Comprehensive Guide to Card Grading

 Sending a trading card to an outside service is called "card grading." The card is evaluated for validity, and its condition is graded, typically using a 10-point system. After that, the card is given an overall grade, placed within a holder that can't be tampered with, and given a cataloged serial number.

The unquestionable provenance of authenticity, the absence of subjective condition assignments, and an accountability system via an online database are some advantages of card grading. When comparing a card with all of these characteristics to an ungraded card in the same or comparable condition, the card's value is almost always higher. 

The Specifics of Card Grading

To get the most out of your grading submission, you should know a few things before submitting anything to a card grading firm. These include knowing what cards to grade, what service to choose, and the mechanics of shipping and insurance.

What to Grade

Selecting which cards to evaluate is an individualized and subjective process. However, there are several rules to go by that will help you save money and make your collection worth more. For instance, grading any one-of-one card makes no financial sense, yet people still need it. An already highly priced card is unlikely to gain value enough to cover the costs of being delivered, graded, insured, and returned. On the other hand, certain collectors might prefer a graded slab's enhanced protection.

Especially when submitting old cards for grading, it's a wise purchase. Cards in a particular grade are frequently the focus of set builders, player collectors, and team collectors. Eliminating the subjective element from self-evaluation offers an infallible method to verify that a card is genuinely in the state that its owner says.

The Cost of Card Grading

As mentioned earlier, exact fees differ among card grading companies; however, they all charge based on the following criteria:

• The number of cards submitted.

• The desired turnaround time to have your cards graded and returned.

Other factors that can determine service price are:

• The value of the card.

• Whether a card containing an autograph is to be authenticated or graded.

• If the card is oddball or oddly sized.

Storage, Archival, and Display

For instance, your graded Pokemon cards can be displayed and stored in various ways. Specially-sized packaging is needed due to the dimensions of an encased graded card. They range in complexity from straightforward cardboard boxes with corrugations to intricate wooden archival boxes lined with velvet. The decision is based on personal preference and financial constraints. 

How to Submit Cards for Grading

Before sending your cards for grading, you might need to get the following materials:

• Penny Sleeves

• Semi-Rigid Card Saver Holders

• Packing Peanuts or Bubble Wrap

• Packing Tape

The fundamentals of the technique are the same, even though the specifics may differ from company to organization. They entail packing cards to mail to the grading center and submitting a form. Before beginning the process, make sure you have a look at the submission policies particular to each organization. These broad principles, however, apply to all businesses.

Receiving Your Order

As soon as your order arrives, carefully inspect it. Compare the contents with the original copy of the submission form and the packaging slip. Make sure the grade on the label corresponds to your card by putting the number into the company's database to confirm that the cards have been properly cataloged.

Final Thoughts 

Whatever method you choose, ensure your graded cards are safe from stumbling into one another. There is a risk of scratches on the card capsules. This lessens the card's aesthetic attractiveness, even though it does not affect its grade or subsequent worth.