Card grading involves evaluating the condition and authenticity of a sports card, assigning it a numerical grade, and encasing it in a tamper-proof holder. One popular method is to have cards professionally graded by PSA or BGS.
How to Start a Card Grading Business
This guide helps you learn how to start a card grading business by covering market research, competitive analysis, registering an EIN, obtaining insurance, and more. Market research offers insight into your target market, pricing, trends, and key players.
Flipping Cards for Profit
- Buy packs and look for rare or valuable cards to sell for a profit.
- Buy individual cards from other collectors or online auctions and resell them at a higher price.
- Graded cards generally sell for more money than ungraded cards, with some exceptions for modern cards.
- Utilize strategies like submitting cards in bulk for grading to save costs.
- Local card shops and auction houses may pay more for graded cards.
- Buying and selling cards for profit requires knowledge of cards and players.
The Economics of Card Grading
- Grading assigns a grade, usually 1-10, that determines a trading card’s condition and authenticity.
- Grading costs money but can increase the card’s value and make it easier to sell.
- Consider costs and market conditions before opening a card grading business.
- PSA is a reliable grading company, and its graded cards can fetch higher prices.
Grading Fees and Considerations
- The cost of getting cards graded varies depending on the grading company and the conditions of the service.
- Grading fees typically range from $10 to $300 per card, with some exceptions for high-value cards.
- Discounts may be available when submitting multiple cards for grading.
- Value and condition of a card play crucial roles in deciding whether to grade.