Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please feel free to e-mail us at Grading@GameTimeMichigan.com and we will be in touch.
Q: What types of cards and tickets does GameTime authenticate/grade?
A: GameTime will grade most TCG & Sports cards that are cataloged in major publications.
Q: How do I submit my cards to GameTime for grading?
A: At the moment GameTime is only accepting in person grading submissions. Soon though, we will be opening up our services across the country.
Once you are ready to submit, you will need to fill out a submission form via our Submission Center. Once completed and printed, you must schedule a dropoff time with GameTime to drop off your cards for grading.
Q: How much do I pay, and what is a Declared Value?
A: Once you are prepared to fill out a submission form, you will need to select a Service Level, which is determined by your Declared Value. The Declared Value is your estimate of the value of the item after it has been assigned a grade by GameTime. We understand you will not know the true value of the item until it has been graded, so we ask that you form a realistic, educated estimate based on your own research, keeping in mind that the Declared Value acts as a maximum value for shipping insurance purposes and in the event of a claim related to the item.
It is important that you spend the time, utilize the available resources, and take the necessary steps to accurately estimate the Declared Value. The Declared Value you provide establishes:
- the maximum item value for shipping insurance purposes, and
- the appropriate Service Level and Service Level price.
Once you arrive at a Declared Value, please refer to the submission form or Pricing for Grading Services to determine the Service Level for which your item is eligible, based on your Declared Value. The price listed will be what you will pay per item.
Note that if you desire a faster turnaround time on your order, you may select a Service Level above the Declared Value for your item.
Q: How can I update or change my address on a current GameTime order?
A: If you need to update or change your address on any current orders, please email Support@GameTimeMichigan.com. Please have your order number(s) and new address ready before you call or provide it in your email. Changing your address in your account does not affect orders currently in the grading process. Once your order is completed, we cannot update or change your address.
Q: How do I know if you will authenticate/grade my cards?
A: If you are uncertain about whether or not GameTime can authenticate and/or grade your cards, you can do the following:
- Send us an email at Grading@GameTimeMichigan.com and complete a ‘Research Request’. Include front and back images of the item along with any additional information from a published, reputable source (online links permitted) that lists specifications about your item. We will follow up with you via email to confirm whether the item can be submitted or not.
- You may always submit the item without prior confirmation; however, please be advised that if we cannot grade your item, we will return it without encapsulation and you will be responsible for the return shipping charges.
Note: Although we may have authenticated and/or graded an item in the past or may have previously stated that we could create specifications for the type of item you are submitting, we will not know for certain whether the item can be authenticated until it is physically in our possession.
Q: What are “Qualifiers” and “No Grades”?
A: A “Qualifier” is a term used when an item meets all of the criteria for a particular grade but may still have one significant flaw. There are six Qualifiers, two of which are required, and four that are optional.
Required Qualifiers
MK (Marks)
Any and all cards with writing, ink marks, pencil marks, etc. or evidence of the impression left from the act of writing will be designated “MK”
MC (Miscut)
Any and all cards that exhibit an atypical cut for the issue, which may result in portions of the subject card being cut off or more than one card being visible, will be designated “MC”
Optional Qualifiers
OC (Off Center)
Cards that are off center will either by designated “OC” or will have a numerical grade that reflects the minimum centering allowed for the grade
ST (Staining)
Cards with staining will either by designated “ST” or will have a numerical grade that reflects the minimum staining allowed for the grade
PD (Print Defect)
Cards with printing defects will either be designated “PD” or will have a numerical grade that reflects the minimum print defects allowed for the grade
OF (Out of Focus)
Cards that are out of focus or out of register with either be designated “OF” or will have a numerical grade that reflects the minimum focus standards allowed for the grade
The “No Grade” term is used when an item cannot be graded by GameTime for a variety of reasons. For example, GameTime will not grade items that bear evidence of trimming (N1), restoration (N2), recoloration (N3), questionable authenticity (N4), altered stock (N5) or cleaning (N7). In the event that GameTime rejects an item for any of these reasons, it will be returned not encapsulated, however the full grading price is still charged, as the determination to reject a card requires review by GameTime’s authenticators and graders. GameTime will also not grade items that do not meet the minimum size requirement (N6), were miscut by the manufacturer (N8), or items we do not grade due to being an obscure issue or not fitting in our holders (N9). Items that receive N6, N8 or N9 results will not be charged grading.