Buyer reference
Cosmetic grading & condition glossary
Last updated: 1 September 2026 · Definitions Voltaxion uses across the entire catalog. Same vocabulary used across our supply network and by us at quote time.
Condition tiers
In the live catalog, the first label you see is the commercial condition tier. That tier tells you how the unit is sourced and packed before you even get to the cosmetic grade. On graded stock, Voltaxion still applies the underlying QC rules from the written grading specification: functional test passed, IMEI clean, factory reset complete, and activation lock removed.
| Tier | Description | Packaging | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand new | Factory-sealed retail unit, untouched, never powered on, sold in the original manufacturer presentation. | Original sealed retail box with manufacturer-supplied accessories for that SKU and region. | Manufacturer warranty. |
| CPO | Apple Certified Refurbished stock: original components, professionally refurbished, premium cosmetic standard. | Apple-certified refurbishment packaging or equivalent Apple CPO presentation. | Apple or manufacturer warranty. |
| Refurbished | Cosmetically graded refurbished stock. This is where Grade A, AB, B and marked stock rules matter most. | Usually Voltaxion neutral box; accessories vary by grade and quote. | Voltaxion functional warranty, duration depends on the quoted grade. |
| Asis+ | Brand-new quality unit supplied without the retail box. Buyers use it when retail presentation is not required. | Neutral or bulk packaging rather than sealed retail packaging. | Voltaxion 30-day functional guarantee. |
| Asis | Original quality, functional unit sold without a cosmetic grade commitment. The unit must work; the cosmetics are not the commercial promise. | Bulk, tray or protective-sleeve packaging depending the lot. | Voltaxion functional guarantee as quoted; no cosmetic claims. |
Cosmetic grades
On refurbished lots, buyers normally discuss Grade A, B and C in shorthand. Our underlying written QC spec is slightly more granular, so the practical question is what a buyer will actually see in hand. The table below gives the buyer-facing interpretation used in the catalog and at quote stage.
| Grade | Visible from | Defect tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| A | No visible scratches in normal indoor light at roughly 30 cm viewing distance. | Minimal or no signs of use; ports, buttons and lenses clean; premium resale presentation. |
| B | Light wear becomes visible on closer handling or at an angle under direct light. | Minor scratches or micro-scuffs consistent with normal use; still fully functional and commercially clean. |
| C | Obvious wear is visible immediately on screen, chassis or corners. | Heavier scratches or marked housing are tolerated, but the unit must remain functional and accurately disclosed. |
Internal QC wording may still refer to Grade A, Grade AB, Grade B and Grade D. Commercially, the live supplier feed tends to collapse that into the buyer shorthand above. If there is ever a dispute, the written quote and the grading specification remain the controlling references.
Activation status
The catalog also carries an activation field because many B2B buyers need to know whether a device has ever been powered on. In supplier data this appears as Not Activate or Active; on our product pages we translate that to Sealed or Activated.
| Status | Meaning | Buyer implication |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed | Supplier status Not Activate: factory sealed, never powered on. |
Preferred when the buyer wants full retail presentation and to control first activation in-market. |
| Activated | Supplier status Active: the device has already been powered on once. |
Usually cheaper, often region-bound, and suitable for operators who do not require first-activation status. |
What "Asis" really means
"Asis" does not mean "broken" and it does not mean "for parts." It means the commercial promise is functionality first, cosmetics second. An Asis unit must still power on, charge, pass the agreed core tests and arrive free of activation lock. What you do not get is a cosmetic-grade promise such as "no visible scratches at 30 cm."
- Asis is for buyers who prioritise landed cost over cosmetic uniformity.
- Asis+ is distinct: it is usually brand-new quality without the retail box, not a cosmetically worn refurb tier.
- If a lot contains disclosed anomalies such as heavier wear or marked screens, the quote should say so explicitly.
- No buyer should assume Asis can later be disputed on subjective appearance alone.
Vocabulary cross-reference
Different wholesalers use different names for nearly the same stock. This is the buyer-safe translation layer we use when aligning supplier feed terms, quote language and the written grading policy.
| Voltaxion wording | Other wholesale wording | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new | New / Sealed / Factory sealed | Original retail box, intact seals, manufacturer warranty. |
| CPO | Apple Certified Refurbished / Premium refurb | Original components, manufacturer-backed refurbishment, premium cosmetic standard. |
| Refurbished Grade A | Like new / Excellent | Minimal or no visible signs of use. |
| Refurbished Grade B | Very good / Good / Grade AB | Light wear and minor scratches, still clean commercial presentation. |
| Refurbished Grade C | Fair / Used grade C / Marked stock | Heavier cosmetic wear, still functional, must be honestly disclosed. |
| Asis+ | Open box new / No retail box | Brand-new quality without sealed retail packaging. |
| Asis | Functional used / Ungraded / As-is | Functionality promised, cosmetics not graded to A/B/C standards. |
Frequently asked questions
What does "Asis" mean?
Asis means the commercial promise is functionality first, cosmetics second. An Asis unit must still power on, charge, pass the agreed core tests and arrive free of activation lock. What you do not get is a cosmetic-grade promise such as "no visible scratches at 30 cm." It does not mean "broken" and it does not mean "for parts."
What is the difference between Asis and Asis+?
Asis+ is usually brand-new quality supplied without the retail box, not a cosmetically worn refurb tier; buyers use it when retail presentation is not required. Asis is an original-quality, functional unit sold without a cosmetic-grade commitment, where the unit must work but the cosmetics are not the commercial promise.
Are refurbished grades cosmetic only?
The Grade A, B and C labels describe buyer-facing cosmetic condition, but on graded stock Voltaxion still applies the underlying QC rules: functional test passed, IMEI clean, factory reset complete, and activation lock removed. Every grade must remain fully functional and accurately disclosed.
What is CPO?
CPO is Apple Certified Refurbished stock: original components, professionally refurbished, to a premium cosmetic standard, presented in Apple-certified refurbishment packaging or equivalent Apple CPO presentation. It carries Apple or manufacturer warranty.
What is the difference between Brand new and Asis+?
Brand new is a factory-sealed retail unit, untouched, never powered on, sold in the original manufacturer presentation with the original sealed retail box and manufacturer warranty. Asis+ is brand-new quality supplied without the sealed retail box, in neutral or bulk packaging, and carries a Voltaxion 30-day functional guarantee.
What do the Sealed and Activated statuses mean?
Sealed corresponds to the supplier status Not Activate: factory sealed, never powered on. Activated corresponds to the supplier status Active: the device has already been powered on once, is usually cheaper, often region-bound, and suitable for operators who do not require first-activation status.