How to Submit Cards for Grading

Getting a prized card from your collection professionally graded is a rite of passage for many collectors. It's the ultimate step in preserving, authenticating, and maximizing the value of your cardboard treasures. While the idea of sending your best cards away can be nerve-wracking, the process is more straightforward than you might think. This guide will walk you through every step, turning you into a submission pro in no time.

Preparing Your Cards for Submission

Before you even think about filling out a submission form, you need to prepare your cards. This crucial first step ensures your cards are protected and presented to the graders in the best possible condition.

• Inspect Your Cards: Take a close, honest look at each card under a bright light. Pay attention to the four key areas of a grade: corners, edges, surface, and centering. Look for any imperfections like soft corners, white edges, print lines, scratches, or off-center borders. This will help you set realistic expectations for the grade and determine the card's declared value.
• Gentle Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface of the card to remove any fingerprints or dust. Be extremely careful and never use any chemicals or liquids, as this can damage the card and result in it being rejected by the grading company.
• Sleeve and Holder: First, place your card into a new, clean penny sleeve. Then, slide the sleeved card into a semi-rigid card holder. Companies like PSA prefer semi-rigid holders (such as Card Savers) over rigid toploaders because they are easier and safer for their team to remove the card from.

Choosing a Grading Service and Service Level

With your cards prepped, it's time to start the online submission process. The most popular grading companies are PSA, Beckett (BGS), and SGC. While their processes are similar, we'll use PSA as our primary example.

1. Create an Account: You'll need to create an account on the grading company's website.
2. Start a New Submission: Navigate to their online submission form.
3. Select a Service Level: This is one of the most important steps. The service level you choose depends on two things: the declared value of your card and your desired turnaround time.
   • Declared Value: This is your estimate of the card's value after it has been graded. It's used for insurance purposes by the grading company. Research recent sales of your card at various grade levels to make an accurate estimate.
   • Turnaround Time: Service levels range from cheaper, slower options (often called "Value" or "Bulk") that can take several months, to premium, faster services ("Express," "Super Express") that can be completed in a matter of days or weeks for a much higher fee.
4. Enter Card Details: You will need to enter the details for each card you are submitting, including the year, manufacturer, set, and player/character name. Accuracy is critical here to ensure your card is correctly identified on the label.

Packing and Shipping Your Submission

Once you complete the online form and pay, you'll receive a printable submission form. Now it's time to pack everything up securely.

• Order Your Cards: Arrange your cards in the exact order they appear on your submission form. This makes the intake process much smoother for the grading company.
• Secure the Stack: Place your stack of cards (in their semi-rigid holders) between two pieces of cardboard. Secure the "cardboard sandwich" with rubber bands or painter's tape. Make sure the bands aren't so tight that they bend the cards.
• Pack the Box: Place the secured stack in a shipping box with plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent it from moving around during transit. Include the printed submission form inside the box.
• Ship and Insure: Ship your package using a reliable carrier like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. It is highly recommended to purchase tracking and insurance for the shipment to protect your investment.

After that, all there is to do is wait! You can track the status of your order through your account on the grading company's website. Soon enough, you'll have your professionally graded and slabbed cards back in your hands.