How to Submit Your Sports Cards for Grading? (And How We Can Help!)

Hello, collectors! It’s Coleman Bennett, owner of Ontario’s Card Corner. If you’ve been in the hobby for a while, you’ve likely heard about the importance of grading your cards. Grading not only authenticates and protects your valuable cards but also helps maximize their value for resale or display. However, the process of submitting a card for grading can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we’re here to help.

At Ontario’s Card Corner, we offer comprehensive assistance to ensure your cards are graded professionally and returned safely to your collection. From preparation to shipping, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Here’s how the grading process works and how we can make it hassle-free for you.

Step 1: Choose Your Grading Company

The first step is deciding which grading company to use. Each has its unique strengths:

  • PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): Known for high resale values and a simple numerical grading scale.

  • BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Offers detailed subgrades and is highly respected among collectors.

  • SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation): A top choice for vintage cards and trusted for consistency.

We can help you determine which company is the best fit for your specific card and goals.

Step 2: Prep Your Card for Submission

Preparing your card is crucial to achieving the best possible grade. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Inspect the Card: Check for any imperfections like surface scratches, centering issues, or corner damage.

  2. Clean the Card: Using a microfiber cloth, gently remove any dust or smudges from the card’s surface.

  3. Protect the Card: Place the card in a penny sleeve and a semi-rigid cardholder, such as a Card Saver 1. This ensures the card remains secure during transit.

If you’re unsure how to prep your card, don’t worry! We offer cleaning and preparation services to give your card the best chance at a high grade.

Step 3: Submit Your Card

Once your card is ready, it’s time to submit it to the grading company. This involves:

  1. Filling Out Submission Forms: Each company requires specific details about the card, such as its manufacturer, year, and declared value.

  2. Packaging for Shipping: Carefully package your card to avoid damage during transit. Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box to protect it.

  3. Choosing Shipping Options: Opt for secure, trackable shipping methods to ensure your card reaches the grading company safely.

At Ontario’s Card Corner, we handle the entire submission process for you. From filling out forms to packaging and shipping, we’ll take care of it all so you don’t have to.

Step 4: Wait for the Grading Results

Grading can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the company and service level you choose. During this time, we’ll keep you updated on the status of your submission.

Step 5: Receive Your Graded Card

Once the grading process is complete, the company will encapsulate your card in a tamper-proof slab with its grade displayed. We’ll ensure your graded card is shipped back safely to your hands.

How Ontario’s Card Corner Can Help

Submitting your card for grading doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how we make it simple:

  • Consultation: We’ll help you decide which grading company is best for your card.

  • Cleaning & Preparation: Our team will clean and prep your card to maximize its grading potential.

  • Submission Assistance: We’ll handle all the paperwork and logistics for submitting your card.

  • Shipping: We use secure, trackable shipping methods to protect your card throughout the process.

  • Updates: We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, from submission to receiving your graded card.

Get Started Today!

If you’re ready to have your cards graded but don’t know where to start, reach out to us at Ontario’s Card Corner. Whether you’re submitting one card or an entire collection, we’re here to ensure the process is smooth, secure, and stress-free.

Happy collecting!
Coleman Bennett
Owner, Ontario’s Card Corner

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