Meaning of grades - hom much do rips matter

[rester | 3]

Hey all,

I was curious to get your take on what grades actually mean. In particular, how should I think of a sealed game in perfect condition, with a small rip (half an inch) in the shrinkwrap in a corner or along the spine? Is the rip the difference between a 9.5 and a 9.8 or between a 9.8 and a 7? Is it even worth grading if there is a rip?

Thanks! 

[Bearcat-Doug | 5,104]

If you're sending it to Wata, they grade the seal separately. If it was a perfect game with a half inch rip in the shrinkwrap it would get something like a 9.8 B grade.