How to Submit Your Vinyl Record for Grading
If you've ever listed a record on eBay and watched a nearly identical copy — graded and encapsulated — sell for significantly more than yours, you already understand the power of professional grading. A verified grade doesn't just tell buyers what condition your record is in. It tells them they can trust it. And in a market where trust translates directly into value, that matters.
At Audio Media Grading (AMG), we built our submission process to be as straightforward as possible — whether you're sending in a single first pressing or a stack of sealed classics. If you've been on the fence about submitting, this guide walks you through every step, from creating your account to holding your finished slab.
Start your submission at audiomediagrading.com →
The AMG team at the Austin Record Convention
What AMG Grades
Before you dive in, it's worth knowing just how broad AMG's product offering is. We're the only grading service that handles all of these formats through the same submission flow:
- Vinyl records (all sizes and speeds)
- Cassette tapes
- Compact discs (CDs)
- 8-track cartridges
We accept items in three categories: sealed, open, and autographed. We also offer a range of encapsulation options — from our standard sonic-welded acrylic case to side-by-side display options that show the media alongside its original packaging, and fully custom case designs.
One account. Every format. That's the AMG difference.
Step 1: Create Your AMG Account
Everything starts at audiomediagrading.com. Creating an account takes about a minute — just your basic contact information and you're in. If you've submitted before, log in and pick up right where you left off.
Your account is where you'll manage all of your submissions, track their status, and receive updates as your items move through the grading process.
Step 2: Complete the Online Submission Form
Once you're logged in, you'll fill out a submission form for each item you're sending. You'll be asked to provide:
- Artist and album title
- Record label and catalog number
- Format (vinyl, cassette, CD, 8-track)
- Category (sealed, open, or autographed)
- Service tier (standard, 7-day express, or 48-hour express)
One tip worth noting: during this step you'll also select how you'd like the record displayed inside its case — including whether you'd like optional keyhole mounts added so the slab can be hung on a wall. Take your time here and think about the end result you want.
The more accurate and complete your submission details, the smoother the grading process. If AMG can identify your pressing from the label and matrix information, your finished slab will note whether it's a first pressing, second pressing, and so on — a detail that can significantly affect collector value.
After completing your selections, you'll receive a packing slip to print and include with your shipment. Don't skip this — it's how AMG keeps your order organized once it arrives.
Start your submission at audiomediagrading.com →
Step 3: Pack and Ship Your Records
This is the step most first-time submitters worry about most — and understandably so. Shipping a valuable record is nerve-wracking. Follow these guidelines and it'll arrive exactly as you sent it.
How to pack vinyl safely:
- Place the record in a protective inner sleeve to shield the playing surface from scuffs.
- Slide it back into the album cover.
- Place the record and cover inside a record bag — these differ from sleeves in that they have a foldover flap and resealable strip, which keeps dust out and prevents the jacket from shifting during transit.
- Insert the bagged record into a sturdy record mailer. For 12-inch LPs, look for a crush-resistant mailer that provides multiple layers of cardboard. If you're sending fewer records than the mailer is rated for, fill the extra space with record pads or packing peanuts to prevent movement.
- Place that mailer inside a second, larger outer box with additional cushioning all around (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or both). This double-box method is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your record in transit.
12-inch records protected in record bags before going into the mailer. Photo via BCW Supplies.
A double LP inside a crush-resistant record mailer, padded with record pads. Photo via BCW Supplies.
Before you seal the outer box, take detailed photos of all sides of each item and keep them for your records. It's a simple step that protects you in the unlikely event of a shipping issue.
The team at BCW Supplies went through this exact process when they submitted an Elvis Costello 7-inch and a U2 double LP to AMG — and found the packaging steps above kept both records in perfect shape from doorstep to grading room.
Insurance and carrier tips:
Always insure your package. Your declared value should represent what you'd expect the item to be worth after grading, plus all costs associated with the submission. In the event of a claim, the payout is the lesser of the current market value or the insured amount — so don't undervalue.
AMG also recommends adding Signature Confirmation to your shipment.
Shipping addresses:
- USPS: Audio Media Grading, 6901 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite D5 Box 212, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- FedEx or UPS: Audio Media Grading, 2257 Vista Parkway Suite 15, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Note: USPS and FedEx/UPS use different addresses, so double-check before you print your label.
