Another rookie question
 

I see PSA and SGC grade on site at bigger shows. How long does it take them? Can you watch what they do or is it all hush hush.? Can you basically say to them that if they are not going to give you a bump, or are considering an actual downgrade, to at that point just reholder it and stop with the grading? Seems like an easy way to eliminate risk of a downgrade (or, worse, a finding that the card was cut and they missed first time, or some other horror show like that).

Last time I dropped off in person it took two hours or so. It depends on how many submissions come in. If the card is already graded and you're looking for a bump, I believe there's a place on the form where you can mark down the lowest grade you'll accept. That way if say your card is an SGC 40 and you say SGC 40 is the lowest grade, you won't risk a downgrade.