How To Shop PSA Value $37.99 Tier Online: Pricing, Process, and Smart Strategies

Hunting for an affordable way to slab your cards without waiting forever, or paying premium rates? If you're trying to shop PSA Value $37.99 tier online, you've probably seen a mix of direct options and group submissions all promising "Value" pricing, fast turnarounds, and add-ons you may or may not need. The catch: not every $37.99 offer includes the same services, limits, or speed.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what the PSA Value $37.99 tier typically includes, when it makes sense, how to avoid surprise fees, and the step-by-step workflow to submit like a pro. We'll also show you how CardChasers can help, from pre-screening to insured shipping, so you can spend more time chasing grails and less time sweating the fine print.

What the PSA Value $37.99 Tier Includes

The "Value $37.99" label usually refers to a budget-friendly PSA submission level offered either directly by PSA during specific promos or via trusted group submitters bundling services to reach that price point. Because PSA updates pricing and promotions throughout the year, think of $37.99 as a market rate you'll encounter in online submissions rather than a permanent, official PSA list price.

What you typically get at this tier:

  • Authentication and numeric grade (PSA 1–10) for standard, non-autographed cards.

  • Declared value cap per card (commonly around $499, but confirm current limit before submitting).

  • Standard PSA encapsulation with label and population report inclusion.

  • Batch processing with economy-style turnaround.

What usually isn't included by default:

  • Autograph authentication/grading (often an add-on or separate service line).

  • Crossover evaluations from other grading companies (may be supported, but rules differ).

  • Review/reholder services.

  • Special handling (e.g., thick holders for certain relics) unless specified.

Reality check: Offers at $37.99 can differ slightly between providers. Always verify the declared value limit, turnaround estimate, and any minimum-card requirements before you pay.

Eligibility Rules and Declared Value Limits

PSA uses "declared value" to place cards into service tiers and to determine potential upcharges. Declared value is the card's estimated market value after grading based on expected grade.

Common rules you should expect:

  • Declared value cap: Typically around $499 per card for value-level submissions. If your card's post-grade value exceeds that cap, PSA may assess an upcharge to move it into the correct tier.

  • Card type limitations: Standard trading cards (sports and TCG) are fine. Oversized, thick, or patch/autograph cards may require special handling or a different tier.

  • Authentic-only requests: If you want "AUTHENTIC" without a numeric grade, confirm it's allowed at this tier.

Best practice: Use comps from the last 30–90 days for your declared value estimate. Be conservative but honest, undervaluing to dodge fees can backfire if PSA reassigns your tier and invoices an upcharge anyway.

Who the $37.99 Value Tier Is Best For

You'll get the most bang for your buck when:

  • You're submitting modern stars, rookies, or TCG hits that project to PSA 9–10 with post-grade value under the declared value cap.

  • You're building inventory for shows, eBay, or Whatnot and need consistent slabs at a friendly cost basis.

  • You're grading sets or player PCs where uniform slabs matter more than speed.

It's less ideal when:

  • Raw comps indicate a 10 would blow past the declared value cap (e.g., a low-pop color match parallel). You may face an upcharge, or should choose a higher tier outright.

  • You have on-card autos, thick relics, or oddball formats that demand special holders or auto authentication.

  • You need a guaranteed fast turnaround for a specific show or drop: value tiers fluctuate with seasonality.

How To Shop the PSA Value $37.99 Tier Online

You've got two main paths: go straight to PSA or use a group submitter. Each approach has trade-offs in price, speed, and convenience.

Direct Submission vs. Group Submission

  • Direct to PSA: You control everything, declared values, packaging, and shipping. You'll pay PSA's posted rates, which may or may not match that $37.99 you're chasing. Sometimes PSA runs promos or Collectors Club discounts: sometimes not.

  • Group submission: A reputable submitter aggregates orders to unlock better pricing and simplifies logistics (forms, shipping, insurance, status updates). The $37.99 rate is commonly found here. Trade-off: You're sharing a batch, so timelines and policies are set by the submitter.

