Grading cards

[erk419]

Hopefully this is in the right section still learning my way around on here if its not please move it to the right section.
Just getting back in the hobby last time I collected seriously was probably when I was like 12 and I'm almost 32 now. My question is when you guys first got started or even now how do you guys go about grading your own cards to sell/trade. I've been looking at several different sites some have many different grades like 4 or 5 for near mint others only have one like mint near mint etc.
I guess I'm just being really picky about grading mine but I want to make sure I do it right because I don't want to end up screwing someone that I sell or trade with because I think its one thing but its really another. Does anyone have any pointers or link that can help me out here. I'm sure once I get going it will become second nature to me but getting started can be a little tricky.
I know about the company's that will grade them for you like Beckett but for low end cards its not really worth paying to have graded when its going to cost you more to have graded then what you will get out of it.

Thanks in advance to all that reply.

[twinsfan48]

As for myself, I use Beckett's definitions and explanations in the beginning of their annual price guides to help me in grading my cards. I've often wondered if there is a guideline out there that others use besides my method...

[CoolHandLuke]

Normally if a card is near-mint mint, that is what we excpect a card to be at minimum with out mentioning a grade. Trying to grade them higher yourself might just be hard as proffessional grader look at them under a microscope. Then use beckett definition to grade them. For older cards you want to trade and sell, explain all flaw you can see like centering, beckett explian hoiw to calcualate it, printing spot, surface wear and scratch, borders and corner, look for color issue, crease bent corners etc.

Here beckett guide per grade.
http://www.beckett.com/estore/helpsy...x?ArticleId=47

That should help you grade them yourself. Also tell the other person you not not use to grade them. Sometime for card with higer value show a front and a back image High resolution and let the other see it.

I always done this with vintage and never had a issue.

Paying to grade them. I suggest to do it with cards that have value and are desirable orther wise you will just spent money for not much premium.

[NyFanCam01]

I wouldnt mind getting some stuff graded just for fun myself...
Maybe a jennings Auto or Base RC just to see what I get. ha

[erk419]

Thanks for your responses and help guys.