Pre‑Submission Checklist: How to Prepare Cards for Grading

Introduction

Submitting your cards for professional grading isn’t just a matter of mailing them off. Small details—from surface dust to off‑center borders—can lower your score. A thorough pre‑submission routine helps you decide which cards deserve grading and gives them the best chance of achieving a high grade.

1. Research and evaluate

Start by understanding how grading companies judge cards and whether your card is likely to be worth the fee. PSA, BGS, CGC and SGC all examine centering, corners, edges and surface, but standards differ: BGS uses subgrades while CGC reserves 10s for truly pristine examples. Before submitting, research recent sales of comparable cards, assess market demand and realistically estimate the grade your card might receive. If your card has significant defects or low market value, consider keeping it raw and saving the grading fee.

2. Inspect condition

Using a clean, well‑lit workspace and magnification, examine each card for imperfections. Check the surface for print lines, scratches or stains; scrutinise edges and corners for whitening or dings; and verify centring with a ruler or digital tool. Professional graders evaluate these elements individually, so catching issues now can help you decide if a submission is worthwhile.

3. Handle and clean carefully

Always wash and dry your hands or wear gloves to avoid adding fingerprints. Remove dust and debris with a soft microfiber cloth, being careful not to rub the surface aggressively. Never attempt to erase scratches or alter the card, as restoration is prohibited by grading companies and could result in a refusal or an “altered” designation.

4. Document the card’s condition

Take high‑resolution photographs or scans of each card before shipping. Capture the front and back under good lighting and from multiple angles. This documentation protects you in the rare event of transit damage and provides a reference if you need to file an insurance claim. Some collectors even record a video of themselves packing the card to show its condition at the time of shipment.

5. Use proper sleeves and holders

Place each card in a new penny sleeve and then insert it into a semi‑rigid card saver—Card Saver I is the industry standard—or a graded submission sleeve. Avoid using thick top loaders, which can crack during transit. Penny sleeves prevent scratches, while semi‑rigid holders make it easy for graders to remove cards without damaging corners.

6. Fill out forms and choose a service level

Complete the grading company’s online submission form, declaring each card’s estimated value and selecting a service level (economy, bulk, express, etc.). Faster services cost more but offer quicker turnaround times. Double‑check your entries for accuracy; mistakes can delay processing or lead to mislabelled slabs. Links to submission portals: PSA, Beckett, CGC, TAG.

7. Pack and ship securely

Bundle card savers between cardboard pieces, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a sturdy box. Include a copy of your submission form and clearly label the package. Ship with tracking and insurance equal to the declared value. Avoid overstuffing the box, as pressure can bend cards.

8. Use pre‑grading tools

Digital tools can help you gauge a card’s potential before committing to a grading fee. CenterGrade, for example, measures centering down to the pixel and warns you if a card is unlikely to achieve a 10. Although no tool can guarantee a specific grade, these services can save you from submitting cards with obvious flaws.

Conclusion

Taking the time to research, inspect and prepare your cards pays dividends when it comes to grading. A careful pre‑submission checklist reduces surprises, protects your cards during shipping and increases the odds of a higher grade. By selecting only worthy cards and using proper supplies—including pre‑grading tools like CenterGrade—you can make the grading process smoother and more rewarding.