To properly grade baseball cards online, there are several important steps to follow to ensure the grade is accurate and reliable. The primary companies that offer grading services online are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS).
The first step is to choose the cards you want to grade. It’s recommended to only submit valuable cards worth $50 or more in ungraded condition. Examine each card closely under good lighting to check for any flaws, wear or damage that could hurt the grade. Take high-quality scans or photos of each observed angle.
Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to register for an account on the grading company’s website. Most require basic identity verification. Read all submission guidelines and use the correct submission form. You’ll need to describe each card, its condition, and estimated grade.
Properly package the cards for shipping. It’s best to use hard plastic or magnetic holders to keep the cards rigid and protected. Place each individually holder card into a toploader, then into a cardboard mailer or box with ample packing material. Write the submission form number on the outside of the package.
Ship the cards to the grading company using a tracked carrier like USPS Priority Mail or FedEx/UPS for proof of delivery. Be sure to insure the full declared value of the submission. Keep the tracking number for your records. Most companies allow you to check the status of submissions online.
Once received, the skilled graders at PSA or BGS will thoroughly examine each card under powerful magnification while wearing gloves. They consider centering, corners, edges, surface and any flaws in assigning 1-10 numerical grade on the BGS scale or 1-10 on the PSA scale.
After grading, the qualified graders will encase each approved card in a tamper-proof plastic holder stamped with the grade, company logo and unique certification ID number. Unqualified cards may be crossed out and returned raw. The whole grading process usually takes 4-6 weeks on average depending on volume.
You’ll receive an email when grading is complete with return shipping costs and options. Carefully inspect each holder card upon receipt to verify grades match what was submitted. If there are any discrepancies, both companies offer resubmit options and re-consideration of grades.
With a third-party verified grade, your cards now have established value tracked through historical sales data online. PSA/BGS slabs increase collectability and peace of mind when buying, selling or trading graded vintage and modern baseball cards online through platforms like eBay. Properly submitting and receiving a reliable grade is crucial for maximizing card value long term.
