Welcome to The Hobby Experience, your go-to source for everything related to collectible trading cards in the UK! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, we’ll guide you through product releases, reviews, market insights, and the latest UK hobby news.

The Grading Club
New Content Incoming

We’re back! After a couple of weeks spent deciding on the direction of our content, we’re now ready to dive into content overload. Personally, producing hobby content has always been a passion of mine. Creating content that might help someone searching for answers is extremely rewarding, even if it only helps a few people.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be creating content for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok (links below). It’s going to be a challenge, but I’ll do my best to keep it consistent and enjoyable. Feedback is always welcome!

Starting tomorrow, I’m releasing a YouTube video focusing on my own collection and what I’m sending for grading this month 👀. Every Thursday, I’ll follow up with a product review video, diving into the hits, the quality of the product, and whether there’s anything worth grading.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegradingclub

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegradingclub

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegradingclub/

PSA making more changes!

Streamlining PSA Submissions

PSA has implemented a significant update to their grading process, moving from a declared value system to a Maximum Insured Value framework. This change is designed to simplify submissions and ensure all items are appropriately insured during their time at PSA. While the update offers benefits, it’s essential for collectors to understand how this impacts their overall costs, particularly with shipping and service levels.

Declared Value vs. Maximum Insured Value

The switch to Maximum Insured Value removes the need for collectors to estimate the declared value of their cards before submission. Instead, the Service Level selected now determines the maximum insurance coverage for each item. This approach reduces guesswork and helps streamline the submission process.

Important to note: Being insured to the Maximum Insured Value does not mean PSA will automatically pay out that amount in the event of loss or damage. Compensation is based on the fair market value of the card after grading. Collectors should keep this in mind when selecting a Service Level and estimating the value of their submissions.

Service Levels and Adjustments

Selecting the correct Service Level is now more important than ever. Each Service Level corresponds to a Maximum Insured Value cap, ensuring your cards are appropriately covered. If PSA determines that a card’s value exceeds the Maximum Insured Value of your chosen tier, they may upgrade your order to the appropriate tier and charge the difference. This adjustment is intended to maintain efficiency and ensure accurate insurance coverage for high-value cards.

To avoid unexpected charges or delays, it’s recommended to use resources like the PSA Price Guide, 130point.com, or Card Ladder to estimate the fair market value of your cards post-grading. Remember, the value PSA requires reflects the card's market value after it has been graded, not its raw value.

International Customers: Consider the Costs

For international collectors, the automatic insurance coverage tied to the Maximum Insured Value will affect shipping costs. Since return shipping is calculated based on the insured value of your package, this may result in higher overall shipping fees than you were accustomed to. It’s important to factor this into your grading plans, particularly if you are submitting cards for resale, as this could influence your margins.

Why These Changes Matter

The shift to the Maximum Insured Value system is a positive step towards simplifying submissions and enhancing the efficiency of the grading process. By tying insurance coverage directly to Service Levels, PSA aims to provide better transparency and faster turnaround times for collectors. While there are cost implications to consider, the overall changes are designed to make grading more straightforward and to protect your valuable items.

If you have any questions or need guidance on these changes, feel free to reach out. Open conversations like these help ensure everyone in the hobby can navigate updates smoothly and effectively.

Submission
Find our latest pricing and special offers below

To submit cards, head to our website www.thegradingclub.com. Here, you can use our pricing calculator to see how much a submission would cost, and it will also tell you when the cards are due to be returned.

Here’s a guide on how to submit cards through the portal if you’ve never done it before.

SPECIAL OFFERS

• Maximum Declared Value - No max

• £15 per card / £14 per card if you submit 10 or more

• Turnaround Time - 2 Weeks (from the day it arrives at SGC)

• All types of cards accepted (Pokemon, Sport, Other TCG, Non-Sport)

• Auto Grade no extra charge, but only added if PSA 10

• Cards need to be with us by 25 November

• Maximum Declared Value - $500/£400 (The maximum amount per item you may claim as compensation in the event of loss or damage)

• £30 per card

• Turnaround Time - 4-6 Weeks (from the day it arrives at PSA)

• All types of cards accepted (Pokemon, Sport, Other TCG, Non-Sport)

• Auto Grade not included

• Cards need to be with us by 30th November

• Maximum Declared Value - No max

• £35 per card (with Sub-Grades)

• Turnaround Time - 1-2 months (from the day it arrives at Beckett)

• All normal card types accepted

• Auto Grade not included

• Cards need to be with us by 30th November

CARD SHOWS
Upcoming Card Shows In November

This is not an exhaustive list of all the card shows that may be happening. These are just the ones we’re attending or have found major value from going to.

30th November

The Yorkshire Card Show

This is one of the best card shows in the UK and it’s just got even better!

PRODUCT RELEASE
New Product Releases and Pre-Orders

26 November

2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 F1 Racing Hobby Box

CLICK HERE to pre-order your boxes

£230 per box

29 November

2024 Panini Mosaic Football Hobby Box

CLICK HERE to pre-order your boxes

£415 per box

2024 Panini Three Count WWE Wrestling Hobby Box

CLICK HERE to pre-oder your boxes

£250 per box

CARD OF THE WEEK

HIGH VALUE CARDS

Top 3 Sport Card Sales From Last Week

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Thank you for being a part of our growing community! We’re thrilled to have you with us on this exciting journey through the world of sports cards. Keep an eye out for next week’s edition, packed with more insights, tips, and offers. And as always, we’re here to help you make the most of your collection – happy collecting!