How to Choose the Best Grading Company for Your Pokemon Cards?
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Are you an avid Pokémon card collector looking to grade your most valuable cards? Grading is a great way to protect your cards and increase their market value. But with so many grading companies available, it can be difficult to choose the right one.
This article will walk you through the different criteria to consider when selecting a grading company for your Pokémon cards, to help you make the best choice.
Why grade your Pokémon cards?
Grading protects your Pokémon cards from damage, helping to maintain their value. This is because a graded card is encapsulated in a protective shell, which protects it from scratches, tears, creases, and other forms of wear and tear.
Additionally, grading can increase the value of your cards. A card graded with a high grade is usually more expensive than an ungraded card. This can be especially interesting if you plan to sell your cards in the future.
Criteria for choosing a grading company:
1. Reputation and experience :
Choose a reputable company in the field of Pokémon card grading.
Make sure the company has a good reputation and long experience in card handling and grading.
Look at customer testimonials and online reviews to get an idea of the company's quality of service and reliability.
2. Grading notes and standards :
Different companies use different grading systems.
Some systems are stricter than others.
Choose a company that uses a grading system that you understand and that fits your needs.
3. Rates and deadlines :
Get quotes from multiple grading companies to compare rates.
Don't forget to factor in shipping costs and any additional charges.
Find out about order processing times and delivery times.
4. Insurance and security :
Make sure the company offers insurance for your cards during the grading process.
Find out what measures are taken to ensure the security of your cards during transport.
5. Customer service :
Choose a company that offers excellent customer service.
You should be able to easily reach the company by phone or email with any questions or concerns.
Popular Pokemon Card Grading Companies
Here are some of the most popular Pokémon card grading companies:
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) :
A recognized leader in the field, PSA offers a wide range of grading services, a good reputation and strict standards. Price observed: around €25.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services) :
BGS is another popular choice for grading Pokémon cards. The company stands out for its detailed grading system and transparent labels. Price observed: around €40
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) :
CGC is a newer option in the Pokémon card grading market, but is known for its professional services and rigorous standards.
CA (CollectAura) :
Less renowned on the international market but quite appreciated by French collectors, this French company offers a gradation of quality with personalized cases. Prices start at €9.90.
Japanese companies (ARS, CGS, etc.) :
Finally, for collectors of Japanese cards, there are also Japanese grading companies, less well-known in France but which offer high-quality services and which add a typical side to this grading, such as ARS or CGS, for example.
In conclusion, choosing a grading company for your Pokémon cards is an important decision that requires several factors to be taken into account. By comparing companies and considering important criteria, you will be able to find the company that will meet your needs and allow you to preserve and increase the value of your collection.
