Bulk Bonanza! Save on Grading Your Cards

In the world of trading card games (TCG), grading services play a crucial role in assessing the quality and authenticity of cards. While Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) stands out as a leading authority in this field, there are alternative options worth considering, especially when it comes to bulk grading. PSA offers a bulk submission service that allows you to efficiently submit a large number of cards for grading. In this guide, we’ll delve into what TCG bulk PSA entails, its benefits, considerations, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is PSA TCG Bulk?

TCG Bulk PSA is designed to offer a more cost-effective solution for grading a large volume of trading cards. This service is most suitable for collectors who have many cards they wish to grade at once while at the same time not having to spend a lot of money. It is offered within the frameworks of other services provided by the PSA grading service but is aimed at the collective handling of the items.

Minimum Quantity Requirement

To get the bulk grading service, the paper will have to meet the minimum number of cards for submission. This threshold often hovers around 20 cards. Collectors need to comply with this law first before they choose to go in bulk grading service.

How to Use TCG Bulk PSA Services

Submission Requirements

1. Minimum Submission Quantity

PSA also stipulates a minimum number of cards for a submission which is 25. A 10-card minimum limit is specified in the video guides for the Collectors Club members. It is advisable to visit the PSA website and learn more about how to go about submitting the entries.

2. Declared Value Limit

The credit card limit set will be $199. Therefore, TCG Bulk PSA services are ideal only for cards that you know will have a grade below PSA 9. The higher-end cards should be typically left for the PSA services, which have a higher expected grade.

Submission Process

1. Create an Account on the PSA Website

Head over to the PSA website (psacard.com) and create an account if you don’t have an account yet. If you’re a regular customer, just log in to your profile.

2. Navigate to the Submit Section

Log onto the PSA website and head to the “Submit” section. The location is specified via the main menu or on the homepage via a prominent link.

3. Select “Trading Card Game Bulk”

Open the “Submit” section and choose the “Trading Card Game Bulk” option under it. “This feature will bring you to the TCG submission service page dedicated to bulk submissions”.

4. Choose the Appropriate Bulk Service Tier

Based on whether your cards were issued in 2020 or not, pick the corresponding service tier for Bulk. PSA classified cards into different tiers depending on their issue date: cards issued before 1996 and cards issued from 1996 to the present. Pick the phrase that suits your cards the best.

5. Fill Out the Online Submission Form

After deciding on the best service, then you go to the online submission form to fill it up. The form will demand details of your cards, including the custom features or any distinctive instructions you may require.

6. Package Your Cards Securely

Safely packaging your cards is the very first step. When shipping them to PSA, you have to be careful. Refer to PSA’s guidelines, located on their site, to make sure your cards are also secure in transit. Separate the cart by using a cardboard divider to prevent the cart from touching and use packing peanut or bubble wrap for cushioning.

7. Print Shipping Labels

The form will be filled by you and PSA will provide you with pre-made shipping labels which you can print. You should print and stick these labels to the top of your package.

8. Ship Your Package to PSA:

After you have packed your package safely and attached the label, it’s now time to dispatch it to the Professional Service Authority. As the shipping method is crucial, use a trackable method with insurance to guarantee the safe delivery of your cards at PSA’s facility.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the TCG Bulk PSA service to submit your trading card collection for grading and authentication.

Key Features of TCG Bulk PSA

Lower Grading Fee

Another considerable benefit that TCG Bulk PSA has is a greatly slashed grading fee per card. While other grading services offered by PSA are somewhat costly, TCG Bulk PSA comes at a much cheaper price. This makes it a good option for those collectors who have many cards to send for grading.

Economical Choice: With a lowered fee, collectors can afford to give more cards while staying within the confines of the available budget.
Volume Advantage: Ideal for bulk submissions, making it cost-effective for large collections.

Value Limit

TCG Bulk PSA has a declared value limit per card, which is usually lower than the value offered by other standard PSA grading services. This limit is useful in checking expenses but it implies that cards with very high values may not be manageable in this grading service.

Declared Value Cap: Keeps the cost of grading low and could potentially eliminate high-priced cards.
Cost Management: Maintains grading fees low by preventing the insured value per card to rise.

