Inconsistent grades quietly erase margin. Consistent grades protect it.
Check Up supports grading profiles, Instant Diagnostics, Mobile App Diagnostics, PDF reports/labels, device history reports, and (on Premium) IMEI blacklist + a carrier lock sample (add-on packs for more lookups). Start Free — 5 checks/mo · $0/€0/£0 · Premium from US $25 · EU €21.90 · UK £19.90.
Carrier-lock lookups are expensive. Use the Premium sample on real buys, then add packs when you need more.
Three lenses: function · cosmetic · risk
1. Functional grade
Does the device actually work? Cover:
- Display (touch, dead pixels, burn-in, brightness)
- Cameras (front/rear, focus, flash)
- Audio (earpiece, speaker, mic)
- Sensors (proximity, accelerometer, biometrics as applicable)
- Controls (buttons, haptics)
- Connectivity (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular radio behavior as you can confirm)
Map these to Instant Diagnostics + Mobile App Diagnostics categories so every tech walks the same path.
2. Cosmetic grade
What will the next buyer see?
- Screen scratches / cracks / chips
- Housing dents, scuffs, bent frames
- Camera lens condition
- Port and button wear
Define what your shop means by A / B / C (or your own labels) — and stick to it. Write examples (“hairline scratches OK on B; cracks = C or reject”) so Saturday night matches Tuesday morning.
3. Risk grade (locks & status)
Before cash out, capture risk signals:
- Account / MDM / activation locks when device info is available (iCloud/FMiP/MDM and similar)
- IMEI blacklist and carrier / SIM lock when your plan includes them (Check Up: Premium only — 55 blacklist + a carrier-lock sample; Both checks are on Premium.)
- Battery health / cycle data when reported
- service history available so you know what’s been replaced (iOS)
Risk isn’t cosmetic. A clean Grade A body with a blacklist hit is not a Grade A buy.
Step-by-step grade framework (shop-ready)
-
Identify the device — model, storage, color, IMEI/serial as your process requires
-
Power + charge state — note if it won’t boot or hold charge
-
Run functional diagnostics — Instant Diagnostics, then Mobile App Diagnostics for display/cameras/audio/sensors/controls/connectivity
-
Pull device info — specs, SIM, battery, lock-related signals when available
-
Risk checks — blacklist / carrier lock on Premium when buying; keep a record of the result with the device
-
Score cosmetics against your written A/B/C rules
-
Assign the trade-in grade using your grading profile (or paper sheet — but profiles beat memory)
-
Document — PDF report + label for the bag/bin; keep history in the workspace
-
Optional clean handoff — secured data erasure when the device leaves and your process requires a wipe
-
Payout only after grade + risk are recorded
Use this framework with your shop’s grading policy. Adjust labels to your market (US trade-in vs UK buyback language) but keep the three lenses.
Document with PDF reports & labels
A grade that lives only in someone’s head doesn’t survive a dispute. Export PDF reports and labels so:
- The counter can explain the payout
- The back room knows what was tested
- Device history is reopenable (1 month Free · 6 months Premium on Check Up)
grading profiles in Check Up
Define how your shop grades once — then apply the same profile on every trade-in. Pair with agent/station processing, Instant Diagnostics, Mobile App Diagnostics, and Premium blacklist/carrier-lock limits when you buy volume.
Related: Trade-in device testing · IMEI blacklist for business · Carrier lock vs blacklist
Sample grade labels (adapt, don’t copy blindly)
Shops often use A / B / C / DOA — define yours in writing:
- A — Full function pass; minor cosmetic only per your rules; risk checks clear when required
- B — Full or near-full function; visible wear within B rules; risk clear
- C — Function issues or heavy cosmetic wear; payout adjusted or reject per policy
- Reject / DOA — Won’t power, critical function fail, or risk fail (blacklist / account lock)
Put those definitions inside your Check Up grading profiles so the PDF matches the counter script. Premium pricing if you need blacklist volume: US $25 · EU €21.90 · UK £19.90.
Related pages
- Trade-in device testing
- Used phone testing software
- IMEI blacklist check for business
- Carrier lock vs blacklist
- Free phone diagnostics software
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between cosmetic and functional grades?
Cosmetic is what you see (scratches, dents). Functional is what works (cameras, audio, sensors). Grade both — don’t let a pretty shell hide a dead mic.
Should I check blacklist before grading cosmetics?
Check risk early enough that you don’t pay out on a blocked or locked device. On Check Up, IMEI blacklist and carrier lock are on Premium.
Can Check Up help standardize grades?
Yes — grading profiles plus PDF reports/labels, on Free (within 5 checks/mo) or Premium.
Where does secured data erasure fit when grading trade-ins?
Grading is separate from wipe. For clean handoff after buy, Check Up supports secured data erasure.
Is there a free way to try this workflow?
Check Up Free is $0/€0/£0 with 5 device checks/mo.