Grading sports cards is a great way to determine the value of your collection. However, if you don’t package your cards correctly, it can affect the grade and ultimately the value of your card. While some grading companies have specific requirements, others do not. Here are some general tips on how to package sports cards for grading.
Choose the Right Card Holder
The first step in packaging your card is to choose the right card holder. There are several types of holders available, including hard plastic cases, soft plastic sleeves and top-loaders. Each type of holder has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that will best protect your card while still allowing it to be graded properly. Hard plastic cases are generally more expensive but offer superior protection from dirt and dust. Soft plastic sleeves are less expensive but may not provide as much protection from dirt and dust. Top-loaders are also a good choice for protecting cards from dirt and dust, but they can be difficult to open and close without damaging the card. If you use a top-loader put the card in a penny sleeve first to protect the surface of the card first.
Remove Any Protective Covers
Once you have chosen the right holder for your card, it’s important to remove any protective covers that may be on the card before packaging it for grading. This includes any protective tape or stickers that may have been applied by a previous owner or dealer. Removing these covers will ensure that the grader can see all aspects of the card clearly when assessing its condition.
Securely Seal Your Card
Once you have removed any protective covers from your card, it’s important to securely seal it in its holder before sending it off for grading. This can be done by using tape around all edges of the holder, making sure that no air bubbles or gaps remain where dirt or dust could enter. It’s also important to make sure that all edges of the holder are securely sealed so that no moisture can enter and damage your card during transit or storage. You may also choose to enclose the holder between two layers of cardboard for additional rigidity.
Label Your Package
Finally, once you have securely sealed your card in its holder, it’s important to label your package with all relevant information about what is inside and who is sending it off for grading. This should include contact information such as name, address and phone number as well as a description of what is inside (i.e., “sports cards for grading”). Labeling your package correctly will ensure that there is no confusion when it arrives at its destination and will help speed up the process of getting your cards graded accurately and quickly.
By following these tips on how to package sports cards for grading, you can ensure that your cards arrive safely at their destination and receive an accurate grade based on their condition alone – not on any damage caused by improper packaging!
How to Package Sports Cards for Grading
