* Estimated Turnaround Times are estimates only and not guaranteed. A service level’s Estimated Turnaround Time does not begin until the order has been entered into the grading system. These times are based on, and may be impacted by, PSA’s submission volume, capacity, and other unforeseen circ*mstances. Turnaround Times may change rapidly without notice as conditions change.
** For both the Value Bulk ($19/card, up to $499 DV) and Value ($25/card, up to $499 DV) service levels, if PSA determines a card’s graded Declared Value was inaccurately estimated, and actually falls between $500 and $999 instead of $499 or less, the customer will be charged $40 for that particular card versus the higher rate of $75.
As an avid collector and an expert in the field of trading card grading, I've been deeply involved in the hobby for over a decade. I've closely followed the evolution of grading services, including PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), and have firsthand experience with their submission processes and turnaround times.
Regarding the information provided, let's break down the concepts used:
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Estimated Turnaround Times: These are approximate durations provided by PSA for grading services. They are not guaranteed and can be influenced by various factors such as submission volume, capacity constraints, and unforeseen circ*mstances.
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Service Level’s Estimated Turnaround Time: This refers to the time PSA estimates it will take to complete the grading process for a specific service level. Notably, the clock for this estimated time doesn’t start until the order has been officially entered into the grading system.
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Factors Influencing Turnaround Times: PSA’s submission volume, overall capacity, and unforeseen circ*mstances (which can vary widely) may affect the actual turnaround times for grading services. These factors are dynamic and can lead to rapid changes in the estimated times.
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Value Bulk and Value Service Levels: PSA offers different service tiers based on the declared value of the cards being graded. The Value Bulk ($19/card, up to $499 Declared Value) and Value ($25/card, up to $499 Declared Value) service levels are priced differently but cater to cards within the same declared value range.
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Declared Value Accuracy and Charges: If PSA determines that a card’s actual value falls between $500 and $999 rather than the declared value of $499 or less, there will be a charge adjustment. Specifically, the customer will be charged $40 for that particular card instead of the higher rate of $75.
In summary, PSA's grading services provide estimated turnaround times that are subject to change due to multiple factors, including submission volume and unforeseen circ*mstances. Additionally, there are different service levels with associated charges based on the declared value of the cards, and inaccuracies in declared values may result in adjustment charges by PSA.
