Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using GradingPrep's services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use our services.

2. Service Description

GradingPrep provides professional sports card grading preparation services, including:

• Card evaluation and condition assessment
• Professional cleaning and preparation
• Submission to third-party grading companies (PSA, BGS, SGC)
• Return shipping of graded cards

3. Possessory Lien and Collateral

By shipping cards to GradingPrep, you acknowledge and agree that:

• GradingPrep maintains a possessory lien on all submitted cards until all fees are paid in full
• Cards will not be returned or submitted to grading companies until payment is received
• GradingPrep has the right to hold cards as collateral for unpaid services
• You authorize GradingPrep to retain possession of cards until all outstanding balances are settled

4. Payment Terms

Payment is required at the following stages:

• Prep Fees: Due after card evaluation and before submission to grading companies
• Grading Fees: Due before cards are submitted to third-party grading companies
• Return Shipping: Due before cards are shipped back to you

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Payment must be received within 14 days of invoice date.

5. Abandonment Policy

Cards are considered abandoned if:

• Payment is not received within 30 days of invoice date
• Customer does not respond to communication attempts for 45 days
• Customer explicitly abandons the submission

For abandoned cards, GradingPrep reserves the right to:

• Charge storage fees of $5 per card per month after 30 days
• Sell or consign cards to recover unpaid fees and storage costs
• Donate cards to charity after 90 days of abandonment
• Dispose of cards after 120 days of abandonment

6. Card Valuation and Insurance

Customers are responsible for accurately declaring card values. GradingPrep:

• Recommends insuring all shipments based on declared card values
• Is not responsible for undeclared or undervalued items
• Maintains insurance during card possession based on declared values
• Requires customers to select appropriate service levels matching card values

7. Limitation of Liability

GradingPrep's liability is limited as follows:

• Maximum liability is limited to the declared value of cards or $500 per card, whichever is less
• Not liable for grades assigned by third-party grading companies
• Not liable for damage caused by grading companies during their evaluation process
• Not liable for shipping delays or losses by carriers (covered by carrier insurance)
• Not liable for market value fluctuations during service period

8. Customer Responsibilities

As a customer, you agree to:

• Provide accurate card information and valuations
• Respond to payment requests and communications in a timely manner
• Review card evaluations and make approval decisions within 14 days
• Package cards securely when shipping to GradingPrep
• Maintain valid contact information in your account

9. Card Evaluation and Estimates

Estimated grades provided by GradingPrep are professional opinions based on industry experience. Final grades are determined solely by third-party grading companies (PSA, BGS, SGC). GradingPrep does not guarantee that estimated grades will match final graded results.

10. Refunds and Cancellations

Refund policy:

• Customers may request return of cards before evaluation is complete (subject to $10 processing fee per order)
• After evaluation, customers may reject cards for grading and request return (prep fees still apply for evaluated cards)
• No refunds for cards already submitted to grading companies
• Grading company fees are non-refundable once paid

11. Privacy and Data

GradingPrep collects and stores customer information necessary to provide services. We do not sell or share customer data with third parties except as necessary to provide services (e.g., shipping carriers, grading companies, payment processors).

12. Modifications to Terms

GradingPrep reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of services after modifications constitutes acceptance of updated terms. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or services provided shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Both parties waive the right to jury trial or class action participation.

14. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, contact us at: [email protected]