Turnaround Time

TCG Bulk grading service has slightly longer turnaround time than the other general grading services offered by PSA. This is because there are more cards being processed under the bulk service than in the normal business day service.

Extended Processing Time: Due to the large number of cards, expect a longer wait time.
Batch Processing: The cards go through batches which are a disadvantage in the sense that the turn around time may take a while.

Collectors Club Requirement

Just like using TCG Bulk PSA, you will find that you can only do it if you are a member of the PSA Collectors Club. Available to members, some services such as TCG Bulk can be found as part of the privileges of being a member.

Membership Requirement: Gives access to bulk grading and other special features.
Added Benefits: This covers rewards like reduced prices, priority services, and many others.

Benefits of Using PSA TCG Bulk

1. Cost Savings

For collectors who have a large number of trading cards, TCG Bulk PSA offers substantial savings compared to grading each card individually. The reduced per-card fee can make a significant difference in overall grading costs.

Budget-Friendly: Ideal for collectors on a tight budget who still want professional grading.
Savings on Bulk Submissions: The lower fee per card can lead to considerable cost savings.

2. Convenience

By putting together an array of cards in a bigger set, we can simplify the grading options. This convenience is the biggest plus for collectors who have big collections as it minimizes the time spent on submitting so many specimens and samples individually.

3. Assurance of Quality

Getting your cards graded and certified by a highly respected organization like PSA gives you a feeling of confidence and tranquility. It assures that the collection keeps its market value and authenticity which is desired by all the serious collectors.

4. Grading

Cards submitted through TCG Bulk PSA receive a grading based on PSA’s 10-point scale. This provides an objective assessment of the card’s condition, which is crucial for collectors looking to understand the value and quality of their cards.

Objective Assessment: Cards are graded using PSA’s well-established 10-point scale.
Condition Evaluation: Helps collectors gauge the quality and potential value of their cards.

Things to Consider Before Using PSA TCG Bulk

1. Not Suitable for High-Value Cards

Even though PSA TCG Bulk makes possible attractive discounted services, there is a stipulated value limit per card. Thus, it’s not suggested to invest in costly cards, as they may surpass or hit this limit.

2. Longer Turnaround Time

In contrast to the individual one, bulk grading usually takes more time to be evaluated. Before the issuance of their graded cards collectors might be required to wait for a longer time.

3. Minimum Quantity Requirement

Collectors must first make certain that they possess enough cards to make at least the minimum limit of the grading. Below this limit may demand that an individual is approved until more lines of credentials are procured.

Is PSA TCG Bulk Right for You?

PSA TCG Bulk is made for collectors who want to sell their large collection of cards that are in common or of low prices. Authentication and grading of a substantial part of your collection without exceeding the limits of your budget? All this is possible through such a service. Nevertheless, you need to keep in mind all the pros as well as cautionary measures mentioned above to decide if it conforms to your particular requirements and expectations.

Exploring Alternative Bulk Grading Services

Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

Overview of BGS

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is one of the competitors of PSA, known for the provision of complete grading services to varied collectives ranging from trading card games.

Bulk Grading Options

BGS offers a mass-grading facility in a manner that is similar to PSA. Through this facility, collectors can submit their large amounts of cards for evaluation as well as encapsulation.

How TCG Bulk PSA Compares to Other Grading Options

Standard PSA Grading

Fees: Higher compared to TCG Bulk PSA.
Turnaround Time: Generally faster with individual submissions.
Value Limit: Higher value limit per card, suitable for more valuable items.

Other Bulk Grading Services

Cost: Other bulk services may offer different fee structures, but TCG Bulk PSA is competitive in pricing.
Turnaround Time: Varies by service; TCG Bulk PSA’s longer processing time is a trade-off for cost savings.
Features: Different services may have varying features, but TCG Bulk PSA is noted for its affordability and high standard of authentication.

Final Words

Even though PSA will always be the main service provider in the TCG grading world, the exploration of alternative options has opened opportunities for bulk graders and bargain hunters with a craving for efficiency. Whether top-tier grading companies like BGS and CGC are chosen or local resources are accessed, it is proven that bringing diversity to the grading strategy makes the grading process even more interesting and valuable.