Grading Submissions for Dummies
 

I haven't submitted a card for grading in probably a decade. I've tried to figure out the PSA tier/price structure. What are the basics for PSA and SGC for grading submissions? Is the fee based on the "value" of the card? I saw something for PSA that indicated $100 for a card with a maximum value of $999, then $150 for cards valued up to $2499.

I'm a bit confused because perceived values seem to be based on that number on the flip. For some cards the difference between grades could bump the card above/below a perceived value.

Also, is $100 the minimum grading fee? That sounds pretty crazy because that places more value on the slab than the card in some cases.

In advance, thank you for any advice and information that can be provided.

1) PSA has been shut down for normal submissions and bulk levels for approximately a year because of the number of people flipping modern PSA 10s for $50. Therefore the current lowest level to submit at is $100 with like a 1-2 month turnaround.
2) When submitting, you make a guess as to what you think the card should grade. Since most submitters overestimate their card grade (since PSA has gotten tougher in the last couple of years despite not changing their "standards"), most submitters declare the value and choose the level corresponding to 1-2 grades lower.

Say you have the following card which might grade the following:
5: $300
6: $500
7: $1,000
8: $8,000

Even if you think the card will grade a NM-MT 8, most people would submit at the PSA 6 level at $499 max declared value. If the card gets a 7, PSA would probably not mind. If the card gets an 8, PSA will hold delivery of your order until you pay the additional fee based on the submission level of an $8k card.

Or it could come back altered/or a PSA 5/6 and you paid the appropriate amount for the submission level. If you paid the $8,000 level to get a PSA 5/6, you don't get a refund. If PSA finds the card is altered, you would have had to type "PLEASE GIVE AUTHENTIC ALTERED RATHER THAN RETURN UNGRADED IF CARD IS ALTERED." on your order form. If the card is undersized, but not deemed altered, PSA will return it MINSIZREQ and not charge the submission fee, but you'll still be stuck paying the shipping to and from California.

Hey Fred......
 

Your best bet is SGC. VERY simple online submission process. No matter the values of each card you can submit them all on same SGC order.

If you'd like to private message me your list of cards and approx grade or numerical value you "think" they will get, I'll send you the exact amount on how much it will cost you with SGC plus shipping etc....

I've submitted ALOT to PSA and SGC over the years. SGC is where it's at right now. Feel feel to send me that list and I'll walk you through it also.

Thanks and Happy Holidays! Mike

Mike Great advise and pretty cool that you are willing to help a fellow forum member

Happy Holiday