The first step is to determine which cards you want to submit for grading. Only send in cards that you believe could potentially grade as gem mint (PSA 10) or near gem mint (PSA 9) condition. Sending in obviously lower grade cards will just be a waste of money. Take a close look at each card under good lighting and examine it for any flaws, scratches, dings, centering issues, etc. That will help you decide which have the best chance at the top grades.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to purchase shipping supplies from PSA. They offer various submission package options depending on how many cards you want to grade. The packages include custom-cut cardboard holders, magnetic sheets to secure the cards in the holders, ID labels, and return boxes. You can purchase these online through the PSA website.

When your submission materials arrive, it’s time to prepare the cards. Place each card into its own cardboard holder. Make sure the card is centered both vertically and horizontally under the opening. Then securely affix it in place using the provided magnetic sheet. Fill out an identifier label for each card listing the player, year, set, and any other relevant details. Attach the label to the back of the holder below the card.

Once all your cards are cleanly and securely packed into holders with labels attached, it’s time to package them for shipping. Place the holders into the provided return box sequentially in their labeled order. Fill any empty space with shipping approved packing material like bubble wrap or air bags to prevent rattling during transit. Then seal up the box securely with clear shipping tape on all seams.

Print your prepaid shipping label or drop the box off at a PSA authorized shipping center. They offer discounted rates through Fedex or UPS. Be sure it’s sent with tracking and insured for the total declared value of your cards.

Upon receipt at PSA, your submission will be logged in and assigned a submission number. From there it will enter the grading process. PSA has strict standards and each card is carefully inspected under magnification by multiple experienced graders. They examine factors like centering, corners, edges, surface, and appearance. Any flaws affect the numerical grade from 1-10.

Once grading is complete, the turnaround time averages 2-4 months depending on submission volume and service level selected. But PSA can take upwards of 6-12 months for bulk orders or economy service during busy periods. You’ll receive an email notification when your graded cards return.

The cards will come back in new plastic display holders labeled with the PSA grade, your submission number for tracking, and a unique certificate number for each card. Review the grades closely and check they match your cards and labels. Although re-consideration is possible for obvious errors, PSA grades are not guaranteed and their decision is final.

Any questions about the return can be directed to PSA customer service for clarification. They aim to resolve issues professionally. With careful preparation and realistic expectations of turnaround, using PSA is the gold standard way for serious collectors to authenticate, grade, and slab iconic vintage and modern basketball cards destined for long-term preservation and investment. Let me know if any part of the process requires further explanation.

The first step in the process of getting baseball cards graded is to select which grading service you want to use. The three largest and most reputable services are Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and Hit Parade Grading (HPG). Each service examines cards differently and has its own grading scale, so it’s important to understand their methodology.

Once you’ve selected a service, you’ll need to register an account on their website if you don’t already have one. This involves providing some basic contact and billing information. The next step is to choose your grading submission method. Most services offer regular and economy submission options with different turnaround times and costs. Regular provides the fastest return typically within 30 days while economy can take 90 days but is cheaper.

Now you’ll need to carefully package your cards for submission. It’s crucial they are shipped safely and securely to avoid any damage in transit. Cards should be placed in rigid holders like penny sleeves or toploaders, and then surrounded by additional padding like paper or bubble wrap inside a solid cardboard mailer. Consider Registered Mail through the USPS for tracking and insurance.

On the grading service’s website, you’ll enter details for each individual card in your group submission like the player, year, set/issue and any noteworthy flaws or uniqueness. Be as detailed as possible here. You’ll then generate shipping labels and pay for the grading service. Prices vary per card but average $10-20 each depending on the tier chosen.

Once received, the cards go through a meticulous authentication and grading process. Experienced graders examine various aspects under bright lighting like centering, corners, edges and surface for any flaws or impairments. They will then assign a numerical grade on a scale, such as 1-10 for BGS or 1-10 for PSA. Slabbing involves securely encapsulating the card in a tamper-proof plastic case with the assigned grade clearly visible.

After grading, you’ll receive an email notification that your submission is complete. From there it’s shipped back to you, typically within the original estimated turnaround timeframe provided grades weren’t requested to be “hold for attribution” which takes more research. You can then track the return package on the shipping label.

Upon receiving back the graded cards, take time to admire the slabs and newfound protection for your investments. Carefully store them for long-term preservation of condition. Graded cards now have established professional quality assurance that helps lead to transparent pricing in the collecting marketplace. The grading process, while detailed, lends authenticity, authentication and standardized condition assessment.

Choosing a reputable service, carefully preparing cards for shipment, thoroughly detailing each for grading consideration, patiently awaiting return shipment with results – following this process helps baseball collectors properly authenticate, conservatively preserve, and impartially qualify the condition and value of their cherished cardboard pieces of history. With third-party impartiality and standardization, the hobby becomes all the more enjoyable and collectibles even more worthwhile investments.

Getting your baseball cards graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is a great way to verify the condition and authenticity of vintage and modern cards. The PSA grading process ensures your cards areencapsulated in tamper-proof holders that protect them while also communicating their verified grade to potential buyers.

The first step is to choose which cards you want to submit for grading. PSA recommends choosing higher value cards worth $50 or more in their assigned grade. Consider the card’s condition, scarcity, and whether third party verification of its authenticity and grade may increase its value. Have realistic expectations of the likely PSA assigned grade based on the card’s condition compared to published population reports. Damaged cards are unlikely to grade highly.

Once you’ve chosen the cards, you’ll need to properly prepare them for submission. Handle the cards as little as possible by their edges and corners to avoid adding fingerprints or damage. Gently wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove oils or fingerprints if needed. Make sure the cards are securely packed for shipment, with sturdy packaging and without the risk of bending, indenting or scratching during transit. PSA provides sample shipping packages and guidelines on their website to help.

You’ll need to register for a PSA account on their website and become familiar with their submission service levels and pricing policies. PSA offers various service levels from economy to express, with tradeoffs of waiting period and fees. Choose the appropriate service level based on your needs and budget. Feesare charged per card and are based on current service level rates.

With your PSA account ready, you can begin a new submission order and enter details of each card including any special grading notes. Carefully read PSA’s population report definitions for each assigned grade to ensure realistic expectations. You’ll need to specify the service level, provide payment and print shipping labels for your submission package. PSA recommends using their tape, labels and package templates for consistency.

Package the cards securely in the labeled shipping package and send it to PSA via a trackable carrier like UPS. Once received, PSA experts will carefully inspect and grade each card. The entire authentication and grading process may take 4-12 weeks depending on volume and the service level chosen. You’ll receive email status updates as the cards progress through their system.

After completing the grading process, the encapsulated and assigned-grade labeled cards are returned to you along with a detailed report recapping the process. Check the results thoroughly upon receipt, as PSA will stand by their assigned authenticity and condition grades. You now have professionally verified baseball cards encapsulated for protection that also communicate their verified market values to potential buyers down the road.

Getting baseball cards professionally authenticated and assigned accurate numeric grades by PSA is an invaluable service for serious collectors and investors. Following their detailed submission guidelines helps ensure a smooth experience. Taking care to choose cards likely to grade favorably also makes the most of the inspection fees required by the process. The verified confidence and holder protection provided in return makes this the gold standard for card grading.