1st time PSA submission advise

49ersGuy

This weekend I plan on dropping a few cards off at the PSA booth at a local card show and was hoping the very knowledgable people on this board might give me some tips/advise regarding my submission. These can range from the most basic tips but also things that maybe you might not of known your first time submitting that you think would be helpful to me.

Thanks for any and all advice!

addicted2ebay

I've never dropped off in person but it seems that too many sharp dead centered cards are looked at as trimmed/altered. So throw a few ugly Betty's in there to balance it out lol.

49ersGuy

Not working on any set. I'm only getting 2 cards graded at this time. Both cards book in the $40 to $120 range and my hope is they have a chance at a 9 or possible 10. Of course I am a novice in terms of judging things but in looking at images of other PSA 10 cards I think they might have a chance. I'll probably get an 8.

Going to submit the cards in a penny sleeve and card saver I. Take photo's as well.

I was curious about when doing the paperwork do I use Beckett value as the amount the card is worth?

When dropping off at the PSA booth do I just need the card and that is it? They take care of the rest?

If the card is a potential 2k and 10k card in PSA 10 form is there anything special I should do when filling out the paperwork? etc

49ersGuy

good idea Addicted. I have a 1972 off center yet sharp corners Staubach that will probably come back a 6 or at best an 8oc. I could toss that one in as I would like to see it encased.

Piggs

Make sure your card is in a Card Saver 1 to start with. Also, I have mostly older cards so the modern guys may feel differently but I never anticipate a 10 grade. They are rare in most cases. Just make a good judgment on it's value, it's only for insurance purposes anyway and I wouldn't put down what a Gem Mint 10 would cost. Good luck with your cards. Doug

Carew29

Avoid the grader of death!!!

lmf

It may be to late but I advise you to avoid putting your cards in penny sleeves if you come across a high grade card put it in an ultra pro graded card submission semi rigid holder only these bend so make sure not to store or handle improperly, then when it's time for grading your all set and you know the card can't be damaged by putting it in and taking it out of a penny sleeve, I guarantee you many collectors damaged their own cards with penny sleeves also do you want a grader over handling you card. Good luck I learned this the hard way

slum22

A trick to avoid damaging bottom corners of cards when inserting into a penny sleeve is to cut one of the top corners off of the penny sleeve then you can use your thumb and index finger to safely open up a pocket to insert the card safely.

You may also want to put scans of the cards up here and let people help you get an idea of what grade to expect. From what I've seen the board is usually harder on cards than the graders.

When declaring value I would probably not use Beckett. I think if possible go with the average price of your card from completed eBay sales of comparable ungraded cards. Like another poster said, the declared value is only used for return shipping purposes.

Lastly, good luck with your submission! I hope it all works out for you. For most people their first sub is usually an introduction to the harsh standards of third party grading. If you go in with realistic expectations it definitely helps.

49ersGuy

Submitted the 3 cards at the tristar show last Saturday. I was curious to find out what the expected wait time for this is going to be? I still have not seen the charge appear on my cards as well. The turnaround is supposed to be 10 days on this one but have read the boards here and know that might take much longer...but should I worry about that?

seebelow

How do you guys determine what "value" to write down? Since a difference in one grade, that they are yet to determine, can change the value significantly.