The major professional sports card grading companies that people use to have their cards graded include Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). These companies employ teams of experienced graders who will thoroughly inspect each card and assign it a numeric grade based on its condition and appearance.

The first step is to decide which grading company to use. PSA and BGS tend to be the most respected and can potentially increase a card’s value the most, but they also tend to have the longest wait times and highest grading fees. SGC and HCG are usually cheaper and faster options. You’ll want to consider the current turnaround times, your budget, and who potential buyers might prefer.

Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to register an account on their website if you don’t already have one. Then you can log in and start an order submission. Most companies allow you to submit cards either by individual card or in group bulk submission batches to save on costs. You’ll provide information about each card like the player, year, set, and any other relevant details.

Proper preparation of the cards is important for achieving the best possible grades. Use soft cotton gloves to carefully remove any card from its sleeve, toploader, or other protective holder. Inspect it under good lighting for any flaws, damages, or imperfections on the front or back. Gently wipe both sides with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue.

You’ll need to securely package each individual card in a protective sleeve before putting it into the submission slab or sheet provided by the grading company. This helps prevent damage or loss during shipping and handling. Double check that no part of the card is exposed or loose inside the sleeve.

Once all your cards are securely packaged, you can ship them to the grading company using their prepaid shipping label or your preferred carrier with insurance. Be sure to package well with ample padding to avoid any shifting or damages in transit. Tracking your shipment is also recommended.

After receiving, the grading company will meticulously inspect each card under strong lighting and magnification. Any flaws are closely examined and factored into the numerical grade from 1 to 10, with 10 being flawless gem mint. The graded card is then sealed in tamper-proof plastic holder with the grade clearly marked.

After grading is complete, the cards will be returned to you along with a detailed invoice and report of the assigned grades. Turnaround times can vary greatly depending on the company and service level selected, from a few weeks up to several months. Premium express services are available for rush submissions.

Once graded cards are returned, you can show off your collection, include high grades in a portfolio for potential sale, or list individually on auction sites. Grading increases confidence in a card’s condition and quality, which can significantly boost its value for serious collectors. Properly storing and insuring your investment graded cards is also recommended.

Using a reputable third-party grading service is the best way to objectively and permanently record the condition and authenticity of valuable sports cards. Taking the time for careful preparation and shipping ensures the best representation of each card being considered for an official professional grade. This process provides collectors and investors assurance and transparency for their prized memorabilia.