Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is widely considered the gold standard for third-party grading of sports cards and other collectibles. When it comes to modern baseball cards in particular, PSA slabs are seen as essential for maintaining and potentially increasing a card’s value. The costs associated with the PSA submission and grading process can add up quickly. In this article, we will explore the various costs one can expect when sending cards to PSA to be graded and encapsulated in their protective holders.
The most basic cost is the submission fee itself, which depends on how many cards are being submitted for grading. PSA offers several submission tiers based on quantity. For 1-9 cards, the fee is $15 per card. For 10-49 cards, the fee drops to $12 per card. The 50+ card tier is $10 per card. So even for a small submission of just a few rookie cards or autographs, plan on paying at least $15 per card before factoring in any other expenses.
In addition to the per card submission fee, there is also a one-time submission setup fee that applies no matter how many cards are included. This setup fee is currently $15. So for example, a submission of 5 cards would incur a $15 setup fee plus 5 cards at $15 each, for a total submission cost of $90 before shipping and insurance. Larger submissions see this setup fee become less significant on a per card basis.
Once the cards arrive at PSA, they enter the grading queue. Most modern submissions are currently expected to take 4-6 months to grade, though PSA does offer various express service upgrades to expedite turnaround times. After grading, the cards are then encapsulated and returned to the submitter. This is where shipping costs come into play. PSA charges actual shipping costs without markup, but plan on $20-40 for return shipping depending on package size and speed of delivery.
Insuring the valuable cards during transit is also highly recommended. PSA’s insurance program charges 1% of declared value with a $3 minimum. So for example, insuring a $500 submission would cost $5. Replacement value insurance is also available which covers the current market value rather than just the original purchase price.
After accounting for all these costs, a typical PSA baseball card grading submission of 5 modern rookie cards could easily run $150 or more before even considering the value of the cards themselves. Larger bulk submissions and value-added services like express grading can drive total costs even higher. For investors and serious collectors, the added value of third-party authentication may certainly be worth it – but it’s important to have realistic expectations of the associated expenses up front.
Strategic planning of submissions is key to maximizing returns. Grouping cards by player, year, or set can allow for combining shipping to reduce per card costs. Budgeting the cash flow from submissions over time rather than all at once spreads expenses more evenly. And choosing the appropriate service level based on individual card values and timelines ensures money isn’t wasted on unnecessary upgrades. With discipline and care, the costs of PSA grading need not be prohibitive for most collectors. Just be sure to do the math before slabbing that prized rookie to understand what it will truly cost in the long run.
In summary, PSA authentication is the gold standard for modern sports cards, but their services do not come cheaply. Submission, grading, shipping and insurance fees add up quickly per card. Budget-conscious collectors need to carefully consider costs versus potential value increases when deciding which cards are worthy of professional third-party review. With strategic planning of submissions over time, the expenses of PSA can be managed to maximize returns on investment. Just go into the process with eyes wide open about what the true financial commitment will be from start to graded cards back in hand.
