Condition and grading

What is a pre-grade assessment?

A careful read of a card before you pay grading fees: I measure centering and examine the surface, corners and edges, then give you an opinion of the likely grade range and which grading company’s standard fits the card.

Will my card grade a 10?

I cannot promise any grade, and nobody honestly can. I give you an opinion of the likely range and my reasoning; the grading company decides, and my record shows what I saw and when.

How do you record condition?

As observed, at a time and date stamped on the record: centering measured, surface examined under raking light, corners and edges under magnification, and each check photographed. I describe what I see, not what a card might grade.

Long read

What is reseal verification?

A check of sealed product, before you buy or open it, for signs that it has been opened and resealed. The finding is consistent with factory-sealed, not consistent, or inconclusive, with photographs.

How do you check if a box was resealed?

I weigh it against reference, examine and photograph the seal and shrink pattern, check the pack map where one applies, and state a finding: consistent with factory-sealed, not consistent, or inconclusive.

Long read

Is my card worth grading?

It depends on its condition, what it is worth raw and slabbed, and what the grading fee is. A pre-grade gives you an independent read of the condition so you can make that call before you pay.

What is the grading submission hub?

A service where I pre-check, photograph, package, insure and ship your cards to the grading company you choose, then photograph and reconcile the slabs when they come back. You prepay the grading fees; I never hold your money.

Long read

Who pays the grading company's fees?

You do, in advance, either directly to the grading company or as a pass-through invoice you pay before the cards ship. I charge only my own flat service fee and never hold your money.

Are my cards insured while they are at the grading company?

Cards travel insured when I ship them. While the grading company holds them, its own submission terms govern, so check those terms and your own coverage for anything valuable.

What do you check when cards come back?

I photograph each slab against the outbound record, log the grade against my pre-grade opinion, and compare condition with the photographs taken before shipping, so any damage in transit or at the grader shows up.

Which grading company should I use?

It depends on the card and what you want from the slab. A pre-grade assessment names the company whose standard fits your card, and explains why.