At Stark Trading Co., we know your trading cards are more than just collectibles — they’re prized pieces of your personal story. That’s why we offer professional Card Grading Services to help you protect, authenticate, and maximize the value of your collection. 

Stark Trading Co. is a premier provider of trading card grading services, dedicated to delivering precise, transparent, and reliable evaluations for collectors and investors in the trading card community. Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of authenticity and condition assessment while integrating innovative technologies and customer-focused practices to enhance the grading experience. This document outlines our grading process, the industry-standard techniques we employ, and the unique features that set Stark Trading Co. apart in the competitive card grading industry.

At Stark Trading Co., we adhere to established industry standards for trading card grading, ensuring consistency, credibility, and market acceptance. Our grading process is rooted in methodologies used by leading grading companies while incorporating advanced technologies to improve accuracy and efficiency. Below is an overview of the core components of our grading process:

Authentication is the first step in our grading process, ensuring that every card we evaluate is genuine. Our team of expert authenticators, trained in identifying counterfeits and alterations, examines each card for key indicators of authenticity, including:

• Printing Characteristics: We verify card stock, ink patterns, and printing techniques specific to the card’s manufacturer and era.
• Holographic and Security Features: For modern trading card games (e.g., Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering), we inspect holograms, foils, and other security elements to confirm legitimacy.
• Historical Context: For vintage cards, we cross-reference design elements, typography, and production details with known records to ensure authenticity.

Only cards deemed authentic proceed to the grading phase, maintaining the integrity of our service and protecting collectors from fraudulent items.

Stark Trading Co. employs the industry-standard 10-point grading scale, widely recognized by collectors. This scale ranges from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint), with each grade reflecting specific condition criteria:

• Gem Mint 10: A virtually flawless card with perfect centering, sharp corners, pristine edges, and no surface imperfections under 10x magnification.
• Mint 9: A near-perfect card with only minor imperfections, such as slight centering issues or microscopic surface flaws.
• Near Mint-Mint 8 to Near Mint 7: Cards with minimal wear, such as slight corner softening or minor edge imperfections.
• Excellent 6 to Very Good 4: Cards showing moderate wear, including visible creases, edge wear, or surface scratches.
• Good 3 to Poor 1: Cards with significant damage, such as heavy creases, staining, or structural issues.

For added precision, we offer half-point grades (e.g., 9.5, 8.5) between grades 2 and 9, providing a more granular assessment of card condition.

Our grading process evaluates four critical aspects of a card’s condition, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent evaluation:

• Centering: We measure the alignment of the card’s image and borders, aiming for perfect or near-perfect symmetry. Centering is assessed using high-resolution imaging to calculate border ratios with precision.
• Corners: Corners are examined under magnification for sharpness, bends, or fraying. Pristine corners are a hallmark of high-grade cards.
• Edges: We inspect edges for smoothness, chipping, or whitening, which can significantly impact a card’s grade.
• Surface: The card’s surface is scrutinized for scratches, scuffs, print defects, or other imperfections, using both visual inspection and advanced imaging technology.

Each of these aspects is scored individually, contributing to the overall grade. We provide detailed sub-grades for each category, displayed on our grading label and accessible via our online dashboard.

Once graded, each card is encapsulated in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder. Our holders are made from high-quality, archival-grade plastic to protect cards from environmental damage, pressure, and handling. Key features include:

• Crystal-Clear Optics: Our holders are designed for optimal display, allowing collectors to showcase their cards without compromising visibility.
• Security Features: Each holder includes a unique certification number, QR code, and holographic label to prevent tampering and ensure traceability.
• Durability: The robust design protects cards from dust, moisture, and physical stress, preserving their condition for years.

To ensure consistency, every card undergoes a multi-stage review process. After initial grading, a second authenticator verifies the results, and a final quality control check confirms the accuracy of the grade and encapsulation. This rigorous approach minimizes errors and upholds our commitment to reliability.

