How to Get Cards Graded for Free?
As a matter of fact, Getting sports cards graded for free is practically not possible, as grading service is provided by professional grading companies. And like any other service, they charge a fee for providing their service.
However, there are some cheaper alternatives as well.
In this article, we are going to talk about some free or cheaper ways to get cards graded.
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How to Get Cards Graded for Free or Cheaper Alternatives
Professional card grading is helpful if you want to know your card’s condition and exact value. Another reason card grading should be considered is because it increases the value of your collection.
- Non-graded cards don’t have much value.
- Cards are graded on a 1 – 10 scale.
- Grade 1 means poorest condition, and 10 means best quality cards.
- In between them, there is a spectrum of poor to best condition.
Of course, Here is an interesting chart showcasing how card value increases if graded higher.
In the above graph, you can see the difference between lower-grade cards and higher-grade cards.
Here are some of the free and cheaper ways to get your card graded:
#1. Local Card Shows or Conventions
Some grading companies set up local booths at events and conventions. While it is doubtful that you will get a free card graded, you can get promotional discounts at such events.
In addition, You need to stay updated with such local events.
#2. Participate in Contests and giveaways
Card grading companies, online communities, internet celebrities, and sports influencers occasionally run contests and giveaways where you can get a card grading service as a gift for participation, which means free.
To stay updated with such contests and giveaways, follow the card grading service, sports communities, and influencers on social media or join their newsletter.
To join their contest or giveaways, read the guidelines and participate if you are eligible. There are good chances that you could win and get free cards graded.
#3. Consider Non-Professional Opinions
If you want to know the estimated value of your cards then you should consider a non-professional opinion. So, if your collection has good selling value, you can consider a professional grading service.
Examples of non-professionals are –
- Shop owner
- Experienced card collector
- Comic store owner or experienced employee
They will help you get the rough value for your card.
#4. Local Card Grading Shop
Try trade-in with your local card grading shops.
You might come across some fellow collectors who have access to grading services. You can try negotiating with them about getting a free card grading service, and in exchange, you can make some special arrangements or an agreement.
Plus, if you found a local shop for card grading, you don’t have to ship them. It saves an additional cost of shopping.
You can get in-person service.
Related – Here’s How to Get Free Stuff on Temu
FAQs: How to Get Cards Graded for Free
#1. How to Get Cards Graded In-person?
Some local card stores and comic shops offer in-person grading or drop-off service. You need to find out if there are such stores that offer in-person grading. Another way to get in-person service is through conventions and trade shows.
#2. What Are Some Free Card Grading Apps?
Yes, there are some apps that offer free card grading. Using them, you will get a rough estimation of your card value for free.
Many of the apps are free to download but may charge in-app purchases.
#3. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Card Graded?
Researching online will find professional card grading services, including PSA, SGC, CSG, and Beckett. Their pricing often changes, but generally, they start from $14 per card. Plus, there are shipment fees involved as well.
It can go up to $600 per card as well. You can check out their latest pricing on their pricing page.
#4. Does PSA Offer Free Grading Services?
PSA has posted an article that says they offer a free grading service. Although the context of that article is that PSA is advertising its free tool Photograde Online. Which is a free tool that scans your card and gives you an estimate.
Although it can’t be considered as true grading.
In short, PSA doesn’t offer a free service; Here is their pricing for card grading -> https://www.psacard.com/pricing.
Conclusion
Grading cards will help you find their authentic value and eventually increase the price of your collection. Plus, cards that are graded are easier to sell than non-graded ones.
However, this often comes with a cost; it won’t be practical to think that a professional grading company will offer a free-of-cost grading service.
To get cards graded for free, you can either keep an eye on contests or giveaways that the grading company offers. Or it would be best if you considered non-professional for card grading.
Consulting non-professionals is helpful if you want to know the condition of your cards. You can go to any experienced collector or local shop owner.
That’s it for this article.
I hope it helped; thanks for reading!
See Also…
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