There’s another update from PSA for turnaround times, and while there are no immediate shutdowns, customers will see an extension of turnaround times due to surging demand for the regular service level ($79.99 tier).
After shutting down the value and bulk tiers in early June, PSA has been providing bi-weekly updates on the backlog with a tracker. The value and bulk tiers will reopen once the backlog has reached 5 million cards, down from the roughly 12 million it was at after they shut down.
PSA Statement on Increased Turnaround Times
PSA, acknowledging the increased turnaround times sent a message to collectors:
“We’re updating estimated turnaround times for the Regular Service level to you a more accurate view of timising as continue working through our current backlog. If your Regular Service submission has not yet completed grading, the updated estimates below will apply to your order. We apologize for the additional wait and appreciate your patience as we work through the increased volume.”
Updated Turnaround Times
PSA updated the turnaround times on their website, but did not change pricing at all.
Regular Service: 30-40 Business Days -> 70-80 Business Days
Regular Service remains $79.99 per card with a max insured value of $1,500.
Express Service remains the same, $149.99 per card with a max insured value of $2,500.
Super Express: 7-10 Business Days -> 10-15 Business Days
Super Express is the $349.99 per card tier with $5,000 max insured value.
Walk-Through: 5-7 Business Days -> 7-10 Business Days
Walk-Through remains $599.99 per card with $10,000 max insured value.
The new turnaround times will apply to anyone who has sent cards in and has not gotten past the grading stage and any future orders.
The State of Grading
Grading, as a whole right now, has reached a boiling point where pretty much every company has either extended turnaround times, shut down value or bulk grading tiers, or have raised prices. As we’ve seen with PSA and others, the rise of Pokémon and TCG has overwhelmed grading companies as the massive influx of TCG now completely overshadows the sports side.
The question may eventually become reality for companies that they may need to set different turnaround times for sports and TCG. Will we ever get to that point? Tough to say, but as the gap continues to widen, it has become clear the influx of TCG has overwhelmed all grading companies.
All of that said, the demand for grading is not slowing down any time soon. As we’ve seen when PSA announced the pause of the value and bulk tiers, the turnaround times, price, it won’t slow down the demand.
The demand for the regular service tier has been immense. We also saw what the demand for premium tiers looked like at The National, as PSA had to stop all but the top tiers after Wednesday. Other grading companies also saw record-breaking weeks at The National as well.
While the turnaround times for grading are slowing down, the demand for grading is not.
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BRENDAN DARR
Brendan has worked for various platforms, including The Washington Post, SB Nation, NBC Sports Washington, and more, covering everything from college basketball to fantasy football and betting. An avid collector as a kid, he got back into collecting in 2021 and is a dedicated soccer, football, and basketball collector.
