Collector guide

The True Cost of Card Grading

Calculate grading, memberships, shipping, insurance, supplies, upcharges and selling fees.

Graded-card decisions combine authentication, condition, market demand, service cost and personal collecting goals. A numerical grade is useful information, but it does not replace inspection of the card or the economics of the transaction.

1. Advertised per-card fee

Advertised per-card fee should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

2. Membership costs

Membership costs should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

3. Outbound shipping

Outbound shipping should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

4. Return shipping

Return shipping should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

5. Insurance

Insurance should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

6. Selling fees

Selling fees should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

Important: This guide is educational. It does not predict a grade, guarantee authenticity, provide an appraisal or recommend cards as investments.

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