Understanding Phone Grading: A/B/C Stock Explained

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In the used phone world, “graded inventory” can either protect your margins or quietly destroy them. One vendor’s “A stock” is another vendor’s “B stock,” and if you don’t run your own standards, you’ll overpay on the buy side or undercharge on the sell side.

This guide breaks down the phone grading system in plain English—what A/B/C stock should mean, what defects belong in each grade, and how wireless dealers can grade consistently for pricing and profitability.

What “Stock” Means in Used Phone Grading

In wholesale and refurb channels, “stock” usually refers to condition grade (cosmetics + functionality), not just whether the phone is used or new. Most dealers will see:

• A Stock: best condition (closest to new)

• B Stock: good condition with visible wear

• C Stock: heavy wear or higher-risk condition

• Parts/As-Is: non-working or untested (buy only if you have a plan)

Dealer Reality: Grading Must Include More Than Cosmetics

If you only grade based on scratches, you’ll miss the real profit killers: battery health, face ID failures, charging issues, camera defects, and lock status. A usable grading standard should include:

• Cosmetic condition (screen, frame, back glass)

• Functional testing (touch, cameras, audio, charging, sensors)

• Battery health (especially iPhones)

• Lock status (iCloud/FRP) and carrier lock

• IMEI status (clean vs blacklisted)

A Stock Explained (What It SHOULD Mean)

A stock devices should be your “sell with confidence” inventory. Think: minimal wear, fully functional, low return risk.

A Stock Cosmetic Standards

• Screen: no cracks, no deep scratches; light micro-scratches only (if any)

• Frame: minimal wear; no dents or heavy scuffs

• Back: clean; no cracks; minimal marks

A Stock Functional Standards

• Touch: 100% responsive (no dead zones, no ghost touch)

• Cameras: all lenses focus correctly; no haze or dust spots

• Charging: stable charge at normal angle; fast charge works if supported

• Audio: speakers loud and clear; mic passes voice memo test

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular all work

A Stock Battery Standard (Dealer-Friendly)

• Target: 85–100% battery health for iPhones (or equivalent strong performance on Android)

• No swelling, overheating, or rapid drain

Pricing tip: A stock should command your best margins because it creates the fewest returns and the best reviews.

B Stock Explained (The “Profitable Middle”)

B stock is where many dealers make consistent money—if they price it correctly and disclose condition clearly.

B Stock Cosmetic Standards

• Screen: visible scratches are okay; no cracks

• Frame: moderate scuffs; small nicks allowed

• Back: moderate wear; no major cracks (unless you sell as “back glass cracked” with discount)

B Stock Functional Standards

• All core functions must work (touch, cameras, charge, audio, signal)

• Minor issues can be acceptable if disclosed (example: light burn-in on OLED, small cosmetic blemish)

B Stock Battery Standard

• Common range: 80–89% battery health (iPhone)

• If battery is near 80%, plan for replacement or price accordingly

Dealer tip: B stock sells best when you label it clearly: “Fully functional. Cosmetic wear.” Customers accept wear when the price matches.

C Stock Explained (High-Risk Inventory)

C stock is where dealers get burned. It can be profitable, but only with strict rules and honest pricing.

C Stock Cosmetic Standards

• Heavy scratches, noticeable scuffs, and obvious wear

• May include small cracks on back glass (not screen) depending on your policy

• May include discoloration, paint wear, or deep marks

C Stock Functional Standards

• Should still be functional if sold as “working C stock”

• If any function is impaired (weak charge port, intermittent mic, camera spot), label it as “issue device” or “as-is”

C Stock Battery Standard

• Often 70–79% battery health (iPhone) or noticeable drain

• Best practice: replace battery before resale or sell with clear disclosure

Pricing tip: C stock should be priced to absorb returns. If you can’t price it low enough, don’t buy it.

Used Phone Grading Checklist (Dealer Standard)

Use this quick checklist to grade consistently:

• IMEI check (clean/blacklisted)

• Activation lock / FRP check

• Carrier lock status

• Battery health (iPhone) or drain/heat test (Android)

• Screen: dead pixels, burn-in, touch test

• Cameras: focus test on all lenses

• Audio: speaker + mic test

• Charging: stable connection + current draw (if you have a meter)

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + cellular

• Cosmetics: screen/frame/back under bright light

For consistent testing tools and supplies, source from repair diagnostics distributors and repair equipment distributors.

Pricing Rules of Thumb (Protect Your Margins)

Use simple rules to keep grading tied to profit:

• Grade impacts price: set a standard discount from A to B to C (example: -10% to -20% each step)

• Battery below 80%: price in a replacement or downgrade the grade

• Any lock risk: treat as “no-buy” unless removed on the spot

• Return policy matters: tighter return windows require tighter grading

Questions to Ask Wholesalers Before You Buy

• What does A/B/C mean in your grading system (in writing)?

• Are devices tested for functionality or cosmetic only?

• Are IMEIs guaranteed clean? For how long?

• Are batteries tested? Is there a minimum health standard?

• What’s your DOA and return policy (days, restocking fees, shipping)?

• Are parts OEM, refurbished, or aftermarket?

How to Label Grades in Your Store (Reduce Disputes)

Keep it simple and consistent:

• A Stock: “Like-new condition. Fully tested.”

• B Stock: “Fully functional. Cosmetic wear.”

• C Stock: “Working device. Heavy cosmetic wear. Priced accordingly.”

Dealer tip: Take quick photos at intake and keep a grading label with IMEI, battery health, and notes. It prevents “you sold it to me like this” arguments.

Final Thoughts

A/B/C stock only works when your standards are consistent. When you grade based on both cosmetics and functionality, you buy smarter, price cleaner, and reduce returns.

Need better sourcing options for graded inventory? Start with trusted phone distributors and refurbished phones distributors, and keep your testing tools stocked through repair diagnostics distributors.