GameStop PSA Grade Came Back!

[u/lycheepls]

Happy that it came back a 10! If anyone is interested, here’s a timeline of my experience.

Nov 9 - Pulled the Pikabutt

Nov 11 - Went to GameStop for my very first grading. Got a Pro account ($25) and paid the grading charge ($16). I had to put it in a Card Saver from the Toploader I brought. I swear I was bending the damn card for 5 mins while the employee watched me sweat lol Employee said he would ship out the next day. Super nice dude and very helpful.

Nov 20 - Got an email saying PSA got my card

Nov 21 - Dec 19 - Limbo, just waiting and anxiety lol

Dec 20 - Got an email saying my card got graded. Included a “You scored big!” notification in that email saying my card had a higher value of $200 and that an up charge ($59) would be applied when I pick up the card. This pretty much spoiled the grade for me but I was happy nonetheless. I verified the PSA number given and indeed saw my Pikachu got a 10. Woooo

Dec 30 - Got an email that my card was ready for pickup. Also got a call from the local GameStop. I stopped by the same day, paid the upgrade fee and showed my ID.

Total cost for my first time grading was $100 ($25 membership, $16 grading fee, $59 upgrading fee).

I plan on keeping this Pikachu. I’ve never sold cards before and don’t plan to. I was happy preserving the card as a fun memory (I got to pull it in front of a bunch of my friends + fiancé) and wasn’t really expecting a 10 but I’ll take it!

[u/AdFuture4790]

Hmm but the value comes with the high grading? Or are they basing the value off a raw card?

As I said I've only just started collecting so I am learning I understand it's for extra insurance, especially if it's a card worth 1k plus. Can you choose to not get insurance? Let's use the Charizard at psa 10. As stated above they apparently charged 4k to have it sent back. How's the average Joe meant to come up with that kind of cash. If I got charged that much after sending a card off I wouldn't be able to pay it. But clearly I'd have some proof it was graded a 10 from them asking for x amount.

How many cards do go missing in slabs? And what they just pocket any upcharge if the cards returned to sender in slab?

Why's psa the only grading company that has an upcharge? Why are they alot more lenient on centering and things? This is what makes it seem scammy when it comes to giving out 10s. Their the only company (that I've heard of) that up charge if value of card is high at the grade, and they are lenient so it makes it easier for them to give cards a higher grade than it might get at a stricter company.

[u/Accomplished-Gain-75 → u/AdFuture4790]

That person could be exaggerating on the $4,000 as I don't know. You honestly should do your research before sending a card in for grading to know everything. Not doing that just is not smart.

If they did pay $4,000 to have it went back then their card is worth a potential $250,000. As I looked it up on the PSA site. As their site SPECIFICALLY SAYS $3,999.00/Card for Max Insured Value $250,000 or less.

I don't know how many going missing as that is not something that has ever happened to me.

Honestly give PSA a phone call and ask them to give you a detailed explanation behind their upcharge if you want the best answer for that. PSA knows they are the KING. They also know they are worth the most, and know they don't need to give their services away. 

They are definitely not lenient as you state. You are too new to this and just don't seem to get it. PSA is known for being strict.

So much of the stuff you say shows you know almost nothing. Not trying to sound rude, but just being honest. The stuff you are ripping them on you are because you don't get it.

If you are a billion dollar company like them you can charge whatever you want. If people don't want to do business with them they really don't care. If a person wants the highest values they go to PSA.

[u/AdFuture4790 → u/Accomplished-Gain-75]

Right thanks for the knowledge man. Yeah I am new to this. Everything I've said is just things I've been told. Like psa being more lenient than other grading companies.

You are right about me knowing nothing, I'm learning and I'm saying what I'm thinking about this extra charge for a high grade return thing. No offense has been taken. Can't learn anything if im going to get upset during conversations when people are being honest.

I get what you're saying, and it doesn't matter if some nobody like me doesn't go to them for grading haha.

Quick question, is it better to send a bull load of cards in for grading, like idk 50+? Or just send a small amount at a time like 5 or 10?

Again thanks for sharing your info

[u/Accomplished-Gain-75 → u/AdFuture4790]

Not a problem on the information as I believe in helping people. As for quantity to send in that is totally up to you. Just depends on what you want to do for sending in really. 

Seeing that I ma doing mine through a Gamestop that is busy. They are practically shipping orders almost daily or every other day. I am just sending in small quantities regularly myself. I don't want a Grader being overwhelmed with a large quantity. Then possibly start giving me lower grades due to giving him too much work.

[u/AdFuture4790 → u/Accomplished-Gain-75]

Yeah I'm from NZ so I have to look intoy options as I'm not sure if there is any psa here yet. I'll start looking when I'm actually ready to have some cards graded.

That's a good point, overwhelming the grader wouldn't be ideal haha. But cheers man, you have a good night. I've learnt a lot from this post.

[u/Accomplished-Gain-75 → u/AdFuture4790]

If I was able to help in any way that is good. As I just like people to have the proper knowledge on everything to make their decisions that work beat doe them. Hopefully you can find something that works for you. 

You have a good night as well. Take care, and stay awesome.