How To Submit Your Sports Cards To Be Graded
Time to get your cards graded. Which cards do I chose? What company do I send them to? How do I send my cards to be graded? All good and common questions collectors ask all the time about grading their trading cards. Hopefully this article will answer some of those questions for you and lead you down the path of high grades and big money!
What are the best cards to send in to be graded?
Typically Rookie Cards, and high quality autograph cards are the best for cards manufactured during the 1990’s to the present. Card manufactures have gotten better at making high quality cards that grade higher than previous eras. Because of this you want to focus on premium or high-dollar cards only because the value of a high grade is not applied across the board. Higher value Rookie Signature cards, Autographs of star players, and premium muli-color jersey cards are a good starting point before you experiment with other cards.
Vintage cards or pre 1970’s can all be candidates for grading. Collectors sometimes try to collect an entire set that has been graded. These sets are tough to put together, and can attract huge premiums at auction. Even “common” cards graded NM and above can be worth looking for because the cost of grading will be far less than the premium gained at sale in most cases. For whatever reason, collectors tend to favor PSA for vintage cards likely because of Set Registry & for the fact PSA has been around the longest.
What Company do I send my cards to?
Phone: (800) 325-1121
Professional Sports Authenticator
P.O. Box 6180
Newport Beach, CA 92658
PROS
Clear & Simple Grading Scale
Huge Population Report
CONS
3 PSA Board of Experts were implicated on an FBI Shill Bidder List
Phone: 972-991-6657
Beckett Media LLC
4635 McEwen Road
Dallas, Texas 75244
Interested In Submitting 50 Cards to Beckett Grading?
PROS
Regular Sales & Discounts
Heavy Duty Card Case
Detailed Grading System
CONS
Used Be Known For “Tougher” Grading Standards
BGS, BVG, BCCG & BG Variations
Phone: 1-800-SGC-9212
Sportscard Guaranty LLC
951 Yamato Rd, Suite 110
Boca Raton, FL 33431
PROS
Regular Sales & Discounts
Trusted Experienced Company
CONS
Odd 100 Point Grading Scale
3rd Choice among Grading Co.
The Black Card Holder
Dave Forman – owner of SGC Grading – was named by the FBI as a shill bidder in auctions conducted by convicted felon Bill Mastro. The same week the list of shill bidder names were released, SGC moved their company headquarters to Florida.
Should I Grade My Cards With A Company You Don’t List?
No. It really doesn’t matter how low the price is, you are mainly paying for reputation when you’re grading cards. When you grade cards from a no-name grading company … you’re not going to add any value to the cards. Just because I list some “cons” about the companies above … at least these grading company’s have some brand/collector recognition – which is really what you’re paying for.
How Do I send my cards to be graded?
First thing you want to do after selecting a company to send your cards to is find their Submission Forms. Some offer electronic submissions, others require you to print out the form and send it in with the cards. Always include the form when you send your cards in so they are not misplaced or lost when being graded. Double check your form as well for any errors, misspellings, and other information.
How to package your cards?
This all depends on how many cards you are sending. If you are sending multiple cards, a box works the best. Be sure the box is large enough so if it is partially crushed your cards will not be damaged. A large box with foam/padding and a smaller box with your cards in it is the best way to send cards in via the mail. Find a few empty boxes around the house and you’re good to go.
If you are only sending a few cards packaging them in-between cardboard and placing them in a bubble mailer is usually acceptable. I would not recommend this for high value or rare cards, a box is always the way to go.
Remember, Fedx, UPS, and USPS all have different rules for packaging and you will want to make sure you check them before you package your cards. Also, they all offer FREE boxes to use for your packaging. I would use Fedx or UPS if you are sending very valuable cards because their tracking system is far better than USPS. However USPS offers the lowest prices for the most part and you can pick up Priority Boxes at almost any post office for Free! Just be sure to use Delivery Confirmation and possibly registered mail too. The grading company’s require you to declare a value and pay a return shipping which includes insurance for the amount you have stipulated.
Can I Submit My Cards In Person?
Yes. While can’t walk directly into PSA/BGS and submit cards you can submit your cards in person. PSA/BGS/SGC routinely tour the country at card shows and individual card shops. You can also find some reputable dealers across the country who will submit your cards for you was well, but the number of these shops has dwindled down to a point that I’d be surprised if you found someone in your area.
– Comic Book Collectors: How To Grade Your Comic Book Information
