Master Your Pokemon Card Collection with Expert Grading Techniques

Trading card collection is not complete without taking appropriate measures on the physical health or the condition of these cards and then giving them their grades since it is crucial both to the card collectors and the hobbies. For those people desiring to have their cards in excellent form, the most common tendency is to have them certified by a grading company. Whether it be Scrabble cards, Pokémon, or any TCG, one thing remains a constant and that is the need to guard and enhance the worth of your card pile.

In this blog, we will discuss How to Send Cards to Get Graded in 2024 it complete guide.

Choose a Grading Service

The first step in sending your cards for grading is selecting a reputable grading service. There are several options available, each with its own set of criteria, pricing structures, and turnaround times. Some of the most well-known grading services include:

• Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
• Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)
• Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

Before deciding to choose a particular company, research them thoroughly. Check the industry’s reputation, their skill in grading for your type of cards, and how much it will cost them.

Select the Cards You Want Graded

Not all cards are of the same kind or have the same value, so not all cards warrant grading. Careful consideration must be given as to which cards from your collection should enter the grading process.

• Card Rarity and Desirability
• Card Condition (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface)
• Player or Character Depicted (For Sports or Collectible Cards)

Evaluate your card collection and select the cards that are in good condition and which are likely to increase in value after certification.

Prepare Your Cards

Before sending your cards off for grading, it’s essential to prepare them properly to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition. Here’s what you’ll need:

Penny Sleeves

Thin plastic sleeves that protect your cards from scratches.

Semi-Rigid Holders (Optional)

Provide extra protection for valuable cards.

Packing Materials

Cardboard box, bubble wrap, packing tape.

Here’s how to prepare your cards:

1. Gently place each card in a penny sleeve to protect it from scratches.
2. If using semi-rigid holders, slide the sleeved card into the holder for additional protection.
3. Organize your cards according to the grading service’s instructions to streamline the submission process.

Submit Your Cards

Once your cards are prepared, it’s time to submit them to the grading service of your choice. The submission process typically involves the following steps:

Filling out a Submission Form

Online or by mail.

Declaring the Value of Your Cards

For insurance purposes.

Choosing a Service Level

Options may include regular or express grading.

Paying the Grading Fees

Make sure that you abide by the submission guidelines provided by the service or otherwise it will be delayed or may perhaps be complicated.

Package and Ship Your Cards

Proper packaging is essential to protect your cards during transit. Follow these steps to package and ship your cards securely:

1. Put your cards in a sturdy cardboard box and provide enough protection, such as bubble wrap, for them from any harm.
2. The submission form should be within the box itself in case it’s needed.
3. Close the box using sturdy tape so it does not get open while in transit.
4. Instruction to mail the package to the grading service via the trackable shipping method enabling you to follow up on the shipment progress.

Track Your Submission and Receive Your Graded Cards

After you send in your submission, you can monitor its status in the grading process by following it through the grading stages. The service will always keep you up to date about the status of your items, especially once your cards have been graded. When graded your cards will be e-mailed to you safely packaged with an assigned grade.

Tips for Sending Cards to Get Graded

1. Do Your Research: The card game is not an ordinary game. Reach out for expert valuation of your card’s potential value and rarity to make sure it’s not priced too high or too low to grade it.
2. Choose the Right Service: Different grading companies have varying strengths and target audiences. Consider factors like turnaround time, reputation, and pricing structure when selecting a service.
3. Card Condition is Key: Only mail cards in the best condition possible, without any major imperfections. Grading companies do such a job as centering, corners, edges, surface, and overall eye appeal. To give a slightly off-center card, even if it belongs to the best player, can be a disaster.
4. Prepare Carefully: Manage your cards with utmost care during the course of their preparation. Buy penny sleeves and consider semi-rigid holders to increase the sheet of protection. Follow the grading service specification on how to package and submit the assignments.
5. Consider Insurance: Special cards may need to be secured by additional insurance for their transportation. This gives people assurance that no loss or damage will be a concern.
6. Patience is a Virtue: Each grading time varies based on the sort of service being carried out as well as its load. Expect to wait for some time, it might take weeks or months until you get your graded cards returned to you.
7. Bulk Up (Strategically): Some grading companies provide different pricing based on the number of cards that have to be submitted. You can try sending more cards at once and maybe there will be a lower cost for each one. Nevertheless, make sure they are identical plans requiring the same service if you don’t want your customer to be shocked by higher service fees.

Benefits of Sending Cards to Get Graded

1. Increased Value: Grading 9 or 10 can double the price of a baseball card in the second-hand market. Graded cards which are perceived as reliable and safe tend to attract hobbyists who pay more.
2. Authentication: The grading services of these platforms cross-check the card’s real-ness, thus, enabling you to identify fakes and providing comfort to prospective buyers that the item is genuine.
3. Preservation: The safety of the cost as it comes in a tamper-evident holder protects it from any future damage maintaining the coin preserve for many years.
4. Liquidity: Graded cards tend to be more liquid because they have established pricing set by market forces and there is a wider group of collectors interested in buying them.

How to Grade Pokemon Cards Yourself

Evaluating your Pokemon cards before sending them for grading is essential to ensure you achieve the highest possible grade. Here are the key aspects to examine:

Centering

Centering refers to how well the card’s image and borders are aligned. To check centering, compare the width of the borders on all sides of the card. Ideally, the borders should be even, with no side appearing significantly wider than the others. A well-centered card will have balanced proportions, contributing to a higher grade.

Corners

Inspect the corners of your card closely. Look for any signs of wear, such as rounding, fraying, or bending. Sharp, clean corners are crucial for achieving a high grade, as they indicate the card has been well-preserved. Use a magnifying glass if necessary to spot any minor imperfections.

Edges

Examine the edges of your card for any chipping, fraying, or discoloration. The edges should be smooth and free of damage. Pay special attention to the top and bottom edges, as these areas are more prone to wear from handling and storage.

Surface

The surface of your card should be free of scratches, dents, or other imperfections. Hold the card under a bright light to check for any surface damage that may not be immediately visible. Look for print lines, creases, or any other marks that could affect the card’s overall appearance.

Insider Tips for Accurate Grading

Achieving an accurate grade for your Pokemon cards requires attention to detail and a keen eye for potential flaws. Here are some expert tips to help you evaluate your cards like a pro:

Use Proper Lighting and Tools

Good lighting is essential for inspecting your cards thoroughly. Natural daylight or bright LED light can help you spot imperfections that might be missed under dim lighting. Additionally, consider using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to examine your cards up close.

Compare with Graded Examples

Familiarize yourself with graded examples of Pokemon cards at various grades. This will give you a better understanding of what to look for and help you set realistic expectations for your cards. Online resources, forums, and grading guides can provide valuable insights and visual references.

Avoid Common Mistakes

One common mistake collectors make is overestimating the condition of their cards. Be objective and critical when evaluating your cards, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if needed. Another mistake is neglecting to handle cards properly, which can lead to additional wear and damage. Always use clean hands, avoid touching the surface, and handle cards by the edges.

Read Also: What Rookie Cards are Worth Money

Last Words

Sending in your cards for evaluation is a favorable occasion, but you need to put your mind in the right place and do everything in a precise way. By using the guidelines mentioned above, your cards will be dealt with attentively and safely returned to you. Whether you are a veteran collector or a rookie to the trading cards world, correct grading could be a lifesaver as it will maintain the value of your investment for decades.