Declared value and service level

ssollars

Hi all,

Here is a general question that has puzzled me since becoming a member of PSA.

I have done a search here and didn't see anything resembling an answer to this question so here goes...

I understand the importance of the declared value with respect to the insured value of returning my cards to me but why should the declared value have anything to do with what service level is used? What does paying more to have a higher declared value card get me? Other than prioritizing submissions to support turnaround times (which I agree, quicker should cost more) are cards submitted at higher service levels graded any differently? Are high dollar cards handled by the senior/better graders verses lower dollar cards? Are they scrutinized more so that only the best of the best get the high grades? I just don't understand it!

Thanks

P.S.
I throughly enjoyed my first national recently! Bring on Chitown.

BigRedMachine

The honest, please don't ban me, answer is this...........

What we're telling you is all cards are graded equally, it doesn't matter whether it's a '52 Mantle or '88 Glavine. We're the #1 grader of sports cards and each card is graded objectively. However, because you have a card that is much more desireable in the card industry, we're going to charge you more money to grade a card of higher value. We're going to spend more time on your card because of it's high price, and still hope you can have 100% faith in the other cards we grade but spend less time on, thus the higher price. Don't ask questions, just send your money. Thanks.

Hope this helps.

jradke4

I think the difference in price may have to due with liability insurance. ie if you send in a 52 Topps Mantle and it comes back a 4 but you claim that it was a 7 or 8 when you sent it one might try to sue PSA. Now by charging a higher fee based on declared value it can work in PSA favor it two ways. One you are saying what you think the card. Two it would allow PSA the money to pay a rider policy on insurance of their own for damage to a card. Also most of the higher value cards tend to be older and they probably dont have as many experts in authenticating them. Though all of their graders should be able to grade any card.