Step 4: AMG Authenticates and Grades
Once your submission arrives at our West Palm Beach facility, our team gets to work.
For open vinyl, we evaluate four components: the record itself, the record labels, the album cover, and the shrink wrap (if present). The record and cover carry more weight in the final score, though all four contribute. You'll receive two sub-grades on your finished label — Media (M) and Packaging (P) — so buyers know exactly where the condition stands on each front.
For sealed items, we focus on the album cover and shrink wrap, including any splits, damage, staining, sticker issues, or factory markings like notched corners or punch holes.
AMG uses a modified version of the Goldmine standard — the grading framework that's been the benchmark in record collecting for decades. We've refined it into a clean 1–10 numerical scale:
| Grade | Label | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Mint | Absolutely perfect. Possibly still sealed. Extremely rare. |
| 9 | Near Mint | Nearly flawless. Likely unplayed. No obvious wear. |
| 8 | Excellent | Very slight signs of handling. No ring wear or discoloration. |
| 7 | Very Good+ | Light wear visible. Minor seam wear. Small scratches or scuffs. |
| 6 | Very Good | More obvious wear. Some ring wear. Seam splits may be present. |
| 5 | Good | Significant wear. Heavy ring wear. Seam splits visible on sight. |
| 4 | Fair+ | Large scratches, scuffs, and tears. Heavy visual damage. |
| 3 | Fair | Heavy wear on up to 75% of the item. Large packaging damage. |
| 2 | Poor+ | Major defects throughout. Records may be cracked or warped. |
| 1 | Poor | Extreme damage. Broken media. Heavy mold or water damage. |
Each graded item is then encapsulated in a tamper-resistant acrylic case built with museum-grade material that blocks 99% of harmful UV light. Your record is preserved exactly as graded — nothing goes in or out without breaking the seal.
Step 5: Your Encapsulated Record Ships Back
When grading is complete, AMG ships your finished slab back to you via FedEx. Standard turnaround is 30 days from the time we receive your submission. If you'd rather not wait, express service options are available during the submission process — just select your preferred tier when filling out the form.
The BCW team noted that when their records came back, they were "bagged, bubble-wrapped, in a thick envelope, and packaged in an oversized box filled with packing peanuts" — the same care we put into every outbound shipment.
Each finished slab includes a hologram sticker with a unique serial number on the back of the header. You can use that number to look up your item on audiomediagrading.com — including the grade, full condition details, and photos. Every graded record also ships with an AMG Statement of Archival certificate documenting the same information.
A graded and encapsulated 7-inch record in an AMG slab. Photo via BCW Supplies.
A double LP displayed in an AMG acrylic frame with optional keyhole wall mounts. Photo via BCW Supplies.
When it arrives, you'll have a fully authenticated, professionally graded, UV-protected record — ready to display, sell, or hold as a verified piece of your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit multiple records in one order? Yes. The submission form lets you add multiple items to a single order. Each item is graded individually and receives its own label and encapsulation.
What condition is too poor to submit? AMG grades items all the way down to a 1 (Poor), so there's no hard floor on condition. That said, a record with heavy mold damage, broken media, or missing large sections of packaging will grade very low. If you're not sure whether it's worth submitting, the value of having a verified grade — even a low one — is that it sets honest expectations for buyers.
Do you grade colored vinyl? Yes. AMG grades colored vinyl the same way as standard black pressings. Color and pressing variant details may be noted on the label when identifiable.
What's the difference between sealed and open grading? For open records, AMG assesses all four components: the record, labels, cover, and shrink wrap. For sealed items, grading focuses on the cover and shrink wrap only, since the record itself can't be accessed without breaking the seal.
Do you grade autographed records? Yes. Autographed items are accepted and graded as a separate category. Authentication of the signature itself may be assessed — check the submission form for current options.
What happens if my item is refused? In some cases, AMG may determine an item isn't suitable for encapsulation. If that happens, you'll be notified and the item will be returned to you. You can find more detail on AMG's refusals policy at audiomediagrading.com/refusals.
Ready to Submit Your First Record?
Whether it's a sealed original pressing you've held onto for years or a killer find from a recent dig, there's never been a better time to get it graded. The process takes minutes to start, and the result is a professionally authenticated piece that commands the value it deserves.