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 PSA. 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.
To determine your value, we recommend you start by referencing PSA’s Photograde Online to obtain a general, visual illustration of each card grade; this may help you gauge the quality of your card. Based on this assessment, we then advise you to reference various pricing sources to determine the estimated value of your 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 in the event of a claim connected with that item while at Bent Cardboard Card Services and PSA,
- 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 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, not inclusive of shipping charges.
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.
Back to listQ: What happens if my Declared Value is understated?
A: If PSA determines, in its sole discretion at any point in the process, that the submitted Declared Value has been understated relative to the market value of the item, PSA reserves the right to decline your stated Declared Value. If PSA declines the Declared Value of an item, Bent Cardboard Card Services requires you to pay for the accurate Service Level as a condition of PSA completing the authentication and grading process as to the subject item. If you refuse, or are unable, to pay Bent Cardboard Card Services for the accurate Service Level, then we reserve the right to sell the item and recover all associated costs. If the sale exceeds the costs, any additional funds shall be returned. If the sale does not cover all associated costs, Bent Cardboard Card Services will invoice for the remaining fees. PSA’s determination that you have understated the Declared Value will affect only the Service Level charge, it will not change the Declared Value for purposes of establishing the maximum item value for claim or shipping insurance purposes.