Sportscard Guaranty FAQs
The SGC FAQ's section (Frequently Asked Questions) presents answers to many of the most common questions we are asked.
If you have a question not answered on this page, please feel free to contact SGC using the FAQ Question Form at the bottom of this page. We will respond to you ASAP and if appropriate, add your question here on the FAQ page. Thanks !
Q.) Do I have to join a club, or pay a fee, to submit cards?
A.) No. Simply download an invoice, or call 1-800-SGC-9212 and ask us to send you a Submission Kit with everything you need to send in your cards. Or, you can click here to request a Submission Kit online.
Q.) How do I determine or set the Owner's Declared Value for each card when filling out the invoice?
A.) You may use any of the current price guides to determine values based upon the Hi column price of the cards you are sending in ( i.e.. Beckett, Tuff Stuff, Sports Collector Digest, etc...). Be sure to value each card at what you deem to be the full Replacement Cost.
Q.) Does SGC grade Oversized or Oddball Sized cards?
A.) YES, SGC currently has over 75 different custom sized inserts that properly fit more than 200 issues of sportscards and non-sportscards. Note: Go back to our main page and click on the issues SGC grades to view a listing of a majority of issues SGC currently grades. However, holders in new sizes are being added constantly. Call 1-800-SGC-9212 if you don't see the card-issue on our list that you need graded!
Q.) Does SGC grade Minor League Cards?
A.) Yes, SGC does grade minor league cards including STAR Company team issues. SGC does not grade STAR Company basketball cards.
Q.) Does SGC grade autographed cards?
A.) SGC will grade autographed cards, issued directly from the manufacturers in packs, or with redemption certificates. SGC will not grade autographs that were personally obtained, or those acquired through mail-in offers.
Q.) Does SGC Buy or Sell Cards?
A.) No. SGC is a professional third party, independent, impartial grading service whose purpose is to authenticate and grade sports and non-sports cards consistently and accurately.
Q.) Does SGC accept Bulk Submissions?
A.) SGC does accept bulk submissions. Call 1-800-SGC-9212 for Prices and Turn Around times (ask for Michael Goldberg) or email Michael Goldberg.
Q.) Does SGC accept cards graded by another company to be crossed over?
A.) We do offer a crossover service that reviews cards graded by other grading companies. The cost is $7.00 for the card to be reviewed, and possibly an additional amount based on the value of the card if the grade is going to meet the requirement you are looking for or if you want a quicker turnaround time on the cards. Make sure to put credit card information on the bottom of the invoice.
The procedure for submitting cards for crossover review is simple. Simply fill out an invoice checking off the crossover tier as the service desired. List each card notating the required grade you are looking for in the xtended description box on the invoice. You might also want to stick a post-it note on the slabs notating the minimum requirements you are looking for. If you do not write minimum grades or specific instructions, we will only encapsulate the cards would meet a higher grade from us and send the rest of the cards in their original holders for liability reasons.
Crossovers can't be sent with other service tiers. For example, you can not send a graded card for review with a bunch of commons. If you do not put the minimum requirement on the invoice, it will be assumed you only want the card cracked out if the card's grade is going to be higher. If you want the card cracked out regardless of the grade, you would have to pay the appropriate grading fee depending on value of the card and desired turnaround time.
Q.) Are Turn Around Times guaranteed?
A.) No. The turn around times are estimates of the times within which SGC feels it can accurately and correctly grade your cards. SGC Guarantees Accurate, Consistent Grading. To keep our standard of excellence and ensure accurate grading of your cards, when volume is high, additional days may be needed to complete your order . Currently, we are on, or ahead of, schedule!
Q.) Are SGC's grading fees "per card"?
A.) Yes, the grading service fee is "per card". Remember to include the necessary return postage and insurance or your Federal Express account number.
Q.) How do I pack and ship my cards to send to SGC for Grading?
A.) SGC prefers that you use Registered, Priority or Express mail through the US Postal Service. However, you may also use Fed Ex, UPS or Airborne Express for larger or more valuable shipments. You must call SGC when using a carrier other than the US Post Office to obtain our address for use by those carriers !
Q.) How do I prepare my cards for shipping?
A.) SGC suggests the following in preparing your cards for shipping:
- Place cards in semi-rigid holder (CardSaverI) or a "top loader" (please use a 'penny' or thin mylar sleeve).
- Secure cards to avoid movement within holder.
- Place cards in sturdy box surround with bubble wrap or wrapping material and secure the box.
- Ship via a reliable carrier (insurance is strongly suggested but not required).
- SGC is not responsible for any packages damaged in transit to SGC, so insure accordingly.
PACKAGING DON'TS:
- Do not send card in SCREW-DOWNS or Snap-Tites.
- Do not send cards without a protector.
- Do not send in regular envelopes.
- Do not send cards in "pages."
Q.) How do I know when you receive my cards?
A.) All you need to do is ask the Post Office for a return receipt for the shipment. By doing this, an authorized representative of SGC will have to sign for the package on the date received. By doing this you will get a dated signature confirming delivery to SGC. You can also check the status of your order on our on-line status check.
Q.) Does SGC keep a computerized record of all cards graded and authenticated?
A.) Yes, SGC does keep track of all issues and cards that we authenticate and grade. We anticipate that this information will be formatted for general access soon.
Q.) Does SGC have graded card storage boxes?
A.) YES! SGC now offers custom storage boxes for your SGC graded sportscards. These sturdy and attractive white cardboard boxes proudly bear the SGC logo and hold approximately 45 SGC-graded cards. They are the perfect way to safely store your graded cards!
SGC storage boxes are available by contacting Michael Goldberg at 1-800-742-9212 or emailing him at Michael Goldberg. Boxes cost $2.50 each when purchasing 4 or more. (Prices do not include shipping.)