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WHERE TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS FOR GRADING

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – PSA is widely considered the gold standard for trading card authentication and grading. They have graded over 50 million cards and are the largest and most well-known third party grading service. Some key things to know about sending to PSA:

Pricing – PSA offers several service levels from basic to express. Basic can take 4-6 months and costs $12-20 per card depending on turnaround time desired. Express services are more expensive but cards can be returned in as little as 2-3 weeks.

Grading Scale – PSA uses a 1-10 scale to grade cards, with 10 being perfect gem mint condition. They are very strict graders and it can be difficult to achieve grades of 9 or 10, even for cards in amazing condition.

Submission Process – You can either send cards individually in magnetic submission holders or in bulk order submission forms depending on how many cards you are sending. Proper packaging and paperwork must be included.

Wait Times – Basic service level estimated wait times are currently 4-6 months due to high demand during the pandemic. Express services have shorter 2-3 week turnaround times but are more costly.

Reputation – PSA is the gold standard for a reason. Their certified graded slabs increase the value and liquidity of your cards tremendously and are widely trusted in the hobby. Certified PSA/DNA cards hold their value best over time.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – BGS is the other major player alongside PSA. Some things to note about BGS:

Grading Scale – BGS uses a similar 1-10 scale but also adds + qualifiers. So a 9.5 BGS Black Label card is the highest grade possible.

Slab Design – BGS slabs have a black and yellow design that is highly recognizable in the hobby. Many collectors prefer this design aesthetic.

Turnaround Times – BGS claims average return times of 3-6 months currently, though many report longer waits due to high demand during the pandemic. They also offer express tier services.

Submission Process – Same as PSA with magnetic holders or submission forms. Proper packaging and paperwork required.

Modern Pop Reports – BGS provides accessible population reports for modern cards graded, which many find valuable. PSA population data is not as transparent.

Both PSA and BGS guarantee their certified graded slabs greatly increase the value and liquidity of your cards. As long as it’s a recognized third party grader, the authentication and grade restore confidence in the condition and legitimacy of the card.

Some other reputable but smaller third party graders include SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Company), HGA (Hidden Gems Authentication), and BVG (Baseball Card Exchange). But PSA and BGS remain the heavyweights of the industry due to their size and brand recognition worldwide.

When choosing which company to use, consider the expected return time, your budget, slab/grade preference, and what is most important for the cards you plan to submit. Also inquire about special bulk submission deals and membership options that can save you money on fees in the long run.

Proper packaging and paperwork completes are key for any submission. Cards must be in perfect holders without bends, creases or edge issues. Value your cards, protect your investment, and only submit to proven, established graders with strict quality control guidelines. Their expert certification will drastically increase collectability and future desirability of those special cards in your collection. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation after reading this overview on the top card grading options available.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS FOR GRADING

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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.

HOW TO SEND YOUR BASEBALL CARDS TO PSA

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The first step in the process is to prepare your cards for submission. Only send your best conditioned and most valuable cards to PSA, as there is a cost involved with the grading process. Make sure to thoroughly inspect each card and only submit those that have strong corners, clean surfaces and are not off-centered. It’s a good idea to catalog your cards beforehand so you know which ones you want to grade.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you will need to obtain the proper submission forms and holders from PSA. They offer different tiers of service depending on your turnaround timeline and card value. The most basic option is the standard service, which takes 4-6 months on average. For higher priced cards, you may opt for a faster express service. You can purchase the submission forms, holders and return shipping labels on PSA’s website. They offer both individual card submissions as well as larger bulk submission options.

The next critical step is properly preparing each individual card for encapsulation. Carefully fit the card into the specially designed PSA holder. Make sure not to touch or mark the surface of the card. Also inspect for any dirt, oils or imperfections on the surface and clean using proper archival materials if needed. Fill out all necessary fields on the submission form such as your customer information, service level and value of each card.

Once the cards and forms are complete, you will need to ship them to PSA. Package the submission very carefully to avoid any possible damage in transit. It’s recommended to send cards using a trackable method like USPS Priority or UPS. Enclose payment and include a copy of the submission form for reference. PSA has various addresses depending on the submission volume, so be sure to use the appropriate one.

Upon receiving the submission, PSA will log it into their system and begin the extensive grading process. Grading involves thoroughly inspecting each card under controlled lighting and magnification across 10 different attributes. Authenticity is also confirmed using various technical examination tools. Once grading is finished, the encapsulation process seals the card for protection inside a specially designed plastic holder.

