In the ever-evolving world of sports card collecting, enthusiasts have grown accustomed to the stochastic nature of the market. Prices fluctuate, demand waxes and wanes, and the only consistency is change itself. In the latest adjustment, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the titan of the card grading industry, announced changes that will likely leave collectors doing a double-take. Beginning April 7, the ever-patient collectors who’ve honed the virtue of stoic waiting are being asked to wait even longer—and dig a little deeper into their pockets.
The dream for many collectors of seeing a Gem Mint 10 on their prized possessions now involves just a tad more vicissitude. PSA has adjusted their turnaround estimates—though “estimates” here might feel like a misnomer given the variability in these figures. For their Value and Value Bulk services, collectors are now looking at a 65-business-day wait. Those aiming for Value + Bulk Dual Service should clear their calendars for about 75 business days. Translate “business days” to tangible, edible time, and you’re looking at months—if not seasons. And in the realm of TCG Bulk submissions, not only will the process be more snail-paced, but the fee per card will jump from $16.99 to $18.99 as of April 8.
For those doing the mental math, this is the second price and turnaround adjustment in the calendar year. Just a scant few months ago, PSA nudged the waiting period for bulk submissions to 45 business days, which was a significant leap at the time. This recent extension stretches that wait by roughly three more weeks. The upshot? More time to buy additional binds or sleeves, but less time to enjoy newly graded cards.
Why the perpetual wait and increased costs? PSA lays the blame on “continued high demand.” Since January, the deluge of cards has swelled to tsunami levels, leaving PSA struggling to keep up with the influx. Submissions from the still-blustery days of early 2023 are languishing in processing limbo. Collectors’ tempers have grown understandably short, given that “fast” grading is now not just an oxymoron but a mythological creature on the same tier as unicorns and honest-to-goodness Mint Condition Honus Wagner cards.
Consider yourself a collector piqued by PSA’s sluggishness, and you might think of jumping ship. However, a sea of tranquility (and quicker service) does not await you at PSA’s rivals either. SGC, another prominent figure in the card grading pantheon, is grappling with its own burgeoning backlog. The industry-wide grading demand has been rendered untamed, like a wild, amorphous blob consuming all resources in its path.
Yet, this rollercoaster isn’t all about pacing. The pathos for PSA’s clientele is compounded by more rigorous grading standards. Particularly when it comes to centering—a detail less forgiving than a high school grammarian—hopes for obtaining a Gem Mint 10 have been dashed for many. PSA’s grading gavel comes down hard and often, seeing near-mint charms labeled complementary 9s instead. With these exigent standards, many collectors might reconsider submitting cards teetering on the border of success and a lonely acoustic lament.
This challenging artistic odyssey pushes collectors to rethink their submission strategies. While the grading market booms, these rigorous standards coupled with longer waits and increased costs may puncture the enthusiasm for speculative submissions. Time will tell if this relieves the pressure on the backlog, but for now, PSA continues to stand as the Hercules holding up the world of card grading.
Nevertheless, submitters are left with a few incontrovertible truths: the process is still desirable, heavily relied upon, and…slow. Very slow. Collectors must make wise decisions when choosing which cards to send forth on their painstakingly lethargic journey through PSA’s channels.
For those still bold enough to brave the tides, patience is still very much a virtue. Embark on your card-grading quest with diligent foresight. Each card submission is akin to sending your child off to collegiate life in another town—a mix of excitement, worry, and financial sacrifice. The discerning collector knows: hold back on the chaff, submit only the cream, and clear a space of honor for that eventual, enigmatic PSA holder gracing your display cabinets. As the industry recalibrates, adaptability remains key to surviving this ever-longer, slightly pricier waiting game.