10 Common Card Grading Mistakes to Avoid
The ten most common mistakes first-time submitters make when grading cards — and how to avoid wasting fees or losing grade points.
Grading looks simple — stick a card in a holder, mail it off. In reality, there are a dozen ways to lose money, damage cards, or get disappointing grades. Here are the ten most common mistakes first-time submitters make.
Mistake #1: Submitting Cards With Visible Flaws
A collector thinks their card looks clean, submits without close inspection, and it comes back a PSA 7 because of a faint crease only visible under raking light. Always inspect under bright, angled lighting before submitting.
Mistake #2: Overestimating the Grade
Collectors mentally lock in "PSA 10" without accounting for how rare 10s actually are (10–25% for most modern cards, under 5% for vintage). Budget for one grade lower than your gut tells you.
Mistake #3: Using Toploaders Instead of Card Savers
Toploaders are too rigid and tight — they can crush corners during shipping. Card Saver 1 semi-rigid holders are the industry standard. Some graders reject toploader submissions.
Mistake #4: Cleaning or "Improving" Cards
Never wipe, polish, erase, or treat cards. Any alteration can be detected and will result in a downgrade or rejection. Especially dangerous on vintage.
Mistake #5: Wrong Declared Value
Understate it and you exceed the tier's insurance cap. Overstate it and you get pushed to an expensive tier unnecessarily. Declare honestly.
Mistake #6: Not Checking Pop Reports
Population reports show how many cards exist at each grade. If thousands of PSA 10s exist, your 10 has less scarcity premium. Check before submitting to set realistic expectations.
Mistake #7: Poor Packaging
Loose cards rattling in a box, bent cardboard, tape on Card Savers, under-padded boxes. Pack like the box will be thrown — because it will be.
Mistake #8: Not Insuring the Shipment
Always ship with tracking and insurance covering full declared value. USPS makes mistakes. For submissions over $5,000, consider registered mail.
Mistake #9: Not Photographing Cards Before Shipping
If a card is lost or damaged in transit, pre-shipping photos are your only proof of condition. Photograph every card front and back, plus the packed box.
Mistake #10: Ignoring Turnaround Times
A service that normally takes six weeks might take six months during peak periods. Always check current turnaround estimates before choosing a tier.
Bonus: Not Using Group Submissions
A local shop or group submitter can get you better tiers and pricing by bundling your cards. For 10+ cards, check with nearby shops that offer group submissions.
Get help with your first submission
Your local card shop can walk you through your first grading submission.