Customers can track the status of their submission online through a PSA assigned membership number. Typical turnaround ranges depending on the service level but may be faster or slower depending on seasonal workload volumes. When grading is complete, PSA will ship the encapsulated cards back along with a unified grading report listing the analysis results for each card.

Receiving the cards back from PSA with their official numerical grades printed on the holder is a very exciting moment for collectors. Higher grades significantly boost the value and collector appeal of cards. Cards that receive the illustrious PSA Gem Mint 10 grade are considered the pinnacle and highly sought after trophies. PSA slabbing also provides independent certification and security should collectors ever choose to re-sell their top cards.

By carefully preparing cards for submission, using the proper services and shipment methods, collectors can reliably utilize PSA’s third party authentication to officially grade and encapsulate their most prized collectibles. The process requires time and costs but yields expert analysis that brings much greater demand and value to top cards once returned and proudly displayed in their protective plastic holders with PSA’s respected and recognized authenticating seal. With care and patience, collectors can maximize their submission’s potential return.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO PSA

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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.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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There are several major professional sports card grading companies that offer grading services for baseball cards. The two most popular companies are Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Both companies charge fees to grade cards and also provide slabs to protect the cards once they are graded.

To submit cards to either BGS or PSA, you will first need to create an account on their website if you do not already have one. Once logged in, click the “Submit Cards” or “Submit Grading Order” link. You will then be prompted to provide details about the cards you want to submit such as the sport, year, brand, and whether you want Express or Standard grading turnaround times.

Standard grading takes longer but costs less per card, while Express is more expensive but returns the graded cards to you much faster. Typical Express grading turnaround is 1-2 weeks while Standard can take 1-3 months depending on volumes. Consider your preferences when selecting a service level.

Next, you need to prepare your cards for submission. Both BGS and PSA require cards to be housed in semi-rigid holders or toploaders to prevent bending or damage during transit. Accepted holders include BGS/PSA approved plastic sleeves, toploaders, or rigid plastic holders. Make sure the barcodes on the sleeves or holders are clearly visible.

You also need to fill out one physical label or barcode sticker for each individual card you are submitting. The labels need your customer account number and the details entered online about each specific card such as the sport, year, brand, and which service level you chose. Stick one label on the back plastic or paper of each holder.

Once your cards are properly protected and labeled, you need to package them securely for shipping. Place cards in a rigid plastic shipper box or use a bubble mailer with adequate padding on all sides. Include a physical copy of your online submission form that lists all the cards.

You will also need to select and purchase a shipping method. Both BGS and PSA provide prepaid shipping labels you can print, or you can use your preferred carrier like FedEx or USPS. Be sure to get insurance in case of damage or loss in transit.

When sending cards for grading, it’s important to set realistic expectations on potential grades. Brand new near-mint cards usually grade 8-10, while very well-preserved used cards may score 6-8 depending on wear. Heavily played cards typically grade 1-5. Understand grading is subjective and condition issues may lower scores.

After arriving at the grading company, your cards will undergo a multi-point inspection where trained graders analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces under heavy magnification. The entire grading process usually takes the time stated for the service level you selected unless volumes require longer timeframes that grading companies announce on their websites or via email.

Once grading is finished, your group of cards will be returned to you sealed individually in protective plastic slabs with the assigned numeric grade and your account holder name prominently displayed. Coinslabbed cards maintain their grades and are protected against further wear, damage, or alteration, increasing their collectability and value.

Properly submitted, prepared, packaged and insured cards should arrive safely and be processed without issue. Both PSA and BGS have customer service representatives available online or by phone if you have any other questions during the submission or return process to ensure a smooth grading experience. The detailed steps outlined here provide a straightforward path to get hobby cards authenticated and encapsulated to enhance collections.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS IN THE MAIL

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Choose the right level of postage

Make sure to check the weight of the baseball cards package to determine the correct postage. You don’t want the package to be weighed and require additional postage upon receipt. Plain white envelopes tend to require less postage than larger packages. Calculate your postage accurately to avoid charges upon delivery.

Prepare the cards for mailing

Ensure all the cards are in toppler condition before putting them in the envelope or package. Check that none of the cards have folds, bends, creases or other damage that may get exacerbated during transit. It’s a good idea to store cards in top loaders, penny sleeves, or other protective holders to avoid scratches or damage during mailing. You may want to back cards with stiff cardboard or foam core to prevent bending.

