How To Assess And Prepare Sports And Non Sport Cards For Grading

Trading cards have been around for over a century, and during that time they have become increasingly popular as collectibles. In recent years, the market for graded cards has exploded, as collectors and investors have realized the value of having their cards professionally authenticated and graded. This has led to a growing demand for people who can assess and prepare cards for grading.

If you're interested in learning how to assess and prepare sports and non-sport cards for grading, this guide is for you. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about assessing and preparing cards for grading, including:

Grading 101: How to Assess and Prepare Sports and Non-Sport Cards for Grading

by Alan Seaborn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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• How to identify key factors that affect card value
• How to properly store and protect your cards
• How to choose the right grading company

Assessing Cards for Grading

The first step in preparing cards for grading is to assess them to determine if they are worth grading. Not all cards are worth grading, so it's important to be able to identify the factors that affect card value.

Factors that Affect Card Value

The following factors can affect the value of a card:

• Condition: The condition of a card is the most important factor that affects its value. Cards that are in mint condition are worth more than cards that are damaged or have been altered.
• Rarity: The rarity of a card is also an important factor that affects its value. Cards that are more rare are worth more than cards that are more common.
• Popularity: The popularity of a card can also affect its value. Cards that are popular with collectors are worth more than cards that are not as popular.
• Player or Team: The player or team featured on a card can also affect its value. Cards that feature popular players or teams are worth more than cards that feature less popular players or teams.
• Year: The year a card was issued can also affect its value. Cards that were issued in the early years of the hobby are worth more than cards that were issued more recently.

It's important to note that these factors are not all equal. Some factors, such as condition and rarity, are more important than others, such as player or team.

How to Assess Cards for Grading

Once you have identified the factors that affect card value, you can start to assess your cards to determine if they are worth grading. To assess a card, you will need to:

• Inspect the card for damage. Look for any creases, tears, stains, or other damage. Even minor damage can affect the value of a card.
• Check the card for alterations. Make sure that the card has not been altered in any way. Altered cards are not worth grading.
• Determine the rarity of the card. You can use a card catalog or online resources to determine the rarity of a card.
• Research the popularity of the card. You can use online forums or social media to research the popularity of a card.

Once you have assessed your cards, you can decide if they are worth grading. If you believe that a card is worth grading, you can move on to the next step, which is preparing the card for grading.

Preparing Cards for Grading

Once you have decided that a card is worth grading, you need to prepare it for grading. Preparing a card for grading involves cleaning the card, protecting it from damage, and submitting it to a grading company.

Cleaning Cards

The first step in preparing a card for grading is to clean it. You should only clean a card if it is dirty or has fingerprints on it. To clean a card, you will need to use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Gently wipe the card with the cloth and soap solution, and then rinse the card with water. Make sure to dry the card completely before you submit it to a grading company.

Protecting Cards

Once you have cleaned a card, you need to protect it from damage. You can protect a card by storing it in a card sleeve and a card holder. Card sleeves are made of soft plastic and protect the card from scratches and other damage. Card holders are made of hard plastic and protect the card from bending and warping.

Submitting Cards to a Grading Company

Once you have cleaned and protected a card, you can submit it to a grading company. There are a number of different grading companies, so you will need to choose the one that is right for you. When choosing a grading company, you should consider the following factors:

• Reputation: The reputation of a grading company is important. You should choose a grading company that has a good reputation for accuracy and consistency.
• Expertise: The expertise of a grading company is also important. You should choose a grading company that has experience grading the type of cards that you are submitting.
• Cost: The cost of grading a card is also an important factor to consider. You should choose a grading company that offers competitive prices.

Once you have chosen a grading company, you can submit your card to them. You will need to fill out a submission form and pay the grading fee. The grading company will then grade your card and return it to you within a few weeks.

Assessing and preparing sports and non-sport cards for grading can be a rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase the value of your cards and protect them from damage. If you have any questions about assessing or preparing cards for grading, please feel free to contact a professional grading company.

Grading 101: How to Assess and Prepare Sports and Non-Sport Cards for Grading

by Alan Seaborn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE