If you're an avid collector or investor in trading cards, you understand the importance of professionally grading your cards.
Submitting your cards to a grading company helps determine their condition and authenticity and enhances their overall value. However, the process can be daunting, especially for those new to the world of card grading.
To help you navigate this journey, we have compiled a list of the top 10 tips for submitting cards to a grading company. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful grading experience.
1. Research the Grading Companies:
Before choosing a grading company, it's crucial to research and understand the various options available. Look into reputable companies and consider factors such as their reputation, turnaround times, pricing, and expertise in specific card categories.
2. Inspect Your Cards Carefully:
Thoroughly examine your cards for any imperfections, such as creases, stains, or printing defects. Pay close attention to the card’s corners, edges, and surfaces. Identifying these flaws before submission allows you to make informed decisions about which cards are worth grading and which ones may not be worth the cost.
3. Choose the Right Service Level:
Grading companies typically offer different service levels, ranging from economy to express. Consider the turnaround time you're comfortable with and the value of the cards you're submitting when selecting the appropriate service level. Keep in mind that faster turnaround times often come with a higher cost.
4. Protect Your Cards During Shipping:
Ensure your cards are well-protected during transit to prevent any damage. Use appropriate card sleeves, top loaders, or semi-rigid holders. Place the cards in a sturdy shipping box with proper padding to minimize the risk of movement or impact during transportation.
5. Provide Accurate Documentation:
When submitting your cards, ensure you accurately document each card's details, including its name, set, year, and any notable features. This information is vital for accurate identification and cataloguing. Double-check your documentation before sending it along with your cards to avoid any confusion.
6. Consider Insurance:
If you're submitting valuable or rare cards, it's wise to consider purchasing insurance for your shipment. While most grading companies take great care in handling
your cards, accidents can still happen. Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
7. Be Patient:
Grading cards is a meticulous process, and it takes time to complete. Understand that there will be a waiting period before you receive your graded cards back. Be patient and avoid contacting the grading company excessively for updates. Trust in their expertise and allow them the necessary time to accurately evaluate and grade your cards.
8. Keep Track of Your Submissions:
Maintain a record of the cards you've submitted, their grades, and any other relevant details. This helps you keep track of your collection and facilitates future transactions or potential resale. Organise your records in a systematic manner, either digitally or through a physical filing system.
9. Learn from the Results:
Once you receive your graded cards back, take the time to review the results. Understand the grading criteria and how it applies to each card. If you receive lower grades than expected, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your assessment skills for future submissions.
10. Store Your Graded Cards Properly:
After receiving your graded cards, store them in appropriate protective cases, such as card sleeves, top loaders, or graded card holders. These cases preserve the condition and integrity of your cards, ensuring they maintain their value over time. Consider investing in a secure storage solution, such as a card storage box, to organise and protect your graded cards.
Submitting cards to a grading company is an essential step for collectors and investors looking to enhance the value and authenticity of their trading cards. Following these top 10 tips can streamline the process and increase your chances of a successful grading experience. Remember to research grading companies, carefully inspect your cards, select the right service level, protect your cards during shipping, provide accurate documentation, consider insurance, be patient, keep track of your submissions, learn from the results, and store your graded cards properly. With these guidelines in mind, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your card grading journey. Happy collecting!