Getting your cards graded is an exciting way to give your collection a little boost! It can help protect your cards and even increase their value. Here’s a guide to help you through the grading process.
What’s Grading All About?
Grading is when a professional service evaluates your card based on it’s 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, for example BGS do sub grades, ACE have more appealing slabs and PSA has been going the longest. There will always be new grading companies, like TAG which come along every so often. Some last, some don’t but it’s the risk you take with new companies. Take some time to explore which company give you what YOU want! Look for feedback from other collectors. Hearing about their experiences can help you choose the right service.
Preparing Your Cards for Submission
Pick Your Cards:
Deciding which cards will go for grading is all dependant on why your grading the card. For some they want to retain a card in its current condition for sentimental value. Some collect certain grades, for example 1s. For others the grading process is a means to turn a profit. When picking for your personal collection, remember you can’t put it back in a deck or return into its binder.
When choosing for profit, look at raw value vs top 3 graded values. If aiming for profit, your grading cost and raw cost should be over the graded value you aim for. You cannot say for certain what your cards will grade, which is why there is risk to lose money. With modern, if your aiming for a 10 with your grade, you should try not pay more than a 9 value. Often the older the card or the more rare it is, the more willing people don’t mind a lower grade.
Check Their Condition
Give your cards a thorough inspection. Look at:
- Corners: Are they clean cut and intact?
- Edges: Smooth, clean, whitening?
- Surface: Scratch and dent free?
- Centering: Are the borders even?
- Need a Little Clean? : This step is optional and should be avoided if possible. If dirty, gently wipe the cards with a dry, non-abrasive cloth (not to leave scratches) to gently remove any surface dirt. Don’t use any material or product improve the shine or remove scratches. Using restoration techniques is tampering and expect your submission to be refused.
Submitting Your Cards
Complete the submission with the grading company, this let’s 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. Follow the grading company submission guidelines, not doing this will likely get your submission refused. Penny sleeves and semi rigids are pretty much industry standard for submissions. 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 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!
Using a Middleman service
Using a Middleman service benefits you by checking your submission and getting you better rates. For example The Sub Center has an agreement with PSA, Beckett and more, saving you funds and frustrations by knowing if your submission is no good before sending it all the way to the USA.
Tips for Future Success
Get involved in community 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 help save on costs.
And there you have it! By following these friendly steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting your cards graded. Remember to be patient—it might take some time, but the rewards can be totally worth it! Happy collecting!
