How To Prepare Cards for Grading With PSA, Beckett, and SGC
Want to get your sports or trading cards graded by PSA, Beckett, or SGC? Here's a detailed, SEO-optimized guide on how to prepare your cards for grading, protect them in transit, and use the right tools to maximize your chances at a high grade.
🧼 Step 1: Clean Your Cards Before PSA or Beckett Grading
Before sending your cards to PSA, Beckett, or SGC for grading, you need to clean them thoroughly. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe away fingerprints, dust, or residue that could affect your grade:
- Buy on Amazon: HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (12-Pack) - Perfect for pre-grading cleaning
- Get on Amazon: K&F Concept Air Blower - Non-contact dust removal tool
🔍 Step 2: Use Magnification to Inspect Cards for Grading
To prep cards for grading with PSA, Beckett, or SGC, use a 10x jeweler's loupe. This allows you to inspect corners, edges, centering, and surface quality - key criteria used in professional card grading:
💡 Step 3: Use Penny Sleeves and Card Savers
PSA and other grading companies require that cards be submitted in a soft penny sleeve inside a semi-rigid Card Saver 1 holder. This method prevents damage and makes handling easier for graders:
- Buy on Amazon: Premium Penny Sleeves (1000 Count) - Keep your cards scratch-free
- Get on Amazon: Cardboard Gold Card Saver 1 (50 Pack) - The PSA standard holder
📦 Step 4: How To Package Cards for PSA, Beckett, or SGC Grading
Once sleeved and secured in Card Savers, sandwich your cards between cardboard, add bubble wrap, and place in a padded mailer. Always include the grading company's submission form and ship with tracking and insurance.
📄 Step 5: Complete PSA, Beckett, or SGC Submission Forms
Each grading company - PSA, Beckett, or SGC - requires accurate card details including the year, manufacturer, set, player name, and card number. Be sure to choose the appropriate service level and declared value.
🚀 Step 6: Track Your Card Grading Submission
After shipping, track your package until it is received by PSA, Beckett, or SGC. Once entered into the system, your cards will be graded and returned. Proper prep increases your odds of earning that coveted GEM MINT 10.
🛠️ Tools for Preparing Cards for Grading
- Amazon: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths - Essential for spotless prep
- Amazon: K&F Concept Air Blower - Blow away surface dust
- Amazon: 10x Loupe - Inspect your cards like a grader
- Amazon: Penny Sleeves - Soft protection for raw cards
- Amazon: Card Saver 1 - PSA's required card holder
By following these steps and using the right tools, you'll give your trading cards the best shot at high grades from PSA, Beckett, or SGC. Ready to grade? Prep like a pro first.