HOW TO DECIDE before you spend.

Most cards are worth more raw than graded once fees, shipping, and the wait are real. Start here, run the break-even, and only send the ones that clear it.

DECISION JOURNEY · 4 STEPS

The path

Price it raw, sold — not asking

Look up what the card actually sold for ungraded. Ignore hopeful listings.

Add the true cost

Grading fee + shipping both ways + weeks of waiting. That is the real number.

Estimate the graded price

Usually only a 9 or 10 clears the cost. Be honest about the card in your hand.

Compare, then decide

If graded-minus-costs beats raw, send it. If not, keep it raw and sleep fine.

SIBLING ROUTES▸ PSA·▸ CGC & Other Graders◂ GRADING

QUEST LOG

IN THIS ROUTE · UPDATED WEEKLY

01How to Know When to Slab a CardREAD ▸BY IAN

02How to Run a Grading Break-Even in Two MinutesQUEST PENDINGBY IRIS

03How to Spot a Card That Won’t Grade WellQUEST PENDINGBY IRIS

◆ MORE QUESTS ARRIVE AS THIS AREA FILLS — CHECK BACK WEEKLY.