Ryan Barone (@ballcardgenius, Card Expert) is a lifelong member of the hobby. He has been quoted in PSA Magazine, and his content has regularly been mentioned in “Quick Rips” (the Topps RIPPED Newsletter) and across other hobby publications. hello@ballcardgenius.com; Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.
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If I had a nickel for every time I mentioned that getting cards graded could be an overwhelming experience, I’d have about 87 pennies by now. And while I definitely don’t disagree, especially if you’ve never done it before, how PSA grading works is really much easier than most make it out to be.
If you aren’t using @Gem_Mint_Cards_ to grade cards then I don’t know what to say. I had never graded before and was nervous. He does it all (prep, submit, send back) and it only costs $7 per card. Only 11 graded higher baby! MJ! The GOAT! Thank you Ronnie! pic.twitter.com/HDnGUNehyp
— Bryce (@BryceSnape) September 3, 2021
One of those hurdles is simply figuring out which grading company to go with, and then from there, which service suits you best. Well, today I’ve narrowed it down for you, and will be rolling through everything you need to know about the PSA Express level.
What is PSA Express Service?
PSA Express is a 5-day card grading service for cards with a declared value of less than $2,499. The cost is $150 per card, and the 5-day quote is an estimate, meaning a card might take longer to be graded:
Still no movement on my @PSAcard express order. This is ridiculous. I sent a 14 day order received at the end of November. It’s been sitting at completed/processing for several days now. @natsturner
— Hall35235 (@hall35235) January 2, 2023
What is Declared Value?
Declared value is how much you think a card will be worth after it has been graded. Meaning, if you’re submitting a card thinking it will receive a 10, what does that 10 grade do to the value of the card?
Alright appreciate the help so far. I’ve now got to the point where I need to assign a declared value. For those of you that have submitted with PSA before, could I get some help in assigning a declared value to this pic.twitter.com/RvaCjIVV3g
— Hive Cards (@HiveCards) October 27, 2021
Is PSA Express the Fastest Option?
PSA Express is PSA’s 3rd-fastest grading option behind Super Express ($300/card for 3-day turnaround) and in-person grading for $600. You can also opt for a relatively quick turnaround with PSA’s regular service (10 days) for half the cost ($75).
Read More: Fastest Card Grading Service
When Should You Use PSA Express?
PSA Express is typically utilized for cards that would benefit from a fast turnaround, which might include new releases and cards that might see a large uptick in value over a relatively short time. Say, like right before a particular big game.
I’d say the PSA express was a success! And just in time too! For sale – hit me up with offers before the game. @HobbyConnector pic.twitter.com/0MSOm6aNbB
— N_Wats ?? (@N_Wats) February 12, 2022
Thus, if you’re looking to sell your graded cards, and you want to hit the market before volume increases, PSA Express might make sense.
Of course, the value needs to be there as well! If you’re paying $150 for a card grading service, you obviously want to ensure the outcome of the grading experience will result in enough value to turn a profit. Not to mention that you’re always leaving things to chance, and could very well end up with less value if your card is determined to be anything but gem mint, as is the case of a PSA 8 or even 9.
Read More: BGS Turnaround Times
That said, there are many reasons for grading a card, and some of them revolve around keeping a card in your collection. If that’s the case, some might opt for a faster service because they simply don’t want a prized PC card out of their hands for longer than 10 days.
Can You Track Cards Once Submitted?
Every card submitted for grading – including those at the Express level – are able to be tracked through the various PSA grading stages.
