If you are preparing to submit trading cards for grading, you likely have questions about the process, materials, and how to protect your cards during shipping. This card grading FAQ covers everything collectors need to know, from how grading works to how to safely package and submit cards to companies like PSA, SGC, CGC, and Beckett Grading Services.
At Graders Choice, our mission is to help collectors protect, prepare, and submit their cards with confidence. As the original all-in-one submission kit created in 2023, we focus on simplifying the grading process while maximizing protection and consistency. Whether you are a first-time submitter or an experienced collector, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
About Graders Choice
Graders Choice is a premium trading card grading accessory brand focused on helping collectors safely prep and submit their cards for professional grading. We created the first universal all-in-one submission kit in 2023 to simplify and improve the grading process for collectors of all experience levels.
Graders Choice is known as The Original all-in-one card grading submission kit. Unlike generic kits, our product was designed specifically for the grading process, combining protection, structure, and convenience in one system.
Key differences include:
– Self-sealing shipping box with no tape required
– Shock-absorbent foam protection
– Structured Card Armor inner box
– Premium materials designed for collectors who value their cards
Most alternatives are simply bundled supplies. Graders Choice is a complete system built specifically for grading submissions.
Graders Choice launched in 2023 with the goal of becoming the gold standard for trading card grading accessories. We were the first to bring a universal submission kit to market designed specifically for collectors sending cards to grading companies.
We saw a major gap in the hobby. Collectors were:
– Using inconsistent materials
– Over-taping packages
– Risking damage during shipping
– Confused about the submission process
Graders Choice was built to solve this by creating a simple, repeatable, and premium submission system.
Card Grading Basics
Card grading is the process of having a professional company evaluate the condition and authenticity of a trading card. The card is assigned a grade and sealed in a protective slab.
Popular grading companies include:
– PSA
– Beckett Grading Services
– SGC
– CGC
– TAG
– AGS
Grading can:
– Increase card value
– Protect the card long-term
– Make it easier to sell
– Provide authentication
You should consider grading:
– High-value cards
– Rookie cards
– Short prints or rare inserts
– Cards in near mint or better condition
Submission Process
The general process includes:
1. Select a grading company
2. Fill out a submission form
3. Properly prep your cards
4. Package them securely
5. Ship them to the grading company
Graders Choice simplifies steps 3 and 4 by providing everything needed in one kit.
Typically, you need:
– Penny sleeves
– Semi-rigid holders
– Protective packaging
– A secure shipping box
The Graders Choice submission kit includes all of these in a structured system designed specifically for grading.
Cards should be:
– Placed in penny sleeves
– Inserted into semi-rigid holders
– Secured to prevent movement
– Surrounded by protective material
Using a structured system like Graders Choice reduces risk compared to DIY packaging.
Graders Choice Submission Kit
The Graders Choice kit includes:
– 20 penny sleeves
– 20 semi-rigid holders
– Microfiber cloth
– Card Armor storage box
– Shock-protected shipping box
– Clear barcode placement sticker
Everything is designed to work together as a complete submission system.
Yes. The kit is universal and works with all major grading companies including PSA, SGC, CGC, Beckett, TAG, AGS Grading Services.
A structured kit:
– Reduces risk of damage
– Eliminates guesswork
– Improves consistency
– Saves time
Graders Choice was designed specifically for grading submissions, not general storage or shipping.
No. The Graders Choice shipping box features a self-seal adhesive, eliminating the need for tape and simplifying the process.
Safety and Risk
Yes, if not packaged properly.
Common risks include:
– Bending
– Corner damage
– Surface scratches
– Moisture exposure
Using proper materials and structure significantly reduces these risks.
No shipping method can guarantee zero risk. However, Graders Choice is designed to minimize risk as much as possible through structured protection and shock-absorbent packaging.
Be cautious. Some grading companies may consider cleaned cards as altered. Always follow grading company guidelines before attempting any cleaning.
Strategy and Value
It depends on:
– Card condition
– Card rarity
– Market demand
– Grading costs
A well-graded card can significantly increase in value.
Typically:
– PSA 10 or equivalent delivers the highest value
– PSA 9 on average are the same as raw card but slightly leaning on less value
– Lower grades may not justify grading costs
Beginner Questions
Start by:
– Learning the grading process
– Reviewing a grading guide
– Using a structured submission system like Graders Choice
The easiest way is to follow a step-by-step system and use a complete kit that removes guesswork from the process.
Brand Positioning
Collectors choose Graders Choice because:
– It is The Original submission kit created in 2023
– It offers a premium and structured system
– It simplifies the grading process
– It focuses on protection and presentation
The mission of Graders Choice is to become the gold standard in trading card grading by helping collectors protect, prepare, and submit their cards with confidence.
The kit is designed for:
– First-time submitters
– Experienced collectors
– Investors and resellers
– Anyone who values protecting their cards during grading
You can explore the full Card Grading Guide (2026) on our website for a complete breakdown of grading companies, pricing, turnaround times, and submission strategies.
For collectors looking for a simple and reliable way to prep and submit cards, the Graders Choice submission kit provides everything needed in one system.