Device Grading for IT Asset Recovery: How Value Is Determined
Published by TD Team on
20 August 2020
When you’re ready to sell your devices, the amount you get for them all comes down to the grading scale. It is important to understand how a company grades out devices to get a real idea of what you could expect.
At Tech Defenders, we believe in being transparent with our partners during the Buyback process, which is why we came up with an aggregate scoring system to determine the overall condition of your devices. Depending on the device type, a unique set of components are given an A-F score with an assigned weighted score. This determines the payout you will receive for your devices.
Device grading is also a key part of IT asset recovery services because condition, functionality, and resale readiness all influence the final recovery value of retired laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, and other devices.
What Each Grade Means
1 - A Grade
A Grade devices are considered new or close to new devices. These devices may have been used once or twice in their life-cycle and are very rare to find in the world of refurbished technology.
Quick Description: Mint Condition. No scratches or wear. Certified pre-owned, mint, certified refurbished or OEM refurbished product
Full Description:
2 - B Grade
B Grade devices are still a rare find in the technology industry, but they will show some signs of being used. If the device has more than 2 signs of use. They automatically move to a C Grade.
Quick Description: Great Condition. Barely visible, minimal small dings.
Full Description:
3 - C Grade
C Grade Devices are our most common grades in the IT industry. There is usually light wear with some surface level scratches and minimal small dings.
Quick Description: Average Condition. Moderate wear - Some surface level scratches, one to two deeper scratches. Some pitting, dings, and dents.
Full Description:
4 - D Grade
D Grade device is still fully functional. In this industry, this is the second most common grade after 3-5 years of use.
Quick Description: Poor Condition. Moderate wear - Some surface level scratches, one to two deeper scratches. Some pitting, dings, and dents.
Complete Description:
5 - F Grade
F Grade device is broken or non-functional devices.
Quick Description: Broken or Non-Functional. Heavier wear - case scarring deeper scratches, scuffs, pitting, dings, dents, possible LCD imaging or tripped liquid damage indicator, but no sign of corrosion or liquid damage.
Looking to learn the value of your devices? Get a quote today!
How Device Grading Impacts IT Asset Recovery Value
Device grading is not just a cosmetic label. For organizations retiring laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, desktops, or other IT assets, grading helps determine whether a device should be resold, repaired, harvested for parts, or responsibly recycled. That makes grading an important part of a complete IT asset recovery process.
In an enterprise ITAD program, grading should connect to more than payout. It should support transparent reporting, secure handling, data sanitization, and final disposition decisions so IT, finance, procurement, and compliance teams can understand what happened to each asset.
What Should Be Included in a Device Grading Report?
| Report Field | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Asset type and model | Confirms the device category, market demand, and expected resale path. |
| Serial number or asset tag | Connects grading results to a specific device for audit and reconciliation. |
| Cosmetic condition | Documents scratches, dents, screen wear, case damage, or missing parts that affect resale value. |
| Functional test result | Shows whether the device powers on, passes key checks, or needs repair before resale. |
| Final grade and disposition | Explains whether the asset was routed for resale, repair, parts recovery, or recycling. |
Why Grading Transparency Matters
A clear grading process helps prevent surprises after devices leave your facility. If a quote changes after inspection, your team should be able to see why: broken screens, missing chargers, locked devices, failed batteries, damaged ports, engraving, liquid exposure, or other condition issues that affect resale potential.
For larger refreshes, grading should also connect to the broader documentation package. Teams should be able to match grading results with an ITAD chain of custody, an ITAD audit trail, and any required data destruction documentation.
Quick Answer: What Makes a Strong Device Grading Process?
A strong device grading process is consistent, documented, and tied to each serialized asset. It should explain the grade, show the condition factors that affected value, identify whether the device can be resold, and provide enough reporting for your team to reconcile the final recovery value against the original inventory.
Planning a device refresh or large asset retirement? Tech Defenders helps organizations grade devices, recover value, document outcomes, and securely process retired IT assets. Learn more about our IT asset recovery services or our enterprise ITAD solutions.