How to prepare Pokémon cards for grading – Complete guide

Do you want to grade your Pokémon cards with ACE Grading, PSA, CGC, or Beckett? Then it is important to prepare and pack your cards the right way before sending them in for professional grading.

Incorrect handling or insufficient packaging can cause damage to the corners, edges, and surface of the cards, which can affect the grading result.

At Aquitaz, we help you submit Pokémon cards, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, Disney Lorcana, and other collectible cards for grading.

In this guide, we show you how to prepare, protect, register, and send your cards to our physical store in Värnamo.

What do you need to send cards for grading?

Before you begin, we recommend that you have the following materials:

• Penny sleeves – soft and transparent protective sleeves.

• Semi-rigid – for example, Card Saver, which protects the cards for grading.

• Cardboard sheets – two sturdy sheets that protect against bending.

• Rubber bands – to gently hold the cardboard sheets in place.

• Bubble wrap – to protect against impacts.

• Shipping box – a sturdy box that protects the contents.

• Order number – to identify your order.

Please prepare all materials before you start handling the cards.

Step 1 – Check the condition of the cards

Before packing your cards, we recommend that you carefully check their condition.

Grading companies normally assess four main factors:

• Centering – how evenly the artwork is positioned on the card.

• Corners – any damage, wear, or deformations.

• Edges – for example, whitening, nicks, or other damage.

• Surface – scratches, print marks, and other defects.

Please check the cards under good lighting and photograph both the front and back before sending them.

Avoid using water, alcohol, cleaning agents, or other chemicals. Do not attempt to repair damage or straighten bent cards.

Do you need help with cleaning?

We also offer Grading Cleaning Service, where we assist with basic cleaning and preparation for grading.

Note that cleaning does not guarantee a higher grading score.

Step 2 – Place the cards in penny sleeves

Start by placing each card in a clean and transparent penny sleeve.

Carefully hold the edges of the card and insert it slowly into the protective sleeve. Avoid pressing against the corners or surface of the card.

Use a separate penny sleeve for each card.

Important: Preferably use standard, transparent penny sleeves without tape, adhesive tabs, or other accessories.

Step 3 – Place the cards in a semi-rigid holder

Once the card is in its penny sleeve, you should carefully place it in a semi-rigid holder, such as a Card Saver.

Semi-rigid holders are often used in professional card grading because they protect the cards during transport and facilitate handling at the grading company.

Insert the card carefully and ensure it sits properly without being bent.

We recommend avoiding standard hard toploaders, magnetic card holders, and screw-down card cases, unless otherwise specified for your grading service.

Tip: If the card does not slide in easily, never force it. Check that the protective sleeve and your semi-rigid holder are the correct size.

Step 4 – Sort and protect your cards

If you are sending multiple cards, we recommend that you place them in the same order as in your registration form.

Place the cards between two sturdy cardboard sheets that are slightly larger than your semi-rigid holders.

Secure the cardboard sheets with rubber bands without tightening them too much. The cards should be held in place without being subjected to pressure.

Never use tape directly on the cards, penny sleeves, or semi-rigid holders.

Step 5 – Pack the cards for secure transport

Once the cards are protected, it is time to pack them for transport.

Carefully wrap the protected card bundle in bubble wrap or other shock-absorbing material.

Then, place the package in a sturdy shipping box and fill any empty spaces with packing material so that the contents cannot move during transit.

Avoid standard envelopes without extra protection, especially if you are sending valuable collectible cards.

Tip: Shake the box gently before sealing it. If the contents move, you need to use more protective material.

Step 6 – Register your cards with Aquitaz

Once you have ordered a grading service from Aquitaz, you need to register the cards you want to send in.

Use our registration form:

Register your cards with Aquitaz

Fill in the following information:

• Your Shopify order number.

• Your full name.

• Your email address.

• Which cards you are sending in.

The number of cards sent in must correspond to the number of grading services you have purchased.

Also, place a note in the package with your name, order number, and the number of cards so that we can identify your shipment.

