How to Get a Sports Card Professionally Graded?

Do you want to know how to get a sports card professionally graded? It’s a great way to ensure the value of your collection, and it can be a fun process too. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to getting your cards graded like a pro.

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Introduction

If you have a sports card that you think might be valuable, you might want to get it professionally graded. Professional grading companies will assess the condition of your card and assign it a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade. Graded cards are usually worth more than ungraded cards, so professional grading can be a good way to increase the value of your collection.

There are several professional grading companies to choose from, but one of the most popular is PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). To get your card graded by PSA, you’ll need to submit it through an authorized dealer. You can find a list of authorized dealers on the PSA website. Once you’ve found a dealer you’re comfortable working with, simply send them your card (or cards) and they’ll take care of the rest.

Grading services usually charge a fee per card, so be sure to factor that into your budget when considering professional grading. In general, though, getting your cards professionally graded can be a great way to add value to your collection.

Why Get Your Sports Card Graded?

There are a few reasons why you might want to get your sports card graded. Perhaps you think your card is valuable and you want to get it appraised so you can sell it. Or maybe you just want to get a professional opinion on the condition of your card. Either way, getting your card graded can be a helpful way to learn more about its value.

In general, cards that have been professionally graded are worth more than cards that have not been graded. This is because grading provides a third-party opinion on the condition of the card, which can increase its value in the eyes of collectors. Additionally, grading can help protect your card from further damage, as it will be sealed in a hard plastic case.

If you decide that you want to get your sports card graded, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you choose a reputable grading company. There are many companies out there that will grade your card, but not all of them are created equal. Do some research to find a company that has a good reputation and is known for accurate grading.

Once you’ve found a reputable company, send in your sports card for grading. The company will assess the condition of your card and assign it a grade on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade possible. Once your card has been graded, it will be sealed in a hard plastic case and returned to you. You can then use this information to help determine the value of your card and make decisions about whether or not to sell it.

The Different Types of Sports Card Grading Services

When it comes to sports cards, there are two main types of grading services: photo grading and encapsulated grading. Photo grading services typically provide a certificate of authenticity (COA) with a numeric grade, but they do not physically encapsulate the card in a hard plastic case. On the other hand, encapsulated grading services provide a hard plastic case with a numeric grade, but they do not provide a COA.

There are pros and cons to each type of service, so it’s important to decide which one is right for you before you send off your cards. Photo grading services are generally faster and less expensive than encapsulated grading services, but they do not offer the same level of protection for your cards. Encapsulated grading services are more expensive and take longer, but they offer superior protection for your cards.

If you’re not sure which type of service to choose, we recommend encapsulated grading services for rare or valuable cards, and photo grading services for less valuable cards.

How to Choose a Sports Card Grading Service

When you get a sports card professionally graded, you are essentially paying for an expert’s opinion on the condition of your card. While there are many different grading companies out there, they all follow a similar process: first, they will evaluate the condition of your card, then they will assign it a grade based on that evaluation.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a sports card grading service is that you should always use a reputable company. There are many fly-by-night companies out there that will try to take advantage of unsuspecting collectors, so it is important to do your research and make sure you are using a company that has a good reputation.

Once you have found a reputable company, the next thing you need to do is choose the service that best suits your needs. There are two main types of sports card grading services: raw (ungraded) and slabbed (graded). Raw services simply evaluate the condition of your card and give you a grade, while slabbed services also encapsulate your card in a tamper-proof case.

If you are looking for the highest possible grade for your card, then you should use a slabbed service. However, if you are more concerned with getting an accurate appraisal of your card’s condition, then a raw service may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision of which service to use is up to you and should be based on your specific needs and goals.

How to Prepare Your Sports Card for Grading

To ensure your card is properly assessed, it is important that you first take the necessary steps to prepare it for submission. This will help to avoid any delays or issues with your order.

The first step is to determine which company you would like to grade your card. Each company has their own process and guidelines, so it is important to research each one before making a decision. Once you have selected a company, you will need to create an account and submit your request.

Most companies require that you place your card in a protective sleeve or case before mailing it off. This will help to prevent any damage during transit. You will also need to include a printout of the submission form, which can be found on the company’s website. Be sure to double check that all information is correct before sending off your package.

After your card has been received, the grading process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Once the process is complete, you will be notified and given the option to have your card returned or delivered to you.

