Like everything else, it's best to have experience with the seller. I know venders that grade VG and ship vinyl that is indistinguishable from new. Their idea of Mint means unopened or unplayed.
Others rate Mint and ship vinyl that is good, but far from perfect. To make matters worse, it is difficult to know how good the LP was when brand new. I have purchased newly released pressing that were very noisy, turned around and bought a old LP for .50 cents at a used book store that was dead quiet.
You will make mistakes, make bad purchases and get some great bargains. You will gain experience as you go. About the same as choosing a restaurant based on the local paper, or trying to get perfect CD's every time.
Others rate Mint and ship vinyl that is good, but far from perfect. To make matters worse, it is difficult to know how good the LP was when brand new. I have purchased newly released pressing that were very noisy, turned around and bought a old LP for .50 cents at a used book store that was dead quiet.
You will make mistakes, make bad purchases and get some great bargains. You will gain experience as you go. About the same as choosing a restaurant based on the local paper, or trying to get perfect CD's every time.