getting a card graded
 

Hi guys, I'm looking to send some cards in to get graded pretty soon. I've read numerous threads on which company is the best and all the quirks that come with each different grading service. What I haven't found is how the process actually works to send the cards in and I was hoping someone could walk me through it! Also any opinions on which grading is the best would be greatly appreciated. I've basically narrowed it down to Beckett and PSA. I'm about to send some valuable cards in and I'm a little hesitant to just through it in the mailbox. Thanks for your time and god bless!

It does not matter it's all the same unless you send in bulk .

All I would said is pay up for shipping and insurance and don't try to save an extra $5, if something did go wrong its well worth it.

I recommend that you NOT simply drop the package into a mailbox. Take it to the counter at the Post Office and get a receipt. Whatever shipping method (certified, priority, etc.) you choose, be sure to get tracking and insurance.

There are many members here who submit more cards than I do. Hopefully, they will chime in with additional advice.

Cliff Notes: (Some of this has already been covered).

- Use Card Savers and package well.
- Denote the level of service being used on the outside of the box (especially if using PSA). This seems to speed along the process.
- Insure and confirm delivery in line with what you are sending. Don't send $1000 worth of cards with $50 of insurance and no signature.
- The clock on your return time doesn't start when they receive the package, but instead when it is logged. Could be three hours, could be three days.
- For fastest loggage send in the middle of the months. It seems the beginning of the month slows from submissions trying to make the previous deadline and the influx of the new specials.
- Turnaround time is in "business" days. No weekends no holidays. And if there is a major card show count on a couple days of no graders in house.
- Turnaround time is estimated. The quicker the service you pay for the more likely your sub will pop in the time frame. It's not unheard of for PSA 45 day specials to take 4 months.
- Be prepared to be disappointed. It takes time to learn how to self grade. My first couple of subs were filled with cards I thought were 9's and 10's that came back 6's and 7's. Educate yourself on surface wrinkles, print defects, and centering. Invest in a jewelers' loupe, even a cheap one. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Thanks for the input guys,I've never done it before so I'm hoping it goes smoothly. So basically I just print out the submission form,fill it out and place it in with the cards? How do you pay for the services?

You normally put a credit card down (make sure to sign the spot on the order form where it permits their running of the credit card) or mail a check for the exact amount.
I submit cards every few months on bulk specials to PSA, and have had two cards graded by BGS through COMC. I prefer PSA due to their registry, bulk orders (usually I send in at $6/card for over 25 at a time), and their general higher resale value.

If you're going to use PSA I recommend buying the membership. The free gradings practically pay for it themselves.

Follow the packing instructions. Instructions for everything are on the website under how to submit. You can include a cc number on your packing slip, or write a check.

how did that work out? i have a card I bought on COMC and thinking about grading it.

here it is...back is off center both ways but other than that looks good to me.


http://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/2011/...&size=original
2011 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor #177 - Aroldis Chapman /50
Courtesy of COMC.com

http://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/2011/...inal&side=back
2011 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor #177 - Aroldis Chapman /50
Courtesy of COMC.com

The first one was a 1957 Dodger's Sluggers card that I hoped would get a 5 and did. It cost about $12 due to the amount of insurance I requested.

The second was a 2014 Bowman Draft Baseball Johnny Manziel Auto that was a little off-center. It got a 9.0/10 and that's also the best I was hoping for. It cost about $15 due to the insurance.

It took about two months, which was right at the end of the time projection COMC gives. But the process was pretty smooth. I think on modern chrome card, they wipe the card down with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints/smudges before sending it in to get you a better grade. Or that's what I've read on Blowout.