There is no grading service for bags and no numbered ladder the trade agrees on. What works is a short list said in the same order every time.
The words
New with tags — unused, tags attached. New without tags — unused, no tags, and say why if you know. Excellent — used lightly, no corner wear worth the name. Good — used, with faults you have named. Worn — real wear, priced for it.
Each is an opinion until it is followed by specifics. The specifics are the grade.
The five headings
Corners and edges — wear, rubbing, exposed material, any repair. Hardware — plating loss, tarnish, scratches, whether the zip runs and the clasp holds. Lining and interior — tears, pen marks, stains, loose threads. Shape — does it stand unpropped, or has storage changed it? Smell — storage, smoke, damp, perfume.
Anything not in those five is a bonus. Anything missing from them is a question a buyer will ask, or worse, will not ask and will find. Describing bags.
Refinishing is not a grade
Resewn seams, replaced zips, re-edged corners, recoloured leather — all normal, all declared. Recolouring especially, because it changes how the bag ages.
Authentication is a different question
Not a grade and not settled by a video call. Say where you bought it and what the bag carries.
Why "9/10" fails here
Because the five headings can disagree. A bag can be excellent in the lining and worn at every corner, and one number hides exactly the thing a buyer is buying on.
Questions people ask
Is corner wear repairable?
Sometimes, by a specialist, at a cost. Price as though it is not.
Does a missing dust bag change the grade?
It changes the listing. Say it.
Can smell be graded?
No, only stated — and it must be.
More: buying bags, what a bag is worth.