Where CardChasers helps: We handle pre-screening, safe shipping, and communication so your cards are protected from drop-off to return. If you prefer to hang with us live, our daily streams on TikTok and Whatnot keep you in the loop, and you can jump into our live breaks and community action while we prep your grading.

Account Setup, Membership, and Access Requirements

  • PSA account: Required for direct submissions. Some value tiers require Collectors Club membership: group submissions often do not.

  • Payment setup: Have a card on file and verify your shipping address before you generate submission forms.

  • Submission portal: If you're going direct, you'll enter each card, declared value, and service level in PSA's online portal. If you're using a submitter, they'll provide their own intake form.

If you'd rather outsource the admin, check our grading services page. We keep the paperwork clean and ensure your declared values make sense for your goals.

Reading the Fine Print: Add-Ons, Upcharges, and Policies

  • Add-ons: Auto authentication, dual service (card + auto), thick holders, and crossover evaluations may carry additional fees.

  • Upcharges: If PSA's final grade makes the card exceed the declared value cap for your tier, PSA can upcharge to the appropriate tier. Your submitter will pass that through.

  • Minimums and batching: Some submitters require a minimum number of cards or batch your order with others to hit pricing thresholds.

  • Insurance policy: Confirm whether insurance covers transit both ways and time in possession. Ask how declared value influences coverage.

Total Cost Breakdown Beyond $37.99

The $37.99 headline is only part of the math. Your true cost per slab includes add-ons, shipping, insurance, and potential upcharges.

Base Fee vs. Optional Services

  • Base fee: $37.99 per card for the standard value service.

  • Optional services: Auto authentication/grading, crossover attempts, custom label requests (if available), and reholders all add cost. Only buy what drives ROI.

Shipping, Insurance, and Return Costs

  • To PSA (or submitter): Outbound shipping, signature confirmation, and declared-value insurance.

  • Back to you: Return shipping per package plus added insurance based on total declared value.

  • Supplies: Card savers, sleeves, team bags, painter's tape, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes.

Tip: Combining multiple cards into one return shipment can lower per-card shipping cost, but don't over-pack. Protection first.

Upcharge Triggers and How They're Calculated

  • Trigger: PSA believes the card's market value after grading exceeds the tier's declared value limit.

  • Calculation: PSA reassigns the card to the tier that fits the final value and charges the difference. Expect an email or your submitter to notify you.

  • Strategy: If you're 50/50 on a gem that skyrockets past the cap, consider a higher tier upfront to avoid delays, and plan your cash flow for potential upcharges.

Step-By-Step Submission Workflow

Here's the clean, repeatable process we use and recommend.

Pre-Submission Checklist and Card Prep

  • Identify candidates: Use comps to confirm value fits the tier. Target clean surfaces, sharp corners, and centered copies.

  • Pre-screen: Under strong light, tilt the card to reveal print lines and surface dimples. Check edges with a loupe. Wipe gently with a microfiber if needed.

  • Protect: Penny sleeve then Card Saver I (PSA's preferred). Avoid tight top-loaders.

  • Document: Take photos front/back for your records before packing.

Packaging, Form Filling, and Shipping Best Practices

  • Forms: Fill out each card's year, set, player, parallel, and declared value accurately. Double-check serial numbers on numbered parallels.

  • Packaging order: Match the order of cards to your form to prevent check-in delays.

  • Spacers and tabs: Use pull tabs for easy removal: add cardboard spacers and bubble wrap.

  • Box-in-box: Place your inner box in a slightly larger outer box with cushioning to resist crush damage.

  • Ship smart: Use tracked, insured shipping with signature on delivery. Keep receipts.

Tracking Your Order and Status Milestones

  • Intake/Arrived: PSA (or your submitter) checks in the package.

  • Assembly/Grading/QA: Cards move through grading and quality assurance. Timelines vary.

  • Grades Ready: You'll get results and any upcharge notices.

  • Shipped: Verify tracking and insurance. Inspect slabs on arrival and reconcile to your order list.

