The grading scale
| Grade | Definition | Evidence to demand |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Unused, original sealed carton, no cosmetic defects | Carton seal photos, unit photos on all sides, AQL II electrical pass |
| Grade A/B | Unused with minor carton wear or surface marks | Photo of the worst unit in the lot — not the best |
| Display / sample | Functionally tested showroom stock, cosmetic wear expected | Hours of use, accessories list, functional test video |
| Open-box / returns | Customer returns or packaging-damaged, re-verified | Re-verification report, per-unit condition notes |
| Reworked | Cosmetically or functionally refurbished | What was reworked, by whom, and the post-rework test results |
How grading interacts with inspection
A grade is a claim; inspection is the proof. On every graded lot, AQL Level II sampling (per ISO 2859-1) with 100% power-on and high-voltage insulation testing validates the functional side, while photographic grading covers the cosmetic side. The two files travel together — a lot graded A with no sampling data is an unverified claim.
Grading is per unit, not per lot, on mixed-condition offers: a lot described as “Grade A/B mixed” should carry counts per grade, not an average. Ask for the count sheet — it feeds directly into your retail channel mix.
Pricing the grades
As a planning frame: Grade A cancelled-order lots typically clear 20–30% below fresh-production FOB; Grade A/B a few points further; display and open-box lots trade case-by-case on hours and accessories. Model the industry-standard defect allowance (up to 2.5%) against the discount — at a 25% discount, a 2% defect allowance still leaves the per-unit economics comfortably ahead of production.
Grade-to-market fit
- Grade A for regulated markets. Certification paperwork is cleanest on unused stock — no usage history complicates customs screening in markets with used-goods restrictions.
- A/B for price-led channels. Minor carton wear is invisible to end customers who open the box; the discount is not.
- Display/open-box where used goods are admissible. Check the destination's used-goods rules first — some categories, notably used cooling equipment, face explicit restrictions in markets like Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Grade A mean for appliance stock lots?+
Unused units in original, sealed cartons with no cosmetic defects. Verification: carton seal integrity, unit photos on all sides, and AQL Level II electrical sampling passed.
What is the difference between display and open-box stock?+
Display units were used in showrooms or retail — cosmetic wear is expected and hours of use matter. Open-box units are customer returns or packaging-damaged goods that were re-verified. Both are functionally tested and priced below unused grades.
What defect rate should I model when buying graded lots?+
The industry-standard acceptable defect rate for appliances is up to 2.5% (AQL-based). A reputable clearinghouse documents the sampled defect rate before you commit, so you can weigh it against the discount versus fresh production.
Can I mix grades in one container?+
Yes. Mixed-grade and mixed-lot containers are standard practice. The packing list must itemize each grade separately, and inspection evidence should cover each grade in the container.
Official References
Rules and product scopes change. Confirm the current HS-code treatment with the destination importer, authority, certification body and customs broker before shipment.
Check a live lot before you import
Request vetted buyer access for current specifications, inspection evidence, packing data and private FOB offers.