Decided to test the graded waters (for some reason) what's the best options?

[JollyElm]

The first step is to really examine the cards you have and estimate as fairly as possible what grade they 'should' get. Knock one or two points off of that number (because they never seem to come back how you expected) and check out what cards in that grade have sold for recently. This will give you an insight into whether or not it's worthwhile to send them in. For instance, say you have a star card from the 60's that should grade a 6 and when you investigate recent sales, sixes usually sell for $35. If you're paying $20+ (with shipping) to have it graded, is it really worth it? If you're planning on keeping the cards in your PC, then I would say yes it is, but if you're looking to sell them, you wouldn't have a chance of making much (if any) of a return on said cards. But if there is a large margin between the cost of grading versus the potential sales price, it may be very wise to get them graded.

[swarmee]

VintageBreaks also runs PSA submissions at $9.50 a card for cards valued up to $99.
Blowout breakers do submissions for more expensive cards. But Bobby does great with them.

[rats60]

I would only bother grading cards if you are looking to sell/trade them in the near future. If you are keeping the cards long term, there is no need to grade them. If you have 15 cards worth $100-$500, I would get a PSA Platinum Club Membership and send them in with the 15 free grades that come with the membership. Otherwise, look for a group sub.

[wdwfan]

Okay, another question. I've seen several people say cards valued at X. Is that eBay sale value? Or is there a magazine (kind of like Beckett) for graded cards? How are values on graded cards determined. Also, someone said $100-$500. Is that pre-graded card values? Or post graded values?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by wdwfan

Okay, another question. I've seen several people say cards valued at X. Is that eBay sale value? Or is there a magazine (kind of like Beckett) for graded cards? How are values on graded cards determined. Also, someone said $100-$500. Is that pre-graded card values? Or post graded values?

It is pre grades value. Basically what it would cost you to replace the card.

[swarmee]

PSA's declared value is what you think it would take to purchase a raw card in the same condition. If you get a grade that drastically increases the value, PSA may call/email you and require that you upgrade the service level. Say for a 1993 UD SP Jeter, you submit at the $499 level. If it grades a PSA 8, it is would likely sell for $750, and PSA will likely let it slide. If it grades a PSA 9 or 10, they'll ask you to upgrade your service level and pay the difference.

There are graded price guides that Beckett puts out, but everyone uses sale values instead.