About Beckett Grading

• How Final Grades are Determined

  Here is how we do it!
  The overall numerical grade is not a simple average of the four report card grades. Beckett Grading Services uses an algorithm which determines the final grade using the 4 sub grades on the front label of the card holder. The lowest overall grade is the first category to observe because it is the most obvious defect, and the lowest grade is the most heavily weighted in determining the overall grade.

  Example :
  Centering = 9.5
  Corners = 9.5
  Edges = 9
  Surface = 8
  Final grade = 8.5

  The reason that this card received an 8.5 is that even though the Surface grade was an 8 (the lowest grade overall), the 9.5 grades on Centering and Corners were strong enough to bring it up a full point to reach the 8.5 level.

  Another example :
  Centering = 9.5
  Corners = 9.5
  Edges = 8.5
  Surface = 9
  Final grade = 9

  Upon first glance, it may appear that this card should've received a grade different than a 9. The most this card could receive was .5 (or one-half grade) above the lowest sub-grade. The Edges were the lowest in this case, hence, the card received the overall 9 grade. Even though Centering and Corners received grades of 9.5, a key point to remember is that the minimum requirement to receive a grade of Gem Mint is to have at least three grades of 9.5 and the fourth to be no less than a 9.

  Also, please note that the final grade rarely, if ever, exceeds two levels above the lowest of the four characteristic grades. For example, if a card has characteristic grades of Centering 10, Corners 6, Edges 10 and Surface 10, the final grade will be a "7" (of which is exactly two grading levels above the lowest characteristic grade).

• Re-grading Cards from Other Grading Services

  We offer this service at a number of shows that we attend across the US.

  For mail-in orders, please read rules below.
  How to Submit Your Graded Card Review Order

  1. Start with a standard BGS submission form. Fill out the submission form just like you would on your ungraded cards. If you do not require a minimum grade, you may write "No Minimum Grade" on the top of the form. Otherwise, please list next to the "Declared Value" area the "Minimum Grade" you would like on each card, or each line of the submission form. The minimum grade you list is what our graders will use to determine if the card you have submitted needs to be removed or not. If our graders are not confident that your minimum grade will be reached, it will not be removed from the original holder. It will be returned to you with a note describing why the minimum grade was not reached.
  2. For pricing, please calculate $10 per card.
  3. Select the service level (turnaround time). When your cards are reviewed, any cards crossing over will be graded and processed under the turnaround time selected. Your credit card will be charged for the selected service level, plus a $3 cracking fee per card. You MUST pay for the GCR service with a credit card. The reason for this is that if the minimum grade is reached, you will be charged additional fees for case removal and the standard grading fee. An invoice will be mailed back with the order to show you the exact fees you were charged. If the minimum grade is not reached, you will only be charged the review fee.
  4. After your submission form is completed, please package your cards, the submission form, and a signed copy of the waiver form and send the cards to us. You may ship them through any service you would like, but we highly recommend you insure your cards.

  Additional Notes about the GCR Service:

  If a card appears to be altered, restored, counterfeit, etc, you will be charged the review fee and the card will be returned in the original holder along with an explanation. On occasion, a flaw may be completely hidden by the existing holder, and once cracked out, the card cannot be crossed. This is exceedingly rare, however, and BGS will not grade or remove a card from the submitted case unless we are reasonably confident that the card will reach the minimum grade you have requested.

  Our graders will give the card the grade it deserves but will not grade the card less then your minimum grade. For example, if you request a minimum grade of 9 and the card will actually grade out as a 9.5, you will receive a 9.5.

  -As always, if you have any questions regarding the GCR service or any of our other services, please contact BGS at grading@beckett.com or 972-448-9188.

• Submitting Cards

  One of the basic features of BGS is ease of use. There are no clubs to join. And you're not asked to send in 20 card lots to get the lowest level of service. Everyone can be a part of BGS. Submission forms are available as follows:

  They can be downloaded or printed out online from this web site.

  Here are the steps to send cards:

  1. Obtain a submission form online or in our magazines.
  2. Enter all of the information required. Do no write in the box marked "BGS use only". Instructions for each section are linked to the sub form on the web page.
  3. Make sure you have the current grading, shipping and insurance costs. You may do this by the web page or by calling 972-448-9188 and selecting the relating option.
  4. Package your cards. Please do not send your cards in "screw down" type holders. We strongly suggest placing the card in a penney sleeve and then into a semi-rigid holder. This will provide the optimum protection for your card while it is in transit to Beckett Grading Services.
  5. Choose a form of payment: check, money order or credit card. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. (Please do not send cash)
  6. Ship your cards to the address at the top of the form.

