You don't need to grade everything. The trick is picking the cards where a verified grade adds more than it costs. Here's how to choose.
Start with value and demand
The strongest candidates are cards with real value and demand — chase cards, popular characters, sought-after sets. The more a card is worth, the more a guaranteed grade and tamper-evident slab protect and prove that value.
Be honest about condition
Grading rewards condition. A card that looks pack-fresh — sharp corners, clean edges, no surface marks, well centred — is a strong candidate. A visibly creased or heavily whitened card will grade low, and a low grade rarely adds value. When in doubt, look at the centering first; it's the factor people miss.
Think about why you're grading
- Selling? Grade the cards where a verified grade will lift the price or widen the buyer pool.
- Keeping? Grade the favourites you want preserved and protected for the long term.
- Investing? Grade the cards whose value depends on proven condition.
Still unsure?
Start with your best one or two and see the report. Our guide on whether grading is worth it goes deeper. Start your order →