PSA has rolled out new grading prices and matching turnaround times as the new year begins.
In the second half of 2022, the company finally worked its way through a backlog that grew from about one million cards in 2019 to more than 14 million cards two years later–an avalanche of mostly lower value modern cards that kept collectors waiting as much as a year or more to get them back.
The massive number of bulk submissions at prices that used to be around $10 card was largely responsible for the backlog and that rock bottom option has not returned. On Wednesday, with a new year underway, PSA rolled out new tiers for both members of its $99 per year Collectors Club and the general public.
PSA says the “simplified service levels” are effective immediately. For members of its Collectors Club, submission of 20 cards or more with each card having a maximum declared value of $499 will cost $19 per card with an estimated turnaround time of 65 business days. Dual service (autographed cards) bulk rates will be $25 per card with a 20-card minimum and a 75-day turnaround time.
Those who don’t have a Collectors Club membership can submit at the ‘Value’ level of $25 per card ($499 MDV, 65-day turnaround time) while those who want their cards back a bit faster can use Value Plus ($40 per card/$499 MDV) which has a 20-day turnaround time. For cards valued at up to $1,499, the Regular service costs $75 with a 20-day turnaround time.
Express service, with a five-day turnaround time and an MDV of $2,499 or less costs $150 while the $300 Super Express level carries a three-day turnaround time and can be used for cards valued at under $5,000.
Sealed packs and tickets cost $30 per item with a maximum declared value of $499 and a 90-day turnaround time.
PSA President Ryan Hoge says the company is now taking high resolution photos of the front and back of each card it grades. The idea is for collectors and dealers to use the photos inside PSA’s Set Registry, in sales listings or on social media.