Step 7 – Send your cards directly to the Aquitaz store

Once your cards are registered and properly packed, they should be sent directly to our physical store in Värnamo.

Delivery address – Aquitaz store

Veritaz Alpha AB
Köpmansgatan 11
331 37 Värnamo
Sweden

Email: info@aquitaz.se

Important – delivery directly to the store only

All shipments must be sent with home delivery or business delivery directly to our store at Köpmansgatan 11 in Värnamo.

We do not accept shipments sent to post offices, parcel lockers, service points, or other collection points.

We do not pick up packages from collection points or parcel lockers.

When booking your shipping, you must therefore choose a delivery option where the carrier delivers the shipment directly to our physical store address.

• Approved delivery: Home delivery or business delivery directly to the Aquitaz store.

• Not approved delivery: Post office, parcel locker, or other delivery requiring pickup.

We recommend traceable shipping and that you save your submission receipt until the shipment has been delivered.

Shipments sent to a collection point risk being delayed or returned to the sender.

If you are unsure which shipping option to choose, you should contact the carrier before sending your cards.

Drop off your cards directly at the store

You can also drop off your cards in person at Aquitaz in Värnamo.

Aquitaz store
Köpmansgatan 11
331 37 Värnamo

Contact us via info@aquitaz.se for information regarding drop-offs.

Step 8 – What happens after Aquitaz has received your cards?

When your shipment has been delivered to our store, we check the cards against your registration.

We then prepare the cards for further transport to the grading company you have chosen.

The process normally looks like this:

1. Reception: Your cards arrive at the Aquitaz store in Värnamo.

2. Check: We check the number of cards and registration details.

3. Preparation: Cards are prepared for onward transport.

4. Submission: Cards are sent to the grading company.

5. Grading: The grading company authenticates and assesses the cards.

6. Return: The graded cards return to Aquitaz and are then sent back to you.

Processing times vary depending on which service you have purchased and the current capacity of the grading company.

Which grading service should you choose?

At Aquitaz, we offer various options for those who want to grade Pokémon cards and other collectible cards.

ACE Grading Basic

ACE Grading Basic is an option for those who want to grade their collectible cards and do not need to prioritize faster processing.

Read more about ACE Grading Basic

ACE Grading Standard

ACE Grading Standard suits those who want to prioritize a faster grading process.

Read more about ACE Grading Standard

Current prices and estimated processing times can be found on each product page.

See all ACE Grading services at Aquitaz

Frequently asked questions about card grading

Do I have to use a semi-rigid holder when sending cards for grading?

We recommend that you use a semi-rigid holder together with a penny sleeve. It provides the cards with good protection and facilitates handling during grading.

Always check for any specific instructions for your chosen service.

Can I send Pokémon cards in regular toploaders?

We recommend semi-rigid holders over regular hard toploaders, unless otherwise stated. Never use a card holder that risks damaging the card when it is removed.

Do I need to clean my Pokémon cards before grading?

No, cleaning is not a general requirement.

If you want help with basic cleaning before grading, you can read more about our Grading Cleaning Service.

Can I send multiple cards in the same package?

Yes, you can send multiple cards in the same shipment.

Make sure that each card is individually protected and that all cards are included in the registration.

Can I send the cards to a post office near Aquitaz?

No. All shipments must be delivered directly to our physical store at Köpmansgatan 11 in Värnamo.

We do not pick up packages from post offices, parcel lockers, or other collection points.

Can I drop off my cards in person at Aquitaz?

Yes, you can contact us via info@aquitaz.se for information about personal drop-off at our store in Värnamo.

Grade your Pokémon cards at Aquitaz

Whether you collect Charizard, Pikachu, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, or other collectible cards, Aquitaz helps you through the grading process.

We handle registration, reception, preparation, and forwarding to the grading company you have chosen.

Explore ACE Grading Sweden at Aquitaz

Before ordering, we recommend that you read our terms of service for card grading.