set trader
The grading standard

Graded or your money back

Every set on Set Trader is listed at one of six grades, from S (sealed) to X (sold as seen, when the seller hasn't checked it). Sellers confirm a checklist for the grade before they can list, and your money is held until you've checked the set. If it isn't the grade it was sold as, you get your money back.

S

S · Sealed

Factory seals intact, box unopened. Seal photos are checked before the buyer's money is released.

Seller confirms
  • Every factory seal on the box is intact
  • I have photographed every seal close up
  • The box has never been opened or resealed
  • The set is genuine LEGO, bought new
Photos: At least 4: front, back and every seal, close up
You get

A factory-sealed box. Box wear is described separately (see box condition).

Not included

A perfect box, unless the box condition says mint.

A

A · Complete, boxed

Every part counted against the parts list. Box and instructions included.

Seller confirms
  • I have counted every part against the official parts list
  • All minifigures are included and genuine
  • The instructions are included
  • The box is included
Photos: At least 2: the built set or bagged parts, plus the box
You get

Every part, every minifigure, the instructions and the box. Parts may be used and bags opened.

Not included

Original sealed bags, stickers unapplied (unless stated), or a perfect box.

B

B · Complete, no box

Every part counted. Instructions included, no box.

Seller confirms
  • I have counted every part against the official parts list
  • All minifigures are included and genuine
  • The instructions are included
Photos: At least 2: the built set or the parts, and the instructions
You get

Every part, every minifigure and the instructions.

Not included

The box.

C

C · Complete, no instructions

Every part counted. No instructions.

Seller confirms
  • I have counted every part against the official parts list
  • All minifigures are included and genuine
Photos: At least 2: the built set or the parts
You get

Every part and every minifigure.

Not included

The box or instructions (official instructions are free to download from LEGO).

D

D · Incomplete

Missing parts are listed by part number, so you know exactly what to source.

Seller confirms
  • I have listed every missing part by part number and quantity
  • I have said which minifigures are missing, if any
  • Everything not listed as missing is included
Photos: At least 2: the set or parts, plus anything that affects the grade
You get

Everything except the parts listed as missing.

Not included

The listed missing parts (each links to BrickLink and LEGO Pick a Brick so you can price completing it).

X

X · Sold as seen

Not checked against the parts list, so parts may be missing. You get exactly what's in the photos and description.

Seller confirms
  • I have photographed everything that's included
  • I've described what I know is included or missing, and I haven't claimed it's complete
  • As far as I know it's genuine LEGO, not a copy or clone brand
Photos: At least 3, showing everything that's included (spread the parts out or show each bag)
You get

Exactly what's shown in the photos and description, nothing less. Great for bulk lots, parts and projects.

Not included

Any promise that the set is complete. You can't claim for missing parts, but you're still covered if it isn't what the photos and description show, or isn't genuine LEGO.

Box condition

Sealed (S) and boxed (A) listings also state the box's condition, so there are no surprises about creases and dents.

Questions collectors ask

What if my set isn't the grade it was sold as?

Tell us within 3 days of it arriving, before you confirm. Your money is still held. If the set doesn't meet its grade, you get a full refund including return postage, or, for a few missing pieces on a complete grade, we replace them (up to £15) and you keep the set.

How do sellers check a set is complete?

They count every part against the official parts list (inventories are on BrickLink, Rebrickable and in the back of most instruction books) and confirm each item on the grade checklist before they can list. That checklist is stored with the listing as evidence.

Are minifigures checked?

Yes. Grades S to C must include every minifigure, genuine. Grade D listings say which minifigures, if any, are missing.

What about stickers?

Unless the listing says otherwise, stickers on a built set may be applied. Sealed sets come with unapplied stickers in the box.

What does sold as seen mean?

The seller hasn't checked the set against the parts list, so they can't tell you what's missing: a part-built set, mixed bags or a loft find. They must photograph everything included and describe what they know. You can't claim for missing parts, but your money is still held, and you get a full refund if what arrives doesn't match the photos and description or isn't genuine LEGO.

Are clone or compatible bricks allowed?

No. Every part must be genuine LEGO. A set containing clone parts doesn't meet any grade and is refunded in full.

Read the fees and buyer protection and our terms.

The grading standard: graded or your money back · Set Trader