Prefer to have a team handle the whole pipeline? Tap CardChasers, drop off in Laval or ship to us. We'll manage the paperwork, insurance, and updates. Start here: CardChasers Grading.

Card Selection, Screening, and Declared Value Strategy

You make or lose money before the cards ever leave your desk. Tight selection and honest values are everything.

When to Grade: Value Thresholds and Expected Grades

  • Target cards that clear the fee + shipping with room to profit at PSA 9, and perform exceptionally at PSA 10.

  • If a PSA 9 barely breaks even but a 10 3–5x's your cost, consider your true gem rate. You can't bank on 10s.

  • Use pop reports to gauge scarcity. A low population in 9/10 with steady demand is safer than a crowded pop with falling comps.

Practical benchmark: After all-in costs, look for at least 1.8–2.5x expected return at PSA 10 and a soft landing at PSA 9.

Special Cases: Variations, Autos, Relics, and Modern vs. Vintage

  • Variations/SPs: Mislabeling is rare but possible if the card isn't described clearly. Include specific variation names and card numbers on the form.

  • Autographs: If you want the auto graded or authenticated, choose the appropriate service line. Autos can change declared value dramatically, plan for higher tiers or upcharges.

  • Relics/Thick cards: Confirm holder compatibility: some thick cards require special cases or different tiers.

  • Vintage: Centering tolerances differ, and eye appeal can carry. A PSA 4 with killer centering may outsell a PSA 5 with poor eye appeal. Be realistic with declared value.

  • TCG: Print lines and hollow foil scratches tank grades. Use angled light and a loupe before you submit.

Turnaround Times and What to Expect

Turnaround time (TAT) at value levels is dynamic. During peak release windows or major hobby events, queues swell: slower periods can surprise you in a good way.

Factors That Affect TAT and Seasonality

  • Release waves: Flagship sets and hyped rookies spike submissions.

  • Show calendars: National-level shows and regional events shift grader capacity.

  • Holidays: Q4 and post-holiday surges are real. Plan accordingly.

  • Batch dependencies: Group submissions typically ship when the whole batch completes, not per-card.

Planning Timelines for Sales, Shows, and Consignments

  • Work backwards from your sell date. Add buffer for mail times, check-in, and possible upcharges.

  • If you need slabs for a specific show, consider a higher tier or submit 6–8 weeks earlier than your ideal window.

  • Selling channels: Whether you're listing on eBay, consignment, or going live on Whatnot, having slabs in hand a week prior is ideal. If you want a steady supply of inventory, browse our store inventory and build grading queues that land before key sports milestones.

Risk Management When Buying Submissions Online

Most headaches are avoidable if you vet partners and protect your shipments.

Vetting Group Submitters and Marketplace Listings

  • Track record: Look for consistent posting of returns, clear communication, and verified reviews.

  • Transparency: They should publish pricing, declared value limits, TAT expectations, and insurance terms.

  • References: Ask for customer examples and photos of graded returns. Reputable shops won't hesitate.

Payment Methods, Buyer Protection, and Dispute Windows

  • Use payment methods with protection (credit card, platforms with dispute resolution). Avoid irreversible transfers for first-time submissions.

  • Know the window: Understand how long you have to raise an issue after receiving your slabs.

  • Invoices and receipts: Keep everything. If an upcharge occurs, confirm documentation from PSA or the submitter.

Insurance, Chain of Custody, and Loss Mitigation

  • Insure at each step: Outbound, in possession, inbound. Confirm who bears risk when the package is in transit or at the submitter.

  • Chain of custody: Photos at every handoff, barcoded intake, and logs reduce confusion.

  • Packing discipline: Redundant protection (sleeve + Card Saver + inner box + outer box). It's boring until it saves your grail.

At CardChasers, we treat custody like a relay race, documented, insured, and tracked. Learn how we handle grading start-to-finish on our grading page. If you want to connect with us daily, pop into our live breaks and streams.

