The first step is to select a grading company to use. There are several reputable third-party grading companies that provide authentication and grading services for baseball cards such as PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Company), and HGA (Hobby Grade Access). Each company has its own brand recognition and following within the hobby.
Once you’ve selected a grading company, you’ll need to gather the cards you wish to have graded. Take care in handling the cards so as not to damage them further prior to submission. It’s recommended to store valuable cards in protective holders like toploaders, penny sleeves, or magnetic boxes until you’re ready to submit.
Next, you need to properly prepare your cards for submission. This involves securely packing the cards for shipping in order to prevent bending, scratches or other damage during transit. Rigid card holders or sheets of cardboard are often used along with packing material like bubble wrap or air packets. Cards should be packed one per holder for protection.
Each grading company has detailed submission instructions and guidelines on their website which you need to review and follow closely regarding packing, submission forms, pricing tiers, and service level options. You’ll need to fill out a submission form providing details on the cards, desired turnaround time and payment. Forms can usually be filled out online.
Once properly prepared, you’ll ship your cards to the grading company using a tracked shipping method for security. Delivery confirmation is important in case any cards get lost in transit which could absolve you of responsibility. Insurance is also recommended in case of damage or loss during shipping.
Grading companies receive high volumes of submissions daily so turnaround times will vary based on the service level selected but often range from a few weeks to months depending on volume. You can track the progress of your submission online once it’s received.
The grading process involves expert card authentication and condition analysis under special lighting and high magnification equipment. Graders will examine various aspects of each card such as centering, corners, edges and surface for flaws that could negatively impact the numerical grade assigned.
Once graded, the card is inserted into a protective plastic holder or slab engraved with the assigned grade. Slabbed cards are then securely packaged and shipped back to you. Lower graded cards may sometimes be returned raw in toploaders. Final prices will include grading fees plus shipping costs.
Higher graded rookie cards or especially valuable vintage cards often experience significant appreciation in value post-grading due to third party certification of authenticity and condition which collectors desire for high-dollar transactions. Lower graded examples may see lesser value increase or remain fairly static depending on demand factors.
As you can see, the baseball card grading process involves careful preparation, following submission guidelines precisely, waiting for return, and then enjoying protecting and potentially appreciating your now certified collectibles long-term as important aspects of your collection or potential investment portfolio. With care at each step, this can help maximize a card’s protection and recognized value within the collecting community.
