The major companies that grade sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sports Card Guaranty (SCG). These are considered the top three grading services in the industry.
To get cards graded, you will need to package them carefully and submit them to one of the grading companies. Here are the basic steps:
Decide which grading company to use. All three companies have their own dedicated customer bases, so research each one to determine which best fits your needs. Things to consider include turnaround times, submission costs, popularity in the collecting community, and aesthetic aspects like the grade holder design.
Grade the card yourself. Before submitting, objectively analyze each card and assign your own unofficial grade based on its condition and appearance. Note any flaws. This allows you to have reasonable grading expectations and only submit cards you think can earn a worthwhile grade.
Prepare the cards for submission. Place each card in a standard acrylic card holder/sleeve to protect it. Make sure the card is inserted properly and is snug in the holder but not too tight. Point out any obvious flaws on the surface of the holder with a pen.
Package the cards securely. Use a rigid shipment mailer like a plastic box or envelope to prevent bends or damage during transit. Secure the card holders snugly inside with foam, paper, or bubble wrap to avoid excess movement.
Fill out the electronic or paper submission form. Provide all requested details like your customer account information, payment method, service level selected, and individual card descriptions. Note the level of grade expected for each.
Pay the submission fee. Pricing depends on factors like turnaround time, number of cards submitted, and membership status. Economy bulk submissions are cheapest but take longer. Rush options are more expensive.
Ship your cards to the grading company. Use a trackable carrier like USPS Priority or UPS/FedEx for security. Keep proof of shipping in case any issues arise. Include a printed copy of the submission form for reference.
Wait patiently for your grades. Typical turnaround even for economy submissions is 4-6 weeks on average currently due to high volumes. Check the grading company website for latest update timelines.
Receive your graded cards. The company will ship your cards back securely in new plastic slabs with paperwork listing the details of each including final assigned grade. Celebrate your strong grades and analyze any you may disagree with.
Register your slabs on the grading company’s website for added authenticity protection. PSA, BGS and SCG let you make high resolution images of your slabs available to help buyers verify authenticity online.
Market your highly graded vintage cards to eager collectors. Graded cards are prized by serious vintage collectors and speculators. Auction houses and major online marketplaces like eBay are great places to potentially profit from strong vintage grades over time. Proper insurance is highly advised due to high values involved.
Getting cards professionally graded is a great way to independently verify condition, enhance value and marketability, and encapsulate cherished cards in protective holders that preserve them long-term. With careful planning and submitting worthy material to trusted companies, the grading process is well worth it for serious collectors and investors. Taking the time for accurate submission, shipment, and post-grading registration helps maximize the benefits of this service.