  Checklist

  1. Have I completed the correct form for sports cards (BGS or BVG)?
  2. Am I using the current grading service costs? (The web site is the most current!)
  3. Have I packaged my cards as BGS suggested?
  4. Am I sending cards BGS will not grade?
  5. Have I included full payment?
  6. Have I included all of the cards I listed.
• Service Level and Fees

  Beckett Grading Services (BGS) offers the following levels of service and quantity discounts: Cost is per card. Choose one level only.

  Non-Gaming(Standard)

  Estimated (2-Day, 5-Day, 10-Day and 30-Day only)

  Service Levels	Order Size
  	1-50 cards	51-99 cards	100+ cards
  2-Day	$50/card	$45/card	$35/card
  2-Day(No Sub Grades)	$35/card	$30/card	$25/card
  5-Day	$40/card	$35/card	$30/card
  5-Day(No Sub Grades)	$30/card	$25/card	$20/card
  10-Day	$35/card	$30/card	$25/card
  10-Day(No Sub Grades)	$25/card	$20/card	$15/card
  30-Day	$25/card	$20/card	$15/card
  30-Day(No Sub Grades)	$15/card	$12/card	$10/card

  Non-Guaranteed (No Sub Grades)

  Order Size
  1-50 cards	51-99 cards	100+ cards
  $12/card	$10/card	$8/card

   

   

   

  Estimated (2-Day, 5-Day, 20-Day and 60-Day only)

  Gaming

  Service Levels	Order Size
  	1-50 cards	51-99 cards	100+ cards
  2-Day	$50/card	$45/card	$40/card
  2-Day(No Sub Grades)	$45/card	$40/card	$35/card
  5-Day	$45/card	$40/card	$35/card
  5-Day(No Sub Grades)	$35/card	$30/card	$25/card
  20-Day	$35/card	$30/card	$25/card
  20-Day(No Sub Grades)	$25/card	$20/card	$15/card
  60-Day	$25/card	$20/card	$15/card
  60-Day(No Sub Grades)	$15/card	$12/card	$10/card

  Non Guaranteed(No Sub Grades)

  Order Size
  1-50 cards	51-99 cards	100+ cards
  $10/card	$9/card	$8/card

  Beckett Grading reserves the right to upgrade cards to a premium level based on value. Please check any Beckett Magazine or online price guide to see the value

• Guarantee

  Our Guarantee: Beckett Grading Services will provide collectors with the finest, most thorough, consistent and accurate grading efforts available in the industry. Disputed grades on cards are limited to typographical errors on the label (i.e., the wrong set name).

  Turnaround Time: This is the time in which the cards are in our possession at the Beckett Grading Services facility (time in transit, weekends and holidays are excluded) and begin the first business day after your order is received. A list of Beckett closings and holidays can be found at www.beckett.com/grading. Estimated deadline dates are valid on full priced, premium service levels only and is not valid with any orders containing discounts or promotions. Failure to meet deadlines on all full priced, premium leveled services will result in a full refund.

  Beckett shall not be deemed to be in default of or to have breached any provision of this guarantee as a result of any delay, failure in performance or interruption of the Services, resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, acts of civil or military authority, civil disturbance, war, fire, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, transportation contingencies, shortages of facilities, fuel, energy, labor or materials, or laws, regulations, acts or order of any government agency or official thereof, other catastrophes, delays of subcontractors or suppliers arising from unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of either the Contractor or the subcontractors or suppliers, or any other circumstances beyond Provider's reasonable control. In the event of any such delay or failure, the parties shall defer performance of the Services to a date and time mutually agreeable.

  Deadline date: The deadline date is the date your order is scheduled to leave Beckett Grading Service.

  Beckett does not guarantee the actual delivery date. **Please note that there is no guaranteed turn around time for BCCG orders, orders submitted to BAS, or grading orders submitted under the non-guaranteed service level. Estimated shipping dates will be listed online for these services.

  Unclaimed property held for 90 days after services have been performed will be deemed the property of Beckett Media, LLC and sold, auctioned, donated, or disposed of in any manner Beckett Media, LLC chooses.

• Shipping and Insurance Charges

  Beckett will not ship to a P.O. Box. A physical address is required on all return shipments. Beckett Grading Services will use standard Federal Ground shipping unless otherwise marked. Feel free to use your existing FedEx account number if you do have one. FedEx cannot deliver to a US Post Office box - a street address is required. Shipments require signature upon delivery.

  Next Day: Air service typically delivered by 10:30 AM the next business day to domestic U.S. destinations; by noon, 4:30p.m. or 5 p.m. in remote areas; by noon or 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 2-Day: Air service typically delivered by 4:30 PM (business address) or 7:00 PM (residential address) in two business days to domestic U.S. destinations. Express Saver: Delivery to businesses by 4:30 p.m. and to residences by 7 p.m., in 3 business days typically. Available to and from all U.S. states except Alaska and Hawaii. Ground: Generally, 1-5 business days within the contiguous U.S.; 3-7 business days to and from Alaska and Hawaii.

