The first step to sending baseball cards for grading is to carefully evaluate which cards you want to submit. Make sure the cards are in excellent condition with no creases, folds, or edges that are worn. Grading companies like PSA, SGC, BGS will meticulously examine every detail of the card and any flaws will significantly decrease its grade. It’s best to submit your absolute highest quality vintage and modern rookie cards with the potential to receive the coveted PSA 10 or BGS Black Label grade.
Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to purchase grading submission service levels from the company. Most major companies offer different tiers depending on turnaround times and number of cards submitted. For example, PSA offers Economy at $10 per card with a 3 month return time, Express at $30 per card for 2-3 weeks, and Ultra Modern at $50 per card for just 1 week. Carefully consider your budget and patience for return time. Order submission supplies like card holders/slabs through the company as well.
Properly preparing the cards is critical. Handle them only from the edges and tops to avoid fingerprints or oils touching the surface. Gently wipe down the front and back with a microfiber cloth if any debris is visible. Fit each card snugly into the rigid plastic or magnetic submission holder without bends or creases. Fully complete the online submission form accurately listing the card details, estimated grade, and service level for each. Assign a unique PSA identification number to every card.
Package the completed submission forms, payment, and cards securely following the grading company’s instructions. PSA requires cards shipped between rigid boards surrounded by at least 1/2 inch of cardboard on all sides within a box. SGC prefers cards shipped in a rigid holder within an envelope. Always insure shipments through priority mail with tracking. Consider signature confirmation for more expensive submissions. Keep documentation of the declared value for insurance purposes if ever needed.
Once received, the grading process takes time depending on the service level. Experiencedgraders carefully examine each aspect like centering, corners, edges, and surfaces with specialized lighting and magnification tools. They assign raw grades which are then quality checked and sometimes revised by additional vetted graders. The final assigned grade and encapsulation into a protective holder occurs. Cards are then shipped back along with a detailed report of the grades.
Upon return, carefully open boxes and shipments to retrieve the freshly graded cards. Take note of grade assignments, always holding the card by the protective plastic holder and never touching the surface. Quickly review grades for accuracy and report discrepancies to the company if any mistakes are noticed. Properly store graded cards in a cool, dry place away from direct light to preserve their grade over the long term. Consider submitting especially high grade cards for potential regrading down the road if signs of softening are noticed after several years.
Sending valuable baseball cards to professional third party grading companies provides authenticated verification of condition, increases collectibility and value of top cards. With care taken in submission prep and shipping, along with patience during the grading process, collectors can confidently showcase and potentially profit from slabs housing the finest vintage and modern gem condition cards. Grading is highly recommended for especially exceptional specimens to maximize preservation and future enjoyment.
