The Ultimate Grading Prep Guide — Powered by MintKeeper

Sending cards off for grading? Don’t just ship them — prep them like a pro, and protect your investment.

In this guide you’ll learn:

1. Why professional preparation matters

2. How to inspect your cards before submitting

3. Step-by-step grading prep using our kits

4. Which bundle fits your needs

🧠 Why Proper Prep Matters

When it comes to grading, even the smallest flaw can make the difference between a Gem Mint 10 and a 9 or lower. Cards are judged on several key criteria:

• Corners – crisp and undamaged

• Edges – no whitening or chips

• Centering – the design should be evenly aligned

• Surface – free of scratches, scuffs, or fingerprints

Proper preparation protects your cards from damage before they’re in the grader’s hands — and that can directly impact the final grade and resale value.

✳️ Inspect & Perfect Before You Pack

Before sleeving, take a few extra minutes to check each card:

• Use a magnifying loupe to inspect corners, edges, and print quality

• Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth or air puffer to remove dust

• Hold cards only by the edges to avoid surface oils

• Review similar cards that received high grades to compare condition

By catching flaws early, you can decide whether to hold off on grading, swap the card out, or send it as-is.

🧺 Bundles That Simplify the Process

Based on volume and need, choose one of our sealed grading kits:

• Basic Grading Bundle – 25 Submissions – 100 soft sleeves, 25 semi‐rigid holders, & 25 pull tabs
  Perfect for small batches or new collectors
  View Bundle

• Pro Grading Bundle – 50 Submissions – 100 sleeves, 50 semi‐rigids, 50 pull tabs
  Ideal for moderate-sized submissions
  View Bundle

• Bulk Grading Bundle – 100 Submissions – 200 sleeves, 100 semi‐rigids, 100 pull tabs
  Best for serious bulk submitters or sellers

✅ How to Use the Kit: Step-by-Step

1. Place card in a soft sleeve to protect it from surface damage

2. Insert sleeved card into a semi‑rigid holder for structure and grading submission

3. Apply a pull tab sticker to the sleeve lip before inserting into the holder — ensures easy removal later

4. Package and ship according to PSA, Beckett, or CGC guidelines

🌟 Tips For Maximizing Your Grade

• Pre‑inspect each card under the loupe to identify fine scratches or edge dings

• Never stack raw cards together — always use a soft sleeve first

• When applying pull tabs, use only adhesive-safe ones to avoid residue

• Batch similar cards by grade service and shipping destination

📌 Summary Table

💡 Final Thought

Grading your cards can dramatically increase their resale value and authentication confidence — but sloppy prep hurts. Our MintKeeper bundles give you consistent, sealed supplies and an easy workflow so your cards arrive at the lab in mint condition.

Ready to get started?
Choose your preferred bundle above and streamline your grading prep today.