How to Submit Your Sports Card for Grading

To have your sports card professionally graded, you will need to submit it to a reputable grading company. There are a few steps involved in this process, and it is important to follow them carefully to ensure that your card is properly graded and that you receive the most accurate grade possible.

The first step is to select the grading company you want to use. There are several companies that offer this service, so it is important to do some research to find one that is reputable and that you feel comfortable with. Once you have selected a company, you will need to create an account with them and submit your card for grading.

To do this, you will need to fill out a submission form and send your card (or cards) in for assessment. The grading company will then examine your card and assign it a grade based on its condition. This grade will be based on a number of factors, including the overall condition of the card, its centering, corners, edges, and surface.

Once your card has been graded, you will be able to view the results online or receive them in the mail. If you are not satisfied with the grade your card received, you can appeal the decision by sending your card back to the grading company for review.

How to Check the Status of Your Sports Card Grading

If you’ve had your sports cards professionally graded, it’s important to check the status of your order to ensure that everything is on track. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the website of the grading company you used.
2. Locate the “Track My Order” or similar link.
3. Enter your order number and other required information.
4. Click “Submit” or “Track.”
5. View the status of your order and estimated delivery date.

How to Interpret Your Sports Card Grading Results

Once you have decided to get your sports cards professionally graded, you will need to interpret the results in order to determine the value of your cards. The most important factor in interpreting your results is the grade itself, which is assigned on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade. In addition to the grade, you will also receive a detailed description of the condition of your card, which will help you to understand why it received the grade that it did. Here are some tips for interpreting your sports card grading results:

-The grade is the most important factor in determining the value of your card. A card with a higher grade will be worth more than a card with a lower grade, even if the two cards are otherwise identical.

-The condition description should help you to understand why your card received the grade that it did. If you are not happy with the grade that your card received, you may be able to appeal it by providing additional evidence of its condition.

-The value of your card will also be affected by factors such as its rarity and its popularity. A rare card that is in high demand by collectors will be worth more than a common card, even if it has a lower grade.

What to Do if Your Sports Card is Rejected for Grading

If you’ve submitted your sports card to a professional grading company and it has been rejected, don’t despair. While it may be disappointing to have your card rejected, there are a few things you can do to try to get it accepted.

First, take a close look at the reason or reasons why your card was rejected. If it was rejected for condition, see if there is anything you can do to improve the condition of the card. For example, if your card has a crease, see if you can flatten it out. Sometimes, simply resubmitting the same card will result in a different decision.

If your card was rejected for authentication, there is unfortunately not much you can do. You will need to obtain a different copy of the same card that has been authenticated by a reputable source. Once you have an authenticated copy of the card, you can submit it for grading again.

In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision made by the grading company. If you believe that your card was incorrectly graded orauthenticated, you can reach out to the customer service department of the company and explain your situation. They may be able to look at your case again and reverse their decision.

Even if your sports card is rejected for grading, all is not lost. There are still some options available to you. By taking a close look at why your card was rejected and taking some corrective action, you may be able to get your card graded after all.

FAQs about Sports Card Grading

When you get a sports card professionally graded, you are essentially paying for an expert’s opinion on the condition of your card. The expert will use a well-defined set of criteria to determine the condition of your card, and then assign it a numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being perfect.

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting your sports cards professionally graded:

How much does it cost to get a sports card professionally graded?
The cost of professional grading varies depending on the company you use, but generally ranges from $20 to $200 per card.

How long does it take to get a sports card professionally graded?
Again, this varies depending on the company you use, but most companies will grade your card within 2-4 weeks.

What are the benefits of getting my sports card professionally graded?
There are several benefits to having your sports card professionally graded, including increased protection for your card (professional grading companies often insure cards that they grade), as well as increased value. In general, cards that have been professionally graded are worth more than those that have not.

Are there any downsides to getting my sports card professionally graded?
The main downside to professional grading is the cost. As mentioned above, professional grading can be expensive, and there is no guarantee that the value of your card will increase enough to offset the cost of grading. In addition, once a card is professionally graded, it is difficult (if not impossible) to reverse the process.

Should I get my sports cards professionally graded?
Whether or not you should get your cards professionallygraded is a decision that you will need to make based on your individual circumstances. If you are concerned about protecting your investment or increasing the value of your collection, professional grading may be right for you. However, if you are more interested in preserving the integrity of your collection or simply don’t want to spend the money on professional grading, then leaving your cards ungraded may be a better option.