Know what you are doing before you spend money.
Simple answers on grading, restoration, card condition and how to send your cards safely. No jargon, just the things collectors actually want to know.
Should I grade this card?
Grading is usually worth looking at when the card is valuable, in strong condition, hard to replace, or something you simply want authenticated and protected. A low-value card with heavy wear may make less sense unless it means something to you personally.
Simple rule: compare the raw value, the likely graded value and the total grading cost. If the gap makes sense to you, grading is worth considering. Use our calculator to check the numbers.
Try the “worth grading?” calculator →Grade it when...
The condition is strong · the card is valuable or sought after · the graded value justifies the cost · you want it authenticated and protected.
Maybe leave it raw when...
The card is heavily worn · the value is low · the grading cost eats most of the upside · you simply prefer it raw.
What the numbers mean.
Most major graders use a 1-10 scale and look closely at centering, corners, edges and surface. Below is a simple guide to how collectors generally think about the main condition levels.
No one can guarantee a grade before the card is graded. We can assess condition and give you our view, but the grading company makes the final decision.
Can restoration improve a card before grading?
That is one of the main reasons collectors use us. Cleaning, dent removal, crease reduction, corner work and surface treatment can improve how a card presents before submission. What restoration cannot do is guarantee a grade. PSA, TAG and Beckett make the final decision, and some types of work may be treated as alteration. We assess the card first and explain that risk before you approve anything. Restore to improve the condition, then submit if you want us to handle the grading as well.
Read about restoration & grading →Condition improvement
We work on the defects that can realistically be improved, with grading in mind if submission is part of your plan.
Full submission concierge
Once restoration is complete, we can prepare and submit the card to PSA, TAG or Beckett. The final grading outcome is always the grader’s call.
How to send your cards safely.
A lot of preventable card damage happens in transit. Take five minutes to pack it properly before it leaves your hands.
Start a submission →Ready to send one in?
There is no payment to start. Restoration work only begins after your card arrives and you approve the firm quote.