Grading
How does grading work?
Grading involves evaluating the condition of your card based on factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. Professional graders assign a score that reflects its condition, and that score can help determine the card’s value in the market.
With us at The Hobby, we help facilitate that process at the most competitive pricing, and simplify the process for you. We organise your cards, manage the submission process and ensure it's all done in the safest way possible. You can read more about the process on our grading services page.
Do you do the grading yourselves?
No, what we do is facilitate the process with the USA based grading services, PSA and Beckett. They have the experience, reputation and expertise to assess your cards properly and issue a certified grade.
Where are my cards?
If you're asking about your graded cards, the process can take some time depending on the grading service and the volume of submissions. With our PSA Submissions, you can check the status if you didn't specifically ask to be excluded from the tracking sheet found on our PSA Submission Status page. Beckett Submissions are tracked per submission on this page so check back regularly to see any updates.
How long does it take?
Grading times vary based on the service and the type of submission. On average, PSA or Beckett grading can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of service chosen and demand.
Please Note: All published turnaround times are estimations only and are not guaranteed. A variety of factors can impact turnaround times and we do not have control over most of them.
For PSA, the estimated turnaround is as shown below:
Beckett turnaround times are estimated as follows:
- Base - 12 Weeks
- Standard - 4-5 Weeks
- Express - 2-3 Weeks
How much is grading?
Grading prices vary depending on the service provider (PSA, Beckett, etc.), the card’s value, and the speed of service. PSA can vary between as low as $37.50 AUD per card, and $3,000 AUD for incredibly high value items! Beckett services we offer are between $45-190 AUD depending on if you're after Base or Express services.
How much is my card worth?
Card valuations are a tricky beast! The best way to check out the value of your card is to hop on places like 130 Point and simply look up your card! The value will vary based on the condition of your card as well as current popularity, so it can definitely jump around for some.
Please note that PSA grading fees are actually based on the value of the card after grading and if your card grades well, PSA may elect to charge a final grading fee that is higher than the category it was originally submitted under. As such be sure to research graded values of your cards as well before submitting to understand the potential post graded value.
Should I grade my cards?
As a business that offers grading, yes you should! Grading can increase the value of your cards, especially if they're in excellent condition. It’s very much recommended for high-value or rare cards.
However, it’s completely up to you whether the cost of grading is worth the potential value increase. You can also watch this video from 130 Point to better understand what to look for when selecting cards for grading.
My cards are special, how can I be sure you won’t steal them if they’re particularly valuable?
We take the security of your cards very seriously. We work with trusted grading services and ensure that your cards are properly logged and tracked from start to finish. Security cameras are used to monitor the cards when they are with us. All cards shipped through us to and from PSA are covered by our insurance policy for certain events. So you can be sure we will take care of your cards as best as we can.
Do you clean and prepare the cards to get the best grade?
We don’t clean or alter cards, as doing so can affect the authenticity and grading process. We recommend leaving any cleaning or preparation to professionals, but we ensure your cards are handled with care throughout the process. The Hobby gladly recommend Ben Cundari @ Card Cleaning Australia for this. While we are not affiliated, he works very closely with us with many of our customers.
Shop/Singles
Where are you located/When are you open?
You can find us at Unit 35, 22-30 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Victoria, 3030. Our opening hours are as follows:
Sunday - Monday : CLOSED
Tuesday - Thursday : 10AM-5PM
Friday : 3PM - 9PM
Saturday : 11AM - 3PM
Do you/Will you sell this product I really want?
If you’re looking for something specific, let us know! We can help source it or provide information on when we might have it in stock. Reach us through our Contact Form or on the Social Medias!
Can I sell/trade my cards to you?
Yes, we buy and trade cards! You can bring your cards into our shop at Unit 35, 22-30 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Victoria, 3030 and talk with any of our wonderful staff. Feel free to bring your cards to any events we attend or reach out to us for more details on how to make a deal.
I don’t see any singles for the thing I want, can you get some?
We’re always looking to get new cards! But ultimately it depends on what's available. Keep checking back in on the website regularly, who knows, maybe it'll show up!
Events
Will The Hobby be at my local card show?
We try to attend as many local card shows as possible! Check our social media or this page for upcoming event details and announcements to see if we'll be in your area soon. And if it's an event not listed, please ask us! The more people we know who want us to be at a show, the more likely we may start attending!
Do you accept grading drop-offs for PSA/Beckett at events?
Yes, we absolutely do accept drop-offs for PSA and Beckett grading at events! Just make sure to stop by our booth and we’ll assist you with the process.
I have a heap of cards I want to sell or trade – can I bring them to you at a show you’re attending?
Absolutely! Feel free to bring your cards to any show we’re attending. Our team will be happy to evaluate your collection and discuss selling or trading options.
What stuff do you sell at shows?
Stopping at our table, you'll find a bunch of ungraded and graded cards of every price point you can imagine! Sport cards like Basketball, Baseball, AFL, NFL, Formula 1, even Soccer and Wrestling. We also offer various trading card singles like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, One Piece, and more! And if you're the Pop Culture collector, you can find various Marvel, Star Wars, Disney and more! Lastly, you can find various boxes, blasters and hobby boxes of product if you're hoping for sealed items. We aim to have something for every type of collector!