Alternatives to the $37.99 Value Tier

Sometimes the cheapest path isn't the smartest path. Choose the tier that fits your timeline, risk, and expected value.

When Economy, Regular, or Bulk Makes More Sense

  • Economy: Slightly higher fee but often faster. Great when your comp window is hot and you're within the declared value cap.

  • Regular: Pay up for speed and higher declared value limits. Critical for cards with volatile markets or upcoming showcases.

  • Bulk: If you're sending a large batch of lower-value modern, bulk pricing can beat $37.99 on a per-card basis, check minimums.

Crossovers, Reholders, and Review Services

  • Crossovers: Moving a BGS/CSG/SGC card to PSA can unlock higher liquidity, but only if the card is a true candidate. Inspect for subsurface issues.

  • Reholder: If your slab is scratched or label is outdated, reholdering refreshes presentation without regrading.

  • Review: If you believe a grade is light and condition supports it, a review can be worth it. Factor shipping and fees.

When Not To Grade and Other Monetization Paths

  • Margins don't pencil: If a 9 loses money after all-in costs, sell raw.

  • Condition risks: Edge chipping, print defects, or factory dents? Pass.

  • Time-sensitive flips: If you need liquidity now, list raw with high-res photos and transparent notes, or rip and flip live. You can always pick up fresh inventory from our store or hang out in our live breaks to hunt hits in real time.

Conclusion

When you shop PSA Value $37.99 tier online the right way, you lock in affordable slabs without gambling on slowdowns or surprise bills. Know the declared value limits, build a realistic upcharge plan, and time your submissions so your slabs arrive when the market is ready.

If you want help end-to-end, pre-screening, paperwork, insured shipping, and status updates, lean on CardChasers. We're open seven days a week in Laval and live every day because the chase never stops. Explore our grading services, check the latest inventory and supplies, or just jump into our live streams and breaks. And if you're new to us, get a feel for our culture and why collectors stick around on our homepage.

Chase smart. Slab smarter. We'll see you on the next hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the PSA Value $37.99 tier usually include when I shop PSA Value $37.99 tier online?

You typically get PSA authentication and numeric grading (1–10), standard encapsulation, and inclusion in the population report, subject to a declared value cap (often around $499). Turnaround is economy-style. Autograph services, crossovers, thick holders, and special handling are usually add-ons. Always confirm limits, TAT, and provider policies.

How should I estimate declared value for the PSA Value $37.99 tier to avoid upcharges?

Use recent comps from the last 30–90 days based on your expected grade. Be conservative but honest. If PSA believes the post-grade value exceeds the tier cap, they’ll reassign the card and bill the difference. Planning for possible upcharges prevents delays and protects your cash flow.

Is the PSA Value $37.99 tier best for modern sports or TCG cards?

It’s ideal for modern stars, rookies, and TCG hits that project to PSA 9–10 and stay under the declared value cap. It’s less suited to on-card autos, thick relics, or cards likely to exceed the cap at a gem grade. Consider higher tiers for speed or higher-value items.

Should I submit directly to PSA or use a group submitter when I shop PSA Value $37.99 tier online?

Direct submissions give full control and use PSA’s posted rates or promos. Group submitters often unlock the $37.99 price point, streamline forms, and consolidate insured shipping—but batches follow their timelines and rules. Verify declared value limits, minimums, insurance coverage, and communication practices before choosing.

What’s the real all-in cost beyond the headline $37.99?

Add outbound shipping, insured return shipping, and supplies to the base fee. Optional services—auto authentication, crossovers, thick holders, or reholders—raise costs. Potential upcharges apply if final value exceeds the tier’s cap. Combining returns can lower per-card shipping, but prioritize protective packing to prevent damage.

When is it smarter to skip the $37.99 value tier and choose Economy or Regular?

Choose Economy or Regular if you need faster turnaround, expect a post-grade value above the value cap, or are timing a key hobby event. Paying more upfront can prevent upcharges and delays and align grading completion with shows, releases, or hot market windows for better ROI.

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