How Do You Get a Sports Card Graded?

If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably considered getting your sports cards graded at some point. But how do you get started? Find out everything you need to know about getting your sports cards graded.

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Introduction

Sports cards are graded on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. The grade is determined by the condition of the card, and the higher the grade, the more valuable the card is. To get a sports card graded, you will need to send it to a professional grading company. These companies will inspect the card and assign it a grade. The cost of grading services can vary, but it is typically around $10-$20 per card.

What is a sports card grading?

There are a few ways to get your sports cards graded. The most common is to bring them to a professional grading company. These companies will grade your cards according to their condition and give them a numerical score. The score is then used to determine the value of the card.

Another way to get your cards graded is to do it yourself. This can be done by using an online grading service or by using a grading scale that is available from many hobby shops. Grading your own cards is generally less expensive than having them professionally graded, but it is also more time consuming.

Some collectors also use visual grading, which is simply judging the condition of the card by its appearance. This method is less reliable than numerical grading, but it can be useful if you are trying to determine the value of a card yourself.

The benefits of having a sports card graded

One of the most popular ways to collect sports cards nowadays is to get them professionally graded. Graded cards are assessed by professional companies using a strict 10-point scale system, with 10 being a gem mint condition card, and 1 being a heavily damaged card. The grades in between break down as follows:

9 – Mint
8 – Near Mint/Mint
7 – Very Fine/Excellent
6 – Fine/Very Good
5 – Good/Good
4 – Very Good
3 – Fair/Poor

The process of getting a sports card graded

To ensure your sports card is genuine and worth the value you think it is, you’ll want to get it graded by a professional company. Professional sports card grading companies will encapsulate your card in a hard plastic case with the aim of preserving its condition. Here’s a look at the process of getting your sports card graded.

1. Select a grading company – there are several companies that grade sports cards, so do some research to find one that you’re comfortable with.

2. Submit your card – once you’ve selected a company, you’ll need to send in your card (or cards) to be graded. This usually involves filling out a form and sending your card (or cards) off to the company’s headquarters.

3. Wait for a response – it can take several weeks or even months for the company to grade your card and get back to you. In some cases, Rush services are available for an additional fee.

4. Pay the grading fee – once your card has been graded, you’ll need to pay a fee in order to have it returned to you. The fees can vary depending on the company and the type of card being graded, but typically range from $20-$100 per card.

5. Receive your card – once you’ve paid the grading fee, your card will be returned to you in its hard plastic case along with a certificate of authenticity

The different types of sports card grading

There are different types of sports card grading. The most common are PSA, Beckett, and JSA. Each has their own process and requirements.

PSA is the most popular sportscard grading company. They have a 10 point scale with mint being a 10 and poor being a 1. In order to get your cards graded by PSA, you will need to submit them to their offices along with payment for the service. Once graded, your cards will be sealed in tamper-proof holders with the grade listed on the front.

Beckett is another well-known sports card grading company. They too have a 10 point scale with mint being a 10 and poor being a 1. In order to get your cards graded by Beckett, you too will need to submit them to their offices along with payment for the service. Once graded, your cards will also be sealed in protective holders with the grade displayed on the front.

JSA is a bit different from the other two companies as they don’t use a numerical scale but rather qualification levels such as Authentic, Autograph, Game Worn Jersey, etc. In order to get your cards authenticated and graded by JSA, you will again need to submit them to their offices along with payment for their service. Once graded, your cards will receive certification labels which are affixed to the back of each card detailing what level of authentication has been granted along with any relevant information regarding that card such as player name, team name, year, etc.

The cost of getting a sports card graded

The cost of getting a sports card graded can range from $5 to over $100, depending on the company you use, the type of card, and whether you need it expedited. PSA and Beckett are the two biggest companies in the business, but there are many regional and smaller companies that do a good job as well.

Card grading is not an exact science, and there is some subjective judgment involved. However, the companies that do this work have years of experience and are generally very consistent in their grading.

To get your card graded, you will need to send it to one of the companies mentioned above. They will inspect the card for condition-related factors and assign it a grade on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being mint condition. The cost for this service varies depending on the company you use, but it is typically around $20-$30 per card.

The turnaround time for getting a sports card graded

The turnaround time for getting a sports card graded can vary depending on the company you use, but most companies guarantee that your card will be graded within 10-15 business days. Some companies may be able to grade your card faster if you pay an expedited fee. To get your sports card graded, simply send it in to the company you’ve chosen with the appropriate shipping and handling fee. You’ll receive your graded card in the mail a few weeks later.

The importance of choosing a reputable sports card grading company

With the popularity of sports cards on the rise, more and more people are looking to get their cards graded in order to preserve their value. But with so many different companies out there, how do you know which one to choose?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a sports card grading company:

– Make sure the company is reputable and has a good track record. There are a lot of fly-by-night operations out there, and you don’t want to risk your cards with them.
– Check to see if the company is accredited by any major organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.
– Find out what kind of customer service the company offers. You should be able to get in touch with someone easily if you have any questions or problems.
– Compare fees between different companies. Some companies may charge more for certain services, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.

Taking the time to do your research will help ensure that you choose a sports card grading company that is right for you.

FAQs about sports card grading

FAQs about sports card grading

1. What is a sports card grading?

A sports card grading is the assessment of a sports card by a professional third-party grading company. This process determines the condition and authenticity of the card, as well as assigns it a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being mint condition. A sports card’s grade can significantly affect its value.

2. Why would I want to get my sports card graded?

There are several reasons why you might want to get your sports card graded. If you’re a collector, you’ll want to ensure that your cards are in the best possible condition and are authentic. If you’re looking to sell your cards, having them graded can increase their value. Grading can also provide peace of mind if you’re uncertain about the condition or authenticity of your cards.

3. How much does it cost to get my sports card graded?

The cost of having your sports cards graded will vary depending on the company you use and the number of cards you’re submitting. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 per card.

4. How long does it take to get my sports card graded?
Generally, it will take around 2-4 weeks to get your sports card back from the grading company. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the company and the time of year (grading companies tend to be busier during the spring and summer months).

5. What do I need to do to prepare my sports cards for grading?

Depending on the company, there may be specific instructions on how to prepare your cards for grading. However, in general, you will need to sleeved and protect your cards in a soft protective holder known as a “soft sleeve.” You’ll also want to make sure that your cards are free of any dirt, dust or fingerprints before sending them off for grading.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of getting a sports card graded can vary depending on the company you use. However, the general steps are to first determine the value of your card, then submit it to a company for grading, pay a fee, and finally receive your card back with a grade. While there may be some steps in between, such as shipping your card to the company and waiting for it to arrive, these are the basic steps involved in getting a sports card graded.