Choose a rigid mailer or box for structure

Thick paper envelopes or boxes are better than regular envelopes for protecting cards during shipping. The structure prevents bending or crushing that could damage corners or edges. Consider using a penny sleeve backed 3×4 single card top loader, magnetic or screw top box, or rigid mailer designed for trading cards. Avoid overstuffing which could still cause bending.

Cushion and secure contents

Cushion the inside of your chosen mailer or box with acid free papers, tissue papers, or cardboard/bubble wrap to prevent shifting and impact during transit. Secure cards snugly but not tightly so they don’t slide around inside. Add extra padding to corners and edges that may experience more impact. Seal all openings on boxes securely with heavy duty packing or shipping tape.

Write carefully on the package

Clearly print the recipient address as well as your return address on the package exterior. Consider double checking addresses to avoid shipping to the wrong location. Add appropriate postage directly onto packaging if using stamps rather than at the post office. Write any special instructions like “Fragile” or “Do Not Bend” to alert handlers. Avoid covering address areas with extra markings or labels.

Add delivery confirmation if required

Some higher value baseball card collections may warrant the extra security of delivery confirmation or signature tracking. This provides proof of delivery and addresses liability concerns if something were to go missing. Weigh the worth of the cards against the added cost for the protection. Ordinary cards can often safely travel without extra tracking needed.

Keep mailing records and tracking info

Write down the recipient name, address, date mailed, postage used and any tracking numbers for your records in case of loss or damage. Consider taking photos of packaged items before dropping off. Some postage providers allow online package tracking too for peace of mind during transit. Having records streamlines any potential insurance claims down the road.

Choose delivery and timing wisely

Wait for weekends or days with better delivery coverage if possible rather than rushing everyday mail. Dropping off nearer to carrier pickup times rather than late in the day also ensures faster movement through the system. Don’t mail valuable items on Fridays for weekend delivery since tracking stops then. Consider professional carriers like UPS, FedEx for reliable tracking if very valuable cards need guaranteed tracking.

Address any issues immediately

Promptly contact the post office if your baseball cards don’t arrive as scheduled or show up damaged. Most carriers have specific claim windows so act quickly. Photo evidence and records simplify claims. Replacing lost or damaged items may require insurance or double checking coverage limits chosen. Avoid re-mailing valuable items without ensuring previous issues are fully addressed first to avoid repetition.

Taking care with packaging, preparation, postage research, tracking choices and prompt response to issues can help ensure safe baseball card delivery through the mail. Going the extra mile with protection and documentation pays off should any transit problems occur. Careful handling at both ends also minimizes risk of damage or loss in transit. Proper planning makes for happy baseball card collecting!

WHERE TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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The major third-party grading companies for baseball cards include PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and HGA (HG Sports). Each company has their own specialization and reputation within the hobby.

PSA is generally considered the most stringent grader and the gold standard, as they have been grading cards the longest since the mid-1980s. They also tend to have the longest wait times, sometimes over a year for regular service levels. BGS is also well respected and was the first major competitor to PSA. SGC has grown in popularity in recent years for their somewhat faster turnaround times compared to PSA/BGS. HGA is the newest major grader but aims to be the fastest option.

In terms of the grading process, it usually begins by selecting the cards you wish to grade and researching the set and print run to understand how rare different grades might be. This will help manage expectations for the final grades. The cards should then be placed in hard plastic holders to send for protection.

Most grading companies recommend at a minimum using toploaders, which are thin hard plastic sleeves that cards can be securely placed in to avoid potential damage from being touched or rubbed during shipping and processing. Many people use laminated holders that are much more durable and secure than regular toploaders. Laminated holders usually cost $1-2 each but provide extra protection that may be worth it for valuable cards.

After selecting cards and putting them in holders, you will need to register an account on the grading company’s website. Most major graders offer different submission service levels ranging from economy bulk submissions up to higher tiers with express turnaround times and other bonuses. Make sure to research the various service level options and prices so you select the best fit.

The submission process usually involves logging into your account, creating a new order, and entering details for each individual card like the year, sport, player name, and any other relevant identifiers. You can also include notes to request special autograph authentication or other specialty services. Most companies charge a flat fee per card graded, usually $10-20 depending on factors like turnaround time and value of the cards.

