Shipping supplies from PSA are recommended to ensure cards are properly and safely packaged for transport. PSA offers shipping kits that contain custom-fitted cardboard holders, acid-free cardboard sheets, toploaders, tamper-evident numbered seals and prepaid shipping labels. These kits maintain organization and protect cards during transit. Kits can be purchased directly from PSA or sourced from local card shops.
Once shipping materials are obtained, carefully evaluate each card to be sent. Cards must be in near-mint condition or better to receive interesting PSA grades. Clean any fingerprints or debris from the surface using recommended supplies like soft-bristle toothbrushes or optical cloth. Cards that show creases, corners rounding or edge wear typically won’t merit high grades. Set aside obviously flawed cards to avoid submission costs.
Next, place each card into a penny sleeve for added protection. For bigger submissions, arrange cards of the same set or player together in rows inside an acid-free sheet. Place the filled acid-free page into a custom cardboard cardboard according to PSA guidelines. Spacer/binder sheets go in between pages if submitting a thick stack.
After packing cards within holders, seal each with a numbered, tamper-evident sticker. Write the corresponding label number on the PSA submission form under the card listing. Photocopy the back of valuable vintage cards before sealing in case images need to be referenced later. Consistency is important when filling out submission paperwork – double check spellings, card descriptions and requested services match.
Once cards are securely packaged inside custom cardboard holders and submission forms are filled, it’s time to ship. Items can be sent using most carriers like USPS, UPS or FedEx with tracking and insurance. For extra security, consider requiring a signature upon delivery. Mark any irregular shipping containers to avoid damaged items upon arrival at PSA. Choose the appropriate submission tier based on turnaround needs. Standard can take several months while express runs just days but costs much more.
When received, PSA experts will methodically inspect each card. Any assigned numeric grade corresponds to the card’s state of preservation on a 1-10 point scale. Accompanying written reviews cite issues like centering, corners, edges or surfaces. After grading, cards are sealed in protective holders along with the printed PSA certification label. Owners can closely track progress online. Graded cards ship back within the anticipated window based on chosen submission tier.
Upon return, take inventory to ensure all cards were properly accounted for and graded by PSA experts. Though submission fees slightly decrease long term value, graded cards now carry PSA assurance for both condition and authenticity. This authentication process may unlock greater collecting interest and significantly higher resale value down the road. Carefully store cards away until next showcase or market sale. Going forward, keep newly acquired vintage or modern cards in penny sleeves until the next bulk submission to PSA when enough accumulate for an economy of scale. Repeating this proven process maximizes investment value for any sports card collection over time.
That covers the end-to-end process for sending cards to PSA in thorough detail spanning over packaging, submission, shipping, turnaround expectations and return/long-term storage considerations. Let me know if any part of the process requires further explanation or expansion. Carefully following the outlined best practices maximizes card protection and sets collectors up for obtaining trusted PSA certification to enhance overall collection value.
