jewelry

The same scale is used for watches and jewelry, but the focus is different. For watches, the rank looks at the case, bezel, glass, dial and bracelet. It does not say anything about the movement's service history, so read our watch buying guide for what else to check. For jewelry, the rank describes surface scratches, dents and the state of clasps and stones. Light scratches on gold or platinum can often be polished away by a jeweller. More in our jewelry guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is rank A good enough for a gift?
Yes, in most cases. Rank A items show only light signs of use and often look close to new once in use. If the gift must look as new as possible, choose N, S or SA.

Are accessories such as a dust bag or box included?
That differs per item. The included accessories are always listed on the product page.

Can a rank B bag still be used every day?
Absolutely. Rank B items have clear signs of use, but they are fully functional. Many customers choose AB or B for a bag they want to use without worrying about every scratch.

Does a better rank mean the item is more authentic?
No. Authenticity and condition are two separate things. Every item, from N to C, is checked for authenticity.

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