Once all the card details are entered and you have selected a service level, you generate shipping labels and pack the cards securely in a ship-ready order. Most important is using a durable box, thick bubble wrap layers, and avoiding excess movement inside. The graded cards will be returned in the same box. You pay and ship off the order to the grading company.

From there, the cards will undergo the rigorous multi-point examination process where trained graders assess factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface for any flaws under high-powered lighting. They will also verify authenticity and assign numerical grades on the widely used 1-10 scale. Once graded, the cards are then encapsulated in protective slabs with the grades clearly labeled.

The biggest thing to monitor during the grading process is tracking your order status online. Most companies provide estimated turnaround dates upfront and updates as your order progresses through receipt, grading, and shipping back out. When complete, you will receive an email notification that your graded cards have been returned. Carefully open and inspect for any potential shipping damage issues before accepting the order.

Thoroughly photograph and document the graded cards for your records, as this helps if any issues arise down the road. From there, you can proudly display your new encapsulated vintage or modern baseball cards, or potentially consider reselling through online auction sites like eBay. Taking the time for the detailed grading process helps preserve card conditions and brings authentic third-party verification that is highly valued by serious collectors.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO PSA FOR GRADING

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Sending cards to PSA requires some planning and preparation to ensure the cards are properly packaged and protected during shipping. PSA is the most well-known and reputable third-party grading service for collectibles like sports cards. They have graded billions of cards over the past few decades and set the standard for how condition of cards are analyzed and assigned numerical grades.

The first step is to register for a PSA account on their website at PSAcard.com. This allows you to track submissions, check status, and view grades online. Once registered, you can log in to see submission options and pricing structures. The typical turnaround times and costs vary depending on the service level selected – economy, standard, express, etc. PSA offers various shipping options as well like First Class, Priority and overnight delivery.

Next, you need to properly package each individual card in a plastic shield holder commonly called a “slab.” These protective plastic sheets have openings on the front and back that allow the card to be inserted and viewed, while protecting it from flexibility or scratches during the grading process. The shields come in various standard sizes depending on the card game and year. Make sure the card fits securely in the shield without any room for slippage.

Once sleeved, you then need to fill out a PSA grading submission form either online or by printing a hard copy. This form requests information like your PSA member number, preferred turnaround service level, shipping address and payment details. It also has space to list details for each individual card being submitted, with its identifying information and requested grading service. Photocopy the completed submission form for your records before sending.

After filling out the form, you’ll then need to package all the sleeved cards together for secure shipment. Place each shielded card in a stiff PSA-approved card holder or toploader. Group sets of cards together and insert into a shipping box lined with padding on all sides, such as bubble wrap or air pillows. Seal the box securely with strapping tape to avoid any shifting during transport.

Affix the completed submission form to the outside of the box along with your name, return address and preferred shipping method sticker. You can then ship the package to PSA either directly through them or a carrier of your choice, insuring the contents adequately. Once received, PSA will process the order and grades will typically be viewable within the promised turnaround window depending on service level selected. Cards will be shipped back securely in a PSA-graded holder with the assigned numerical grade.

By taking the time to properly prepare cards following PSA’s submission guidelines, collectors can feel confident their valuable sports cards will arrive safely and receive an accurate assessment of condition. Getting vintage cards professionally graded is often done to confirm authenticity and significantly improve resale value compared to raw ungraded examples. PSA remains the premier authority when it comes to assessing card condition grades and this detailed process helps ensure submissions have the best chance for a positive results.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS THROUGH THE MAIL

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Sending baseball cards through the mail requires taking some precise steps to ensure the cards arrive safely at their destination. First, you’ll need to select the appropriate shipping method based on the number of cards and their overall value. For single cards or just a handful being sent a plain white envelope with tracking is usually suitable. For larger lots of cards or those with significant monetary value, a box is advisable for added protection.

Once you’ve selected your packaging materials, it’s important to prepare the cards properly before placing them inside. Individual higher end or rare cards should always be stored in soft plastic sleeves to prevent scratches or other damage during transit. Common cards can be placed loose in the package but it’s still a good idea to stack them gently in a way that prevents rubbing or bending. Proper support materials like paper or cardboard dividers can help separate stacks from one another.

For envelopes, make sure to reinforce the seams with clear packing or shipping tape. Go around all four sides at least once for security. Double check there are no open flaps where cards could slip out. With boxes, reinforce all openings the same way and stuff extra padding or air pillows inside if space allows to cushion any shifting during transport. Whether an envelope or box, be sure to label with your return address in case it gets separated from other mail.

