Our Grading Guidelines

Every refurbished device sold by Circle Market is carefully inspected, tested and graded. Our grades describe the cosmetic condition of the device, so you know what to expect before you buy.

Fully Functional — Whatever the Grade

Fair, Good, Excellent or Like New — every device is tested to ensure its essential functions are working correctly. The grade primarily reflects the cosmetic appearance and signs of previous use, not the core functionality of the device.

Like New

Exceptional cosmetic condition with little to no visible signs of previous use.

A Like New device is our highest cosmetic grade and is ideal for customers who want a refurbished device that looks as close to new as possible.

• Little to no visible cosmetic wear
• Screen in excellent cosmetic condition
• No significant scratches, dents or chips
• Keyboard and trackpad show little to no visible wear
• Fully tested and functional

As this is a refurbished product, extremely minor signs of handling may still be present.

Excellent

Excellent overall condition with only very light signs of previous use.

An Excellent device may have minor cosmetic imperfections that are difficult to notice during normal use, while maintaining a clean, high-quality overall appearance.

• Very light scratches or small cosmetic marks may be present
• No significant dents, cracks or structural damage
• Screen may show extremely minor cosmetic imperfections
• Minimal wear around the keyboard, trackpad and palmrest
• Fully tested and functional

Good

Good overall condition with visible signs of normal previous use.

A Good device offers a balance between appearance and value. Cosmetic wear may be visible, but it does not prevent the device from functioning as intended.

• Light to moderate scratches, scuffs or marks may be present
• Minor cosmetic wear around edges and corners may be visible
• Screen may have light marks or scratches that do not prevent normal use
• Keyboard, trackpad and palmrest may show signs of previous use
• Fully tested and functional

Fair

Fully functional with more noticeable cosmetic signs of previous use.

Fair devices are ideal for customers who prioritise functionality and value over cosmetic appearance. They may show more obvious signs of previous use while remaining fully functional.

• Visible scratches, scuffs and cosmetic marks may be present
• Small cosmetic dents or chips may be present
• Edges, corners and casing may show noticeable wear
• Screen may have visible light scratches or marks that do not prevent normal use
• Keyboard, trackpad and palmrest may show noticeable wear
• Fully tested and functional

What You Can Expect From Every Grade

• Device inspected before sale
• Essential hardware functions tested
• Storage securely wiped and operating system prepared where applicable
• No known activation or account locks
• Device ready for normal use

Battery Condition

Batteries are consumable components and naturally lose capacity over time. Refurbished devices may therefore have different battery performance depending on their age, model and previous use.

Battery runtime can also vary considerably depending on screen brightness, applications, power settings, connectivity and usage. Where specific battery information is provided on an individual product listing, that information should be used alongside this grading guide.

Every Refurbished Device Is Unique

Because refurbished products have been previously used, cosmetic appearance can vary between individual devices within the same grade.

The examples above describe the level of wear that may reasonably be expected within each grade. A device may have some, but not necessarily all, of the cosmetic characteristics listed.

Important

Cosmetic grading does not affect your statutory consumer rights. If a product is faulty, not as described or does not meet applicable consumer rights requirements, please contact Circle Market so we can assist you.

For information about cancellations, returns and refunds, please see our Return & Refund Policy.