How To Get Baseball Cards Graded?
Looking to get your baseball cards graded? Here’s a quick guide on how to do it!
Introduction
The process of having a baseball card graded can seem a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick guide on how to get your cards graded so you can protect your investment and ensure your cards are accurately graded.
1. Choose a reputable grading company. There are several companies that grade baseball cards, so do your research to find one that is reputable and has a good track record.
2. Select the type of grading service you want. There are two main types of grading services: bulk and individual. Bulk services are typically cheaper, but you will not receive individualized attention for your cards. Individual services are more expensive, but you will have your cards graded one at a time and will be able to receive feedback on each card.
3. Ship your cards to the grading company. Once you have selected a grading company and service, it’s time to ship your cards off! Be sure to choose a shipping method that is safe and secure so your cards arrive safely at their destination.
4. Receive your graded cards back in the mail! After a few weeks, you’ll receive your graded cards back in the mail along with an official certificate of authenticity. Congratulations – now you can proudly display your newly graded cards for all to see!
What is a Graded Baseball Card?
A graded baseball card is a baseball card that has been evaluated and given a grade by a professional grading company. The three main grading companies for baseball cards are PSA, SGC, and Beckett. A graded baseball card usually costs more than a non-graded baseball card because the grade guarantees the condition of the card.
The Advantages of Getting Your Baseball Cards Graded
There are many advantages to having your baseball cards graded. One of the most obvious advantages is that it provides your cards with a level of protection from the elements that ungraded cards do not have.Graded cards are also less likely to be damaged or bent, which can decrease their value.
Another advantage of graded cards is that they are generally worth more than ungraded cards. This is because graded cards have been professionally evaluated and deemed to be in a certain condition. Collectors are willing to pay more for a card that has been given a professional grade because they know exactly what they are getting.
If you are planning on selling your baseball card collection, you will likely get a higher price for graded cards than for ungraded cards. This is because collectors are more confident in the condition of graded cards and are therefore willing to pay more for them.
Getting your baseball cards graded can also help you to organize your collection. Graded cards come in protective holders with information about the card and its condition on the label. This can make it easier for you to keep track of your collection and quickly identify any missing or damaged cards.
Overall, getting your baseball cards graded can provide many benefits, both in terms of protection and value. If you are serious about collecting baseball cards, then having them professionally graded is a good idea.
The Disadvantages of Getting Your Baseball Cards Graded
While there are some advantages to getting your baseball cards graded, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making the decision to do so. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. The grading process is not cheap, and you will have to pay for it upfront. In addition, you will also have to pay for shipping and insurance when sending your cards off to be graded.
Another disadvantage is that it can take a long time to get your cards back from the grading company. It can take several weeks or even months, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to get your collection displaying again.
Finally, there is always the chance that your cards will not come back in the condition you expect them to be in. Cards can be damaged during the grading process, or they may not score as high as you were hoping they would. This can be disappointing and may make you second-guess getting your cards graded in the first place.
How to Get Your Baseball Cards Graded?
Baseball cards can be graded for a fee by professional services. The two most common services are PSA and Beckett. Each company has different standards for what they consider a “good” or “bad” grade. The process of getting your baseball cards graded can be simple and easy if you follow a few steps. There are a few things you need to do in order to get your baseball cards graded.
Step One: Choose a Grading Company
To get your baseball cards graded, you will first need to decide which grading company you would like to use. There are many companies that offer this service, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Once you have chosen a company, you will need to send your cards in for grading. Most companies have an online submission form that you will need to fill out.
Step Two: Wait for Your Cards to be Graded
Once your cards have been received by the grading company, they will begin the process of evaluating them. This can take several weeks, so be patient. Depending on the company you chose, you may be able to track the status of your order online.
Step Three: Receiving Your Graded Cards
Once your cards have been graded, the company will send them back to you in a protective case. The case will list the grade that each card received. You can then choose to sell your cards, trade them, or keep them for your personal collection.
Step Two: Prepare Your Cards for Shipping
To ensure the safety of your cards during transit, you will need to properly package them for shipping. Depending on the company you choose, the instructions may vary slightly, but in general, you will want to use some kind of stiff cardboard or plastic sleeve for each individual card. You should then place these cards in a larger box with padding (such as bubble wrap) to prevent them from moving around during shipping. Many companies also recommend using a tracking service to ensure that your package arrives safely.
Step Three: Ship Your Cards to the Grading Company
Most grading companies will provide you with a shipping label that you can use to send your cards in for grading. If they don’t, you will need to purchase shipping supplies and send the cards in yourself. Make sure you use a padded envelope or box so that the cards don’t get damaged in transit. You will also want to insure the package so that you are reimbursed if it is lost or damaged en route.
Step Four: Wait for Your Cards to Be Graded
Once you’ve mailed off your cards, all you can do is wait. It usually takes between two and four weeks for a company to grade a card and return it to you. The process can take even longer if there’s a backlog of submissions.
You’ll get your cards back in a hard plastic case with the grade assigned to each card. The cases are tamper-proof, so you can be sure that the grades haven’t been altered in any way. Cards that have been graded by professional services are usually worth more than ungraded cards, so it’s definitely worth your while to go through the process.
Step Five: Receive Your Graded Cards
After you have sent off your cards to be graded, it will usually take about 2-4 weeks for the company to send them back to you. Depending on which service you used, you will either get your cards back in a hard plastic case or soft sleeve. The cards will be accompanied by a certificate that has the grade of the card and other important information such as the issue, brand, and serial number. You can now safely store your graded cards knowing that their value has increased and that they are well protected!
Conclusion
To conclude, if you want to get your baseball cards graded, you will need to find a reputable grading company. Once you have found a company, you will need to send in your cards and pay the associated fees. Once your cards have been graded, you will receive them back along with a certificate of authenticity.