Grading

If you’re new to the hobby, or never graded cards before - there are lots of reasons to do so. Your card will be forever protected from damage, there’s no question on condition or value (and good grades can certainly raise the value of your cards), and for those more seasoned collectors, it will make things a lot easier on whomever you choose to pass your collection on to.

Research and evaluate
Contrary to popular belief, not every card should be graded! (Those Todd Van Poppels, Ben Simmons, and JaMarcus Russells need to stay at home!)

Each of the major grading companies handles things a little bit differently, but PSA, BGS, CGC, and SGC are all going to very closely look at the card’s centering, corners, edges and surface - those are the four major criteria.

If you’re wondering what we do with our cards before submitting?

We start by researching recent comps (sales) of the card (you can look at sold listings on ebay, use 130point.com, or other valuation apps), then assess market demand (do people want to buy this card graded?) and do our best to guesstimate the grade the card might receive. If you see obvious flaws (corner or edge whiting, surface dimples, corner dings, creases, etc) or that recent comps are low or trending down, it might be better to keep that card as-is.

Inspect condition

You guys look at cards all day, how do I know what to look for?

Use a clean, well‑lit area, and something to really look closely - a jeweler's loupe, magnifying glass, or even your phone’s camera - at those four criteria we mentioned before (centering, corners, edges, and surface) for issues. 

Centering – 50/50 both top to bottom and left to right are ideal. Most companies will allow 55/45, but if it is further off-centered, that will affect the grade. Use a ruler, or a digital caliper for tru precision.

Corners – are they nice and sharp? Is there any rounding? Is there whiting (lighter material shows through wear on dark-bordered cards)? Is there missing or extra stock?

Edges – are they smooth and clean? Is there any chipping or extra stock?

Surface – Is it smooth and clean? Are there dimples (tiny round surface impressions)? Are there any print or roller lines, scratches, scuffing or stains?

Just by taking a few extra minutes to look at your cards will make a HUGE difference in your grading experience!

Prepare Your Cards for Submission
Now that you’ve looked at the condition and market value, and you’ve decided to submit, what should you do next?

Start with clean hands, and use a microfiber cloth to gently clean off any dust or fingerprints (we offer this service for a small fee - just ask at the shop. NOTE: Microfiber cloths are only for cleaning, not repairing scratched, or removing stains! The grading companies will know if you alter your cards, and will either return them un-slabbed or with an “altered” designation on the label

Place each card in a penny sleeve and an approved grading submission sleeve (semi-rigids measuring 3-5/16”  x 4-7/8” - Card Saver I). Thicker cards should go in top loaders. We have submission sleeves available at the shop.

Photo Shoot Time!
Take high‑res photographs (or scans if possible) of each card before shipping. We take photos prior to shipping, but for your own peace of mind, please document your submission!

Bring Your Cards to House of Cards

Now that you have everything assessed, cleaned, and sleeved, just bring your submission to House of Cards. We’ll quickly walk you through the process, which is pretty simple:

Provide your contact information

1. Pay for grading fees and outbound shipping in cash or via Zelle
2. Follow House of Cards on Facebook or Instagram so you can track progress
3. Pick up your items at House of Cards when they come back (with a liytel return shipping due!
4. Brag on IG about your new GEM MT 10 or Black Label!!!
5. We take care of entering your cards into the grading company’s system, securely packing, and shipping via insured FedEx.