While Stark Trading Co. adheres to industry-standard techniques, we differentiate ourselves through innovation, transparency, and a collector-centric approach. Below are the key features that set us apart:

Inspired by other emerging players in the card grading industry, Stark Trading Co. leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance grading accuracy and consistency:

• Photometric Stereoscopic Imaging: Our proprietary imaging system captures high-resolution, multi-angle images of each card, allowing us to detect microscopic imperfections that human graders might miss. This technology ensures objective and repeatable results.
• AI-Assisted Analysis: We use artificial intelligence to analyze card condition, focusing on centering, surface defects, and edge quality. Our AI algorithms, trained on millions of card images, provide a level of precision that complements human expertise, reducing subjectivity.
• 1000-Point Scoring System: In addition to the standard 10-point scale, we offer an optional 1000-point score for collectors seeking granular differentiation (e.g., distinguishing a “high 10” from a “low 10”). This score is accessible via our digital grading report.

Transparency is at the core of our service. Every graded card comes with a comprehensive digital grading report, these reports include:

• High-Resolution Images: Front and back images of the card, with zoom capabilities up to 800% for detailed inspection.
• Sub-Grade Breakdown: Detailed scores for centering, corners, edges, and surface, along with notes on any notable defects.
• Defect Mapping: Using our imaging technology, we provide a visual map of surface imperfections, such as scratches or print lines, to give collectors full visibility into the grading rationale.
• Leaderboard Rankings: For Gem Mint 10 cards, we rank them on our online leaderboard, showcasing the finest examples in each card category.

This level of transparency empowers collectors to make informed decisions when buying, selling, or trading.

Stark Trading Co. is designed with collectors in mind, offering features that prioritize convenience and value:

• Fast Turnaround Times: By combining automation with human expertise, we offer some of the fastest grading turnaround times in the industry, often completing standard submissions in under 30 days.
• Affordable Pricing: Our pricing structure is competitive, starting at $15 per card for standard submissions, with no minimum submission requirements or caps on card value. This accessibility makes grading viable for both high-end and entry-level collectors.
• Global Accessibility: We accept submissions from major markets, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, with localized hubs to reduce shipping costs and customs fees.
• Customizable Labels: Collectors can choose from a variety of hand-drawn, premium label designs to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their graded cards.

We understand that grading is not just about preservation but also about maximizing a card’s market potential. Stark Trading Co. graded cards are designed to command strong resale value:

• Market Recognition: Our adoption of industry standards and growing reputation ensure that Stark-graded cards are increasingly sought after in auctions and marketplaces.
• Set Registry Program: We offer a digital set registry where collectors can showcase their collections, track completion, and compete for rankings, adding a fun and engaging dimension to the hobby.
• Guarantee of Authenticity and Grade: Every graded card is backed by our industry-leading guarantee, providing peace of mind for buyers and sellers.

Stark Trading Co. goes beyond grading to foster a vibrant collector community:

• Educational Resources: Our website features articles, guides, and videos on card collecting, grading tips, and market trends, helping new and experienced collectors make informed decisions.
• Collector Dashboard: Our user-friendly online dashboard allows collectors to track submissions, view grades, and access digital reports in real time, streamlining the grading process.
• Community Events: We host virtual and in-person events, such as grading workshops and collector meetups, to connect enthusiasts and share knowledge.

To highlight our unique position, here’s how Stark Trading Co. compares to other grading companies:

• Competitor A: While some competitors are recognized for market dominance, their turnaround times can be lengthy due to high submission volumes. Stark Trading Co. offers faster processing and comparable standards with added technological precision.
• Competitor B: Certain competitors are known for detailed sub-grades and durable holders. Stark Trading Co. matches this transparency with sub-grades and enhances it with digital reports and AI-assisted analysis.
• TAG: TAG’s focus on technology-driven grading is revolutionary, but its market acceptance is still growing. Stark Trading Co. combines TAG’s technological innovation with a collector-friendly approach and broader market appeal.

Stark Trading Co. is redefining the trading card grading experience by blending industry-standard techniques with innovative technology and a collector-first ethos. Our commitment to authenticity, precision, transparency, and accessibility ensures that collectors can trust us to protect and enhance the value of their prized cards. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a new collector, Stark Trading Co. offers a modern, reliable, and engaging grading service that stands out in the evolving world of card collecting.

For more information or to submit your cards for grading, visit our website at www.starktradingco.com or contact our customer support team at office@starktradingco.com.