Getting your valuable baseball card collection professionally graded can help unlock its full potential value. Third party grading companies like PSA, BGS, SGC and others assign numerical grade conditions that bring standardization and trust to the marketplace. But how do you know which companies to use, what the grading process entails, and where you can get cards graded locally? This comprehensive guide will outline everything you need to know about grading baseball cards near you.
The Big Three Grading Companies
When it comes to baseball card grading, there are three major third party authentication and grading services that dominate the industry – PSA, BGS, and SGC. Each brings their own distinguishing qualities:
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the gold standard, setting the market value standard since inception in 1991. They pioneered the concept of third party authentication and numerical grading scales. PSA is best for high value vintage and modern cards.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services) was founded in 1992 and uses a more subjective color-based sub-grade system along with an overall grade. BGS holders tend to command a slight premium over PSA for modern inserts and parallels.
SGC (Sportscard Garanty Company) is a newer entrant from 2000 focusing on affordability and fast turnaround times. While more affordable, SGC cards may carry a small inherent discount relative to the other top two companies. SGC is a good option for budget collectors.
All three companies use a rigorous scientific analysis process and have multilevel quality control to ensure grading consistency and protect against grader bias. Consider the various company reputation, holder design, population report data and your intended future sale needs when deciding which to use.
Grading Process Overview
Here are the basic steps that any card will go through during the grading process:
Submit your card(s) using the company’s submission form and paying the appropriate grading fee per card (usually $10-20 depending on service level).
The submission will be logged in the company’s database and the cards will enter the authentication queue.
An authenticator will thoroughly inspect the card under high powered microscopes and sophisticated digital imaging to verify it has not been tampered with, trimmed or altered. Any restoration work will be noted.
If deemed authentic, the card advances to grading where a trained grader will analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surface for wear based on standardized grade criteria.
Numerical grades on the popular 20-point scale are applied (8 is excellent condition) along with optional Star/Gem sub grades.
6 6. Cards move through quality control review by a separate auditor.
The card is sealed in the company’s tamper evident holder with the assigned grade clearly displayed for prospective buyers to see.
The sealed holder is then shipped back to you along with a photo/digital imaging confirmation of the grade details for your records. The grading registry is also documented.
This process aims to remove bias and subjectivity so investors and collectors can have confidence placing value based on the assigned numeric grade. Overall a rigorous scientific process that typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on volume and selected service level.
Grading Near Me Options
Now that you understand the top companies and grading process, how can you get cards graded locally to avoid lengthy mail-in times? Here are some nearby options:
Show and drop services – PSA, BGS, SGC and others offer options at select card shows to hand over submissions for express or economy bulk grading off-site. Ask at your next local vintage or modern card show.
Authorized on-site graders – Some local card shops partner with grading companies and have authorized resident graders who can do instant grading of smaller bulk submissions on the spot in their store. A personal inspection before sealing.
Local authentication/grading stores – Independent stores like Philadelphia’s “Beckett Authentication” offer full grading authentication services on-consignment for all the major companies. Fast turnaround without paying corporate submission fees.
Hobby insider Facebook groups – Connected collectors offer group submission deals and ride shares for onsite/express bulk drop off and pickups of major grading sites which are often within driving distance of major metro areas.
In-person grading courses – Events hosted by the graders themselves to learn directly from experts and get on-site feedback/preliminary grades for cards before deciding to submit through normal channels.
With a bit of searching, you open up new possibilities for getting valuable cards authenticated, graded and slabbed locally to avoid shipping hassles and wait times. Talk to your local shop or check Facebook to find grading help close to home.
Final Tips Before You Submit
Above all, only grade cards you truly believe have a chance to grade well. Submitting everything risks wasting money on cards not worthy. Also consider:
Choose your grading company based on intended future sale/ highest estimated return. Not all companies are equal.
Card shows/shops often offer group submissions for bulk saving on fees and faster return.
Always be meticulous prepping the card surfaces for digital imaging and sent under perfect penny sleeve/toploader protection to survive shipping.
Know the population report data and true market prices to calculate estimated grading costs versus potential post-grade value increase.
Getting the right cards professionally graded is a key investment strategy for collectors and investors looking to unlock market value and ensure authenticity over the long run. With the right research on services, process and available options near you, it has never been easier to take advantage of third-party grading for your most prized baseball card possessions. Take the first step to increasing returns on your collection.
