Collector guide
Prepare cards for grading without overpromising
Document condition, select safe holders, and understand why preparation cannot guarantee a grade.
Reviewed 2026-07-30Inspect before submitting
Review centering, corners, edges, and surfaces under clear lighting. Photograph the card before packing so you retain a condition record.
- Check front and back
- Record visible defects
- Confirm the card and set identification
Use the grading company’s current instructions
Holder, labeling, packaging, declared-value, and shipping requirements can change. Follow the selected grading company’s published submission instructions at the time you submit.
- Confirm accepted holder type
- Complete submission labels accurately
- Use trackable shipping appropriate to the declared value
Keep expectations evidence-based
Cleaning, careful packaging, or a pre-screen cannot guarantee a particular grade. The grading company makes the final determination under its own standards.
- Compare submission cost with realistic value ranges
- Do not treat an estimated grade as certain
- Retain submission and shipping records