Grading Guidelines

Every renewed device Pine Tech Group sells carries a cosmetic grade. The grade describes how the device looks. It does not describe how it works, because function is tested the same way at every grade before a unit is listed.

What a grade is, and what it is not

A grade reflects the typical cosmetic condition of a device as assessed by our inspection at the time of listing, viewed from about 12 inches (30 cm) under normal indoor lighting. Grading involves judgment, and individual units vary within a grade. A grade is a description, not a promise that a specific unit is free of every mark, and it applies only to renewed items. Brand new items are not graded; they ship sealed with the manufacturer's warranty.

If a product listing describes a specific unit's condition, the listing controls. These guidelines explain our general standards; the listing describes what you are actually buying.

The grades

Grade A — Excellent

Close to new in appearance. The screen is free of scratches in normal use. The body may have faint micro-marks that are hard to see from about 12 inches away.

Grade B — Good

Light, honest wear. The body may have visible scratches or scuffs. The screen may have minor marks that are not noticeable when the display is on.

Grade C — Fair

Clear signs of use, including noticeable scratches or small dents, and light screen marks visible when the display is off. Priced accordingly.

What is tested at every grade

  • The device powers on and its core functions are tested before listing
  • Ports, buttons and connectivity are checked
  • The battery is tested as working. Battery capacity naturally varies with age and use, and no specific capacity percentage is promised unless a listing states one
  • The device is factory reset and previous user accounts are removed

What is included

Unless a listing states otherwise, a renewed device ships with a compatible charging cable or power adapter. Original retail packaging, styluses, cases and other accessories are not included unless the listing says so. Product images are representative of the model and grade unless a listing states that photos show the exact unit.

Warranty, returns and precedence

Renewed items purchased at retail are covered by Pine's 90-Day Limited Warranty, and retail returns are governed by our Refund Policy. Wholesale and bulk orders are different: they are governed by our Wholesale Terms of Sale, which provide a 14-day inspection window from delivery instead of the consumer warranty. Those documents state the applicable time periods and remedies, and if anything on this page appears to conflict with them, they control. Brand new items carry the manufacturer's warranty instead.

Changes to these guidelines

We may update these guidelines from time to time as our inspection process evolves. Changes apply to purchases made after the change, not retroactively. Questions about a specific unit's condition before you buy: sales@pinellc.net, and we will tell you plainly what you would receive.