  FedEx Shipping Fees

  Cards	Next Day	2-Day	Express Saver	Ground	Global Express (International Orders Only)
  1-10	$55.00	$40.00	$28.00	$22.00	$55.00
  11-20	$65.00	$45.00	$32.00	$25.00	$65.00
  21-50	$80.00	$50.00	$40.00	$27.00	$90.00
  51-75	$95.00	$60.00	$50.00	$30.00	$110.00
  76-100	$100.00	$80.00	$55.00	$35.00	$150.00
  Per 100	$125.00	$90.00	$65.00	$45.00	$175.00

  BGS reserves the right to change carriers without notice.
  Insurance cost applies to any carrier and is based upon the declared value of the package.

  International Customers

  International customers have two options. We can send the shipment to a U.S. location and the customer can arrange shipment from there. To do this, use the shipping tables above to calculate the shipping cost and include payment with the service fee. Be sure to provide a U.S. destination address on the submission form. The other option is to receive the shipment via USPS Global Express. The recipient would be liable for the cost on any applicable customs, duties and taxes. These fees can be substantial and we encourage you to investigate the costs before sending the submission. Please indicate which of these options you prefer on the shipping line (line 6) on the front of the submission form.

• Population Reports

  Our Population Report is available at no extra charge. Cards graded by Beckett Grading Services can be verified on our Graded Card Look Up site. Grade breakdowns, searches by set and by player name are available. It is updated daily allowing for the most timely information in the industry. Click here to take a look!

• Beckett Grading Slab Features

  The BGS holder will feature the following elements:

  1. Each card is protected by a crystal clear archival inner sleeve to prevent the holder itself from damaging the card. Each card will be virtually free of internal movement.
  2. Each card edge can be fully viewed from the side, an industry first.
  3. A label will run partially across the top of the holder. Each label will feature the set name, the grade and a specific id and a bar coded serial number.
  4. Extreme precautions have been taken to prevent counterfeiting of the label and the holder.
• Submissions at Trade Shows

  Click here for a list of shows we plan to attend in the near future. All shows, dates and activities listed are subject to change without notice.

  When submitting at a show, please be sure to fill out a submission form completely and that you verify the cards submitted with that submission form. Beckett will not be responsible for orders/cards that are lost, damaged, etc once they leave the Beckett booth so please verify your order before you walk away from the booth or from the BGS employee. You will be required to sign your submission form to verify the cards you received are the cards you submitted.

• Graded Card Pricing Information

  As in the past, we will continue to monitor secondary market values for all significant trading cards, whether they're professionally graded or not. Pricing coverage for graded cards within our price guide magazines will be dictated by the marketplace, including all significant grading services. We will stay true to our vision of providing collectors with the finest pricing references available for card values no matter what form the card takes. We will, however, provide pricing on all graded cards that warrant market attention.

• Disputing a Grade

  We will provide collectors with the finest, most thorough, consistent and accurate grading efforts available in the industry. Disputed grades on cards are limited to typographical errors on the label (i.e., the wrong set name).

• About the Graders

  Only "Beckett Certified Graders" are allowed to grade cards in BGS. Each grader must pass a certification training program based upon some of the hobby's finest sources in grading, tampering detection and counterfeit prevention.

• Local Drop Offs/Pick-Ups Policies & Procedures

  If you are a local DFW customer, or you would like to submit your order directly to the BGS Dallas office, you can do so by coming to our Dallas office during normal business hours. The Dallas office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm for drop offs/pick-ups. You do not need to set up an appointment to drop off or pick-up, but please view our Holiday list regarding dates where the Dallas office might be closed during the week. You can view that list here. The Dallas office address is 4635 McEwen Rd. Dallas, TX 75244.

  The Dallas office offers same day turnarounds for customers who are interested in an expedited grading turnaround. Mail-in orders are not subject to the same day services above, as these are only for orders that are dropped off and will be picked up in the Dallas office. The services and pricing are below:

  • Same Day/Rush Service - PRICING VARIES BASED ON DEMAND. PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE SALES MANAGER FOR PRICING. (972-448-9144)

  Unclaimed property held for 90 days after services have been performed will be deemed the property of Beckett Media, LLC and sold, auctioned, donated, or disposed of in any manner Beckett Media, LLC chooses.

  If you have any questions regarding the local drop off/pick-up procedures, please contact the BGS Sales Manager based in the Dallas office 972-448-9144.

• Memorabilia Card Grading

  Does Beckett Grading verify the authenticity of jersey and/or patches used on cards submitted for grading?

  While BGS does extensive research to validate game or event used materials on cards, we can not guarantee their actual authenticity. If information gathered shows the piece of memorabilia is worthy of the card, and the card does not appear altered during examination, Beckett Grading will give their opinion (grading) on the card.