Record grading question (soundclip included)

Yes, another thread about grading records!

I would really like your help with this one. I bought this record graded as VG+ with no other comment about the quality. When i play it i hear these 4 clicks that i recorded and uploaded in this soundclip, the record is otherwise a solid VG+. The seller visually graded the record and did not notice the scratch and thus not the clicks but claims that this record still falls within VG+.

Let me hear your thoughts on this please as i feel a bit lost and this is from one of my favorite recordshops.

Audioclip: Vocaroo | Online voice recorder

Thanks

 

It seems like it might have slipped by their radar being VG in reality as opposed to VG+.

 

Thanks for your reply.
The seller admits to missing the scratch and thus the clicks but claims this record still falls within VG+, i have sent the same audioclip to the seller as i have linked here.

 

Not according to Goldmine Magazine's grading system.

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) or EXCELLENT (E)

A good description of a VG+ record is “except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.” Most collectors, especially those who want to play their records, will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if it toward the high end of the grade (sometimes called VG++ or E+).

VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.

VG+ covers should have only minor wear. A VG+ cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near Mint.

 

I think that the VG+ rating is a tough one overall. To some, those clicks may be minor while for others it may ruin their listening experience. So it is a rating that causes a lot of issues since it is subject to one's perception (seller vs. buyer especially).

For me, if it was a fairly rare record (or one I had to have) and the only defect were a few clicks, I "may" be ok with it depending on what I paid for it . When buying a VG+ rated record online, I generally expect the record to be in worse shape so I tend to stay away from buying one that is rated VG+ (unless it is too good of a price and I can live with even if it ended up being more VG condition).

Sorry that you were disappointed and I hope you can work something out with the seller.

 

Thanks for your reply.
It's not a rare record, nor was it expensive (like 20 EUR) I was first offered half the sum back (more than then usually refund in situations like these i was told) then the full sum back upon returning the record. But it's not about the money, it's about the grading. When i have had similar problems with records bought on Discogs i have usually been given an excuse and then my money back, so i was a bit suprised when this particular seller (one of Swedens more well-known) claimed this still falls within VG+.