Getting your trading card game (TCG) cards graded is an exciting way to give your collection a little boost! It can help protect your cards and even increase their value over time. Here’s a guide to help you through the grading process.
What’s Grading All About?
Grading is when a professional service evaluates your cards based on their condition and authenticity. They give your card a score and seal it in a protective holder, making it nice and safe! Grading helps keep your cards in good shape and can make them more valuable if you ever decide to sell or trade them.
Choosing the Right Grading Service
Some of the well-known grading companies are PSA, BGS, and ACE to name a few. Each has its own benefits, so take some time to explore! Look for feedback from other collectors. Hearing about their experiences can help you choose the right service.
Preparing Your Cards for Submission
Pick Your Favorites: Decide which cards will go for grading. It’s a great idea to pick rare ones or those you think are in really good shape.
Check Their Condition: Give your cards a little inspection. Look at:
- Corners: Are they clean cut and intact?
- Edges: Smooth, clean, whitening?
- Surface: Scratch and dent free?
- Centering: Are the borders even?
- Give Them a Little Clean: This step most miss but if needed, gently wipe the cards with a non-abrasive cloth (not to leave scratches) to remove any surface dirt. Don’t use any material or product to improve its condition as this is tampering and you may get your submission refused or worse, you may even damage your card.
Submitting Your Cards
Complete the form provided by the grading company, and let them know which cards you want grading and what service level you prefer (like standard or express). Be aware of any submission fees, depending on the level of service and the value of your cards this may change. Have your cards in what the grading company recommends (usually a semi-rigid loader) as this may be needed for their inspection too. Protect your cards while they’re on their journey to the grading service. Bubble mailers or small boxes with padding work great. You want to be able to drop the package and the cards don’t move or take the blow.
Keeping Track of Your Cards
Be sure to document everything, pictures of cards, how they were loaded and packed etc, this way if an issue does occur you can seek out compensation. Use a reliable shipping service that offers tracking and insurance to send your cards. It’s always nice to have peace of mind! Most grading companies have cool online portals where you can check the status of your submission.
Receiving Your Graded Cards
Once your cards come back, take a moment to admire the grade they received. If you have any questions about the score, don’t hesitate to reach out to the grading service for answers. If you are not happy with the score, the grading company won’t admit fault on their grading service – You can only resubmit again at a cost. After grading, you can proudly display your cards or consider selling them. Graded cards tend to hold a premium and highest grades will always be worth more!
Tips for Future Success
Get involved in community forums or groups to share tips and experiences. There’s always something new to learn from fellow collectors and people who submit regularly. Store your cards carefully and keep them in a nice stable environment with no moisture to maintain their condition. Consider building a “Grade Pile” if you are considering a few gradings as this can save on costs.
And there you have it! By following these friendly steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting your TCG cards graded. Remember to be patient—it might take some time, but the rewards can be totally worth it! Happy collecting!