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The grading journey

How Card Grading Works

From choosing your cards to receiving them back

Explore the submission, shipping, grading, and verification steps before you send your collection.

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Every step, explained

From your collection.
And back again.

Here's what happens to your cards, from submission to delivery.

Step 1 · Before shipping

Create your submission

Tell us which cards you want to grade

Start in your GSM account. Enter your card details and choose Standard or Rush. Review existing prepaid grading and the remaining amount due before payment. A prepaid package is optional.

Step 2 · Carrier transit

Pack and send your cards

Protect your cards for the journey to GSM

Use protective sleeves and suitable holders, cushion the cards in a sturdy box, and include your submission details. Follow the destination and packing instructions for your submission. Choose tracked shipping and review the carrier’s coverage for collectible cards.

Step 3 · During evaluation

Authentication review

Card identity and authenticity are reviewed

Authentication is part of the grading process. Cards are reviewed for authenticity and signs of alteration. If there is a question about your card, contact the team about the record and available next steps. Applicable service terms govern how issues are handled.

Step 4 · During evaluation

Condition grading

Centering, corners, edges, and surface are assessed

GSM evaluates the condition of your card using its grading standards. Centering, corners, edges, and surface contribute to the assessment. Explore the grading scale to understand the criteria and review the available information in your card’s record.

Step 5 · After grading

Encapsulation and certificate

The graded card is housed in a GSM slab

A completed GSM grading includes an encapsulated card and a certificate number for its grading record. Use that number to look up the available card details and grade. Check the record against the card and label when buying or receiving a slab.

Step 6 · Carrier transit

Return shipping

Your cards are prepared for their return journey

The completed cards are packed for return to the address on your submission. Review the shipping method, costs, and any included package benefits applicable to your order. Carrier transit is separate from grading time.

Plan your submission

Allow time for the whole journey.

Shipping to GSM, grading, and return transit are separate parts of your timeline.

  1. Shipping to GSM

    Allow for the carrier’s transit time from your location. Keep your tracking details.

  2. Grading and encapsulation

    Timing depends on the service and current workload. Confirm the current estimate with GSM before sending a time-sensitive submission.

  3. Return shipping

    Allow for transit to the return address on your submission. Review the shipping details and any included benefits for your order.

Have a show, gift, or other deadline in mind? Contact the GSM team before submitting to confirm whether your timing can be accommodated.

Compare Standard and RushRead the Terms of Service

Pack with care

A safe journey starts here.

Follow this packing checklist to help your cards arrive safely.

Packing checklist0 / 6 required items

Do this.

  • Follow the instructions for your confirmed submission
  • Use protective sleeves and holders suited to your cards
  • Cushion the cards so they cannot move inside the box
  • Check the destination address before shipping
  • Keep tracking details and photographs of the packed contents
  • Review the carrier’s coverage, limits, and claims requirements

Avoid these.

  • Do not send loose cards in an unprotected envelope
  • Do not apply tape directly to cards
  • Do not use holders that bend or compress the cards
  • Do not clean or alter cards before submitting
  • Do not omit the submission details requested in your instructions

Ready when you are

Your next step starts here.

Choose the cards you care about. We'll guide you through the rest.

Submit your cardsExplore the grade estimator