PSA submission advice/experiences

[cardsagain74]

I have never submitted anything for grading before, but the time will likely come soon to submit to PSA. A few questions for those who have been through the ringer:

How do you manage the value tiers when deciding how much to pay to get something graded, and do you feel that the estimated tier that you chose for submission influences the grade you get? Especially when it comes to wondering if something pristine and valuable will get a 9 or 10, and how you can never really tell what they'll do.

A perfect example is a 2000 Bowman Tom Brady. PSA 9s selling for $900, and PSA 10s selling for at least $4000. If you have one that seems perfect, do you choose the higher value tier to submit, or let them charge your account afterward if they give it a 10? Might paying the high tier initially help get you a 10?

And for economy/value club, situations like my small stack of mint '89 UD Randy Johnsons. The 10s are now selling for more than $100, but do you really treat any possible 10s as beyond the "under $100" value pricing in a spot like that? And once again, could it influence how many 10s you get?

Any advice is appreciated!

[conor912]

Submit at the lower tier. If it grades a 10, they'll call you and shake you down for more money.

I would also say assume you'll never see your cards ever again, then when they show up 4 months later (on a 30 day sub), you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by conor912

Submit at the lower tier. If it grades a 10, they'll call you and shake you down for more money.

I would also say assume you'll never see your cards ever again, then when they show up 4 months later (on a 30 day sub), you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Overgrading and then asking for more money, plus a long delay for the prices to go up....

sounds like a great business model

[pokerplyr80]

You're supposed to submit at a service level for what the card is worth raw, not what it might be worth if it gets a desired grade. And I wouldn't assume a 10.

I have heard from others who have gotten a call that because of a high grade their card required a higher service level. I'm sure no one minds paying the difference in grading fees in that situation. This has never happened to be, but I've only submitted cards a few times.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

I'm sure no one minds paying the difference in grading fees in that situation.

Great business model, indeed.

[toledo_mudhen]

I don't believe mere mortals are capable of determining a 10.

If it was mine I would submit value as an 8 (or the price paid if you paid more than 8 money) and see what happens as I think the value you place on the card also determines insurance value.

As for turnaround - Unless you submit at "Express" or Super Express" or higher level then don't expect to see your card back to you anytime within the next 6 months or so.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

You're supposed to submit at a service level for what the card is worth raw, not what it might be worth if it gets a desired grade. And I wouldn't assume a 10.

This is incorrect. You’re supposed to declare a value that is close to what the card is worth graded.

As long as you aren’t obviously abusing the system, you won’t have any huge issues. Ie) don’t send a $1000 raw card via bulk service.

[imdaman1964]

Still waiting on credits from 2 months ago to be approved for a previous long overdue submission and from 3 packs submitted last December.

I would say they are a criminal enterprise branded as a grading service

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by notfast

This is incorrect. You’re supposed to declare a value that is close to what the card is worth graded.

As long as you aren’t obviously abusing the system, you won’t have any huge issues. Ie) don’t send a $1000 raw card via bulk service.

This is incorrect. Although the second statement is accurate.