Direct to Grading FAQ

Submitting cards:

There are no COMC submission fees or quantity minimums! Please note, third-party grading fees will also apply. Improperly submitted cards will be charged fees, learn more about preparing your submission below.

• Standard thickness cards must be submitted in a penny sleeve and semi-rigid card saver. 
• Cards 130pt or thicker must arrive in a thick penny sleeve and toploader.
• Encased, manufacturer-sealed cards are submitted to the grader intact, these items are not opened by COMC.  
• Graded cards are acceptable to be crossed-over to a different grading provider.  

Cards that arrive and do not meet these holder requirements will instead be processed at our Select $1/per card level.

How do I start a submission at the Direct to Grading level?

Similar to traditional consignment submissions, please start your submission by filling out our Submission Wizard. Please select the Direct to Grading submission level and enter the number of cards being submitted at this level. 

Users are welcome to send cards at our other submission levels together in one package, however, please ensure each set of submissions is easily distinguishable. 

What May I Submit to Third-Party Grading?

Please note, only items that are supported by COMC may be sent to grading via our Group Grading and Direct to Grading services. Please only submit individual trading cards. For example, COMC does not support packs, boxes or memorabilia. The COMC Supported Item List can be found here.

Unsupported items will only be available for inclusion in a return shipment. Please review the Grading Unsupport Items page here to ensure your cards meet third-party grading eligibility. 

Can I take other actions with my cards if submitted for this service?

Direct to Grading cards are 'locked' with the only available option being the ability to submit to grading or include in a return shipment, ungraded. Users are not able to list or sell a card submitted at this level without first submitting it to a third-party grader. 

How do I set my desired grading company/grading level?

Once the card is processed into your COMC account, the card will be accessible from your Inventory Manager page. By using the Actions menu and selecting Submit to Grading, you will be directed to our Grading page. From here, you may choose from among the eligible third-party grading companies and then be asked to pick a grading submission level respectively, for each of your cards.

There is no set timeframe in which you must submit your card to grading once it is deposited in your account. 

How quickly can I access my cards?

Direct to Grading is our fastest submission level, the cards are accessible from your account within one week of processing starting. Please note, once submitted for grading, estimated standard third-party grading timeframes apply. 

These cards will be 'locked' with the only action available being the ability to Submit for Grading. Once in your account, please find the card in your Inventory Manager and use the Actions menu to select your desired grading company and grading submission level for the card.

What are the grading fees and timeframes?

Grading fees and estimated timeframes vary by company and grading submission level. Users will be able to select their desired grading level and review the associated fees and estimated timeframes before confirming their grading submission. 

How will I know when my card returns?

You will be alerted to the return of your newly-graded card with our yellow 'Items Needing Attention' banner across your Dashboard. You may also access before and after scans of the raw and graded card side-by-side from your Grading Submissions page.

What may I do once the card has completed grading?

The full suite of COMC benefits is available for your card once returned from grading! All graded cards return as Elite Items, which means with a few clicks you may list it for sale, submit it to Auction, include it in your next shipment request or simply keep it stored in your account!

Does COMC make any judgment or suggestions in regard to the 'grade-worthiness' of my card?

COMC does not offer our opinion on the grading worthiness of Direct to Grading submitted cards.

How do I grade cards already on COMC?

To submit cards for grading that are already on COMC, please review our general Grading FAQ here.