I’ve heard lots of stuff about PSA and their process from my time on the forum, so I think it’s time to consolidate it into one thread. Any information can be helpful in regards to the process of grading cards. Some common questions I have heard include:
What affects how fast my cards get graded? (turnaround time)
If I select a service with a long turnaround time (30+ days) is it worth it to mark the turnaround time on the outside of the package as PSA says you should?
If I submit multiple orders with the same turnaround time (Ex: regrades and grading, crossovers and grading) will one get completed faster?
Should I use the online submission center or write out a traditional form?
What is the process of grading a card like? What do graders look for and how many graders look at my card?
I want to regrade a card. Should I take it out of the PSA slab or leave it in?
I’m regrading a card. If I keep the card in the slab, does the grader looking at my card know the previous grade?
I have a card back from PSA, but they mislabeled it. How would I go about getting that corrected? Will PSA pay for any shipping costs to send the card back to them?
PSA has refused to grade my card because of recoloration/trimming/etc., but I purchased it from a reputable seller. How accurate are these grading refusals?
Feel free to add any more questions/answers to this thread. I think this can become a great resource for those of us who grade cards, and maybe those of us who are a little less experienced can get help from those who have been doing it for years.
Question: are the PSA guys who handle Pokemon cards generally aware of printing defects in certain sets (like the white spots that are common in Primal Clash cards)?
The below is pretty accurate though some don’t apply all the time.
What affects how fast my cards get graded? (turnaround time)
Service level
How busy it is.
Did a giant order come in or is there a national show in progress (most the graders may be out of town with the show and major backups can occur on site)
If I select a service with a long turnaround time (30+ days) is it worth it to mark the turnaround time on the outside of the package as PSA says you should?
For shorter times mark it. For longer times write “grading special” only. This may get it opened quicker.
If I submit multiple orders with the same turnaround time (Ex: regrades and grading, crossovers and grading) will one get completed faster?
This is random. Either may be done first.
Should I use the online submission center or write out a traditional form?
Online form helps a little accuracy wise.
What is the process of grading a card like? What do graders look for and how many graders look at my card?
This is too time consuming and/or complicated a question to type out one answer to. There’s several answers.
I want to regrade a card. Should I take it out of the PSA slab or leave it in?
Crack it then anonymously mail them the label for Pop update
I’m regrading a card. If I keep the card in the slab, does the grader looking at my card know the previous grade?
Yes
.
I have a card back from PSA, but they mislabeled it. How would I go about getting that corrected? Will PSA pay for any shipping costs to send the card back to them?
Mail it back to be corrected. You’ll pay postage TO them but if you call CS and make a fuss you may get a free grade.
PSA has refused to grade my card because of recoloration/trimming/etc., but I purchased it from a reputable seller. How accurate are these grading refusals?
Very accurate…
I want to send my first batch of cards to PSA soon (from the UK) and I’m feeling unsure about sending so many valuable cards in one go, and then having them sent back. It seems very risky, I’d hate to lose some of the best and rarest cards I own.
One option is to send in multiple small batches with less risk, but then you’re just increasing the number of times something could go wrong. Any advice/reassurances for me? Thanks.
Insure your package far beyond the value of your cards. It’ll cost a hell of a lot to ship, but a fraction of the cost of losing all your cards. PSA covers you for damage at their facilities, and if you insure the package, you’re covered all the way. I usually send $500-1000 worth of cards in one package, with no issues. International can be different though, so I see your apprehension.