PSA - Submitting Photos for the first time

[Big Red Machine]

Hello,
I recently sent a small order to PSA to have a few photographs authenticated for the first time. My question is will these orders be tracked the same way as cards? The reason I ask is that my shipment was signed for on November 2nd but does not show in my Order Status section. It does show that PSA has received my package within the "track my package" section in the PSA website. Just curious if anyone can advise me. Thank you!

[Dardevl]

You are not alone. For whatever reason, PSA (photographs), even though they use the same PSA order tracking system as PSA proper, do not upload the order until the order is essentially complete. My personal experience: Package received, no news for 2-3 months, then the results are uploaded to a newly created order number, followed by a day or two later, upload the tracking, then the order ships.

[Big Red Machine]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

[Snapolit1]

I've had photo submissions that basically entered the system for the first time when it was complete.

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by Dardevl

You are not alone. For whatever reason, PSA (photographs), even though they use the same PSA order tracking system as PSA proper, do not upload the order until the order is essentially complete. My personal experience: Package received, no news for 2-3 months, then the results are uploaded to a newly created order number, followed by a day or two later, upload the tracking, then the order ships.

This is correct.
I've had a few photos at PSA for a couple months now that still do not even show as received, but I know they have them as I had someone at PSA confirm they had my package.

[D. Bergin]

Is PSA taking months to do photos now? Even when they had their years long backup on cards, it seemed the photos were getting done in about 3-5 weeks or so.

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Is PSA taking months to do photos now? Even when they had their years long backup on cards, it seemed the photos were getting done in about 3-5 weeks or so.

FWIW, I've sent three photo submissions in this year, each only containing 2-4 photos. The first two submissions took 5 and 4 weeks respectively. My current submission is on week 8 now, so hopefully it's finished soon.

[Exhibitman]

Perhaps you guys can clarify for me? Does it really cost $50 to submit a photo and another $30 for the encapsulation? I have a few snapshots I'd send in but not at that price.

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Perhaps you guys can clarify for me? Does it really cost $50 to submit a photo and another $30 for the encapsulation? I have a few snapshots I'd send in but not at that price.

Yes, that's the lowest value tier.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Yes, that's the lowest value tier.

Wow. $80 to slab a photo. Regardless of what you think about slabbing photos or the Type system, that is a ridiculous price.
I have to assume they raised prices to try to cut the volume. Seems that prices out most photos from ever being certed/slabbed. Hard to justify spending $80 to slab a photo worth under $500.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[mikecala98]

Maybe BVG as an option? I have a graded photo but it does not use the Type system, just says original photo.

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Wow. $80 to slab a photo. Regardless of what you think about slabbing photos or the Type system, that is a ridiculous price.
I have to assume they raised prices to try to cut the volume. Seems that prices out most photos from ever being certed/slabbed. Hard to justify spending $80 to slab a photo worth under $500.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

It has always been pretty close to that price; definitely no bargain.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by mikecala98

Maybe BVG as an option? I have a graded photo but it does not use the Type system, just says original photo.

They do, the main problem is they don’t know how to name a photo half the time. Is it a snapshot or a type 1 Or an Original photo? I have seen both called both. Don’t get me started on companies that don’t know a type 1 from a type 2 or 3 Etc. They’re all guilty of that.

Another big issue is bvg slabs feel like they were sitting in a warehouse from the 90s. They aren’t clear and they’re extremely bulky. Wish they would team up with csg or something for photos. Would be a great duo.

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by mikecala98

Maybe BVG as an option? I have a graded photo but it does not use the Type system, just says original photo.

The Type system was invented by Henry Yee and Marshall Fogel. It has been copyrighted and licensed to PSA exclusively since 2007. As far as I am aware, none of the grading companies are legally allowed to use the type system without their consent.

[Lucas00]

It looks like Bvg no longer Encapsulates photos? I can’t find any info or resource or even where to go

[mikecala98]

Snapshot generally means what? Mine has the Kodak Velox on the back.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by mikecala98

Snapshot generally means what? Mine has the Kodak Velox on the back.

In baseball terms essentially it means it was taken by a Spectator or fan in an Informal setting. 99% of the time with a small handheld camera and much of the time being Kodak branded in the 40s and onward. Usually no special pose or anything like that (though you see snaps with posing that are very beautiful and desirable) basically a photo me or you would take today on vacation or your mom took of you as a kid in your baseball uniform is a snapshot.
Your photo is just that as well, looks like it was taken by a family member. Not the media or a pro photographer.

[mikecala98]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

In baseball terms essentially it means it was taken by a Spectator or fan in an Informal setting. 99% of the time with a small handheld camera and much of the time being Kodak branded in the 40s and onward. Usually no special pose or anything like that (though you see snaps with posing that are very beautiful and desirable) basically a photo me or you would take today on vacation or your mom took of you as a kid in your baseball uniform is a snapshot.
Your photo is just that as well, looks like it was taken by a family member. Not the media or a pro photographer.

Or a nurse! Thank you!!