When taking cards to the post office, trading card rate postal boxes are preferable to regular boxes if using larger quantities as they are designed specifically for non-rigid items. These are less likely to be damaged in handling equipment. Bring your package pre-taped to speed the process. Purchase insurance if desired based on declared value which gives compensation if lost or damaged in transit. Always get proof of mailing like a receipt in case any issues arise later.

The specific postage required depends on package weight, size and choice of service level. Many prefer First Class which has tracking included as the default level. Consider Priority Mail for higher value cards if seeking faster estimated delivery timeframes. Avoid international shipments unless using a tracking service like Global Tracking as customs delays pose risks. Retain mailing records like receipts, waybills in your records in case a claim needs to be filed down the road.

After applying postage and getting your receipt or waybill, address the package properly to avoid delays. Use the recipient’s full name and address including street, apartment number, city, state and full postal code. For baseball cards, consider including team names to assist sorting if name/address is hard to read. Seal any open flaps afterwards. Drop packages at the post office or collection box rather than a personal mailbox for pickup. Notify the recipient of expected arrival date ranges based on the service used for tracking purposes.

With care taken in preparation and using a tracking service, baseball cards can usually travel safely through the postal system. But sometimes unexpected events can occur in transit leading to damage, loss or delays. By documenting the packaging and contents prior to mailing, any issues after delivery have a better chance of being resolved by insurance claims or finding lost packages if lodged promptly. Following these packing and shipping best practices will help ensure collectors receive the cards as intended when sent through the mail.

HOW DO YOU SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO PSA

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The first step is to carefully select the cards you want to submit to PSA for grading. Choose high value cards in gem mint condition or cards of noteworthy players/versions that could potentially grade extremely well. Make sure to inspect each card closely under good lighting for any flaws before submitting.

Once you have selected your cards, you will need to purchase plastic sleeves and submission sheets from PSA. The standard size sleeves are 3.5 x 2 inches. Place each card you want to grade inside an individual plastic sleeve for protection. Then, list each card on the corresponding line of the PSA submission sheet, including details like the set, player, and year. Be very careful when filling out the submission sheet to avoid any errors.

After sleeving and logging your cards, it is time to package them securely for shipping. Place the submission sheet on top of the sleeved cards inside a rigid PSA submission holder available from their site. The holder is designed with cutouts for the standard size sleeves to keep everything neatly organized. You can submit between 1-100 cards per holder.

Once the cards and submission sheet are inside the holder, close it tightly. Wrap the entire holder package very securely with shipping tape to avoid any shifting during transit which could damage corners. PSA also recommends including 2-3 inches of additional cardboard on each end of the holder for extra protection.

Purchase shipping materials like a rigid mailing box, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts/air bags from your local post office or shipping supply retailer. The box needs to be large enough to accommodate your submission holder with ample room on all sides to cushion it securely. Line the bottom and sides of the box with bubble wrap. Place the submission holder in the center and surround completely with packing materials like peanuts or air bags to fill any empty space.

Seal the mailing box securely with strong packing tape, wrapping it completely around several times. Fill out the custom label provided by PSA with your account information, service level selected, and total value of the submission. Firmly attach the label to the outside of the package.

Now it’s time for payment. PSA accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. The minimum fee ranges between $10-20 depending on service level selected with additional charges per card. For standard service, expect to pay $20 plus $10 per card. Rush options cost significantly more. Once payment is processed, PSA will provide you with a mailing address and tracking number.

Take your sealed, labeled, and paid package to the Post Office and ship it with delivery confirmation. Give PSA 2-4 weeks to process standard submissions before checking the status online. They will grade each card, encase it securely in a plastic holder with the grade label affixed, and return it along with the original submission sheet.

Upon receipt of your package back from PSA, inspect everything to ensure all cards were returned and grades assigned correctly. Retain the submitted cards in your collection or sell graded cards on the secondary market. Future submissions can now be done under your established PSA account for faster processing. Detailed record keeping is important with a valuable collection.

Carefully select cards to submit, sleeve and log them, securely package for shipping, purchase correct materials from PSA, include payment per their process, and ship with tracking to get baseball cards authenticated and graded by the industry leader PSA. With care taken at every step, collectors can substantially increase card values through third party certification of condition and authenticity from a respected authority like Professional Sports Authenticator.