Help Centre

Submitting Cards

The alpha website uses a simple submission form rather than customer accounts. Each submission receives a unique Pocket Pals submission number.

How to create a submission

1. Open the Submit Cards page.
2. Enter your contact and return-shipping information.
3. Add each card you are sending, up to 10 cards.
4. Review and submit the form.
5. Save your unique PP submission number.
6. Print the confirmation/packing slip and place it inside the package.

Shipping & Packaging

You are responsible for safely packaging and shipping your cards to Pocket Pals. Use sturdy protective materials and a tracked shipping service appropriate for the value of your cards.

Recommended preparation

• Place each card in a clean card sleeve.
• Use a semi-rigid holder or other secure card holder appropriate for the card.
• Group protected cards so they cannot move freely inside the package.
• Use cushioning and a rigid shipping box or sturdy mailer.
• Place your printed Pocket Pals submission sheet inside the package.
• Keep your submission number and carrier tracking number for your records.
• Take clear front/back photographs of each card before shipping.

Avoid

• Loose cards inside envelopes or boxes.
• Rubber bands directly around cards or holders.
• Tape directly touching a card or card surface.
• Packaging that allows cards to bend, slide, or move freely.
• Sending cards without the printed submission sheet.

Insurance is the responsibility of the card owner. Pocket Pals does not act as an insurer. If you want shipping insurance or additional carrier coverage, arrange it with your carrier where available.

Submission Process

After your package arrives, Pocket Pals may open and document the shipment, count the cards, compare them with your submission record, and move the submission through the grading workflow.

Return shipping

After grading is complete, you will receive an invoice or payment request for return shipping. Cards may be held until the applicable return-shipping charge has been paid.

Return shipping may be available through Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, or another carrier reasonably selected or made available by Pocket Pals.

Pocket Pals Grading System

The Pocket Pals grading system is designed to provide both a final condition grade and more detailed category-level information.

Depending on the card and stage of the alpha program, grading information may include measured defects, centering measurements, card dimensions, authentication or alteration results, card images, and other grading evidence.

A Pocket Pals grade is a professional opinion. Another grading company, collector, marketplace, or buyer may reach a different conclusion.

View the Grading Scale

What Cards Can I Submit?

Pocket Pals intends to accept a broad range of trading cards, custom cards, novelty cards, promotional cards, vintage cards, modern cards, holographic cards, textured cards, autographed cards, and other collectible cards.

Acceptance does not guarantee that every item can receive a numerical grade, authentication result, certification, or encapsulation. Cards that are unsafe, contaminated, prohibited by law, outside supported slab dimensions, or unable to be safely handled or encapsulated may be declined or returned.

Custom and novelty cards

Custom and novelty cards may be accepted. Where appropriate, the label may identify the item as custom, novelty, not authenticated, or another suitable designation so it is not confused with an officially manufactured card.

Slabs, Labels & Certification

Eligible cards may be encapsulated in a Pocket Pals slab and assigned a certification number. Labels may display card-identification information, the assigned grade or designation, certification information, and other grading details.

Certification records may later include a verification page, QR code, grading report, card images, subgrades, population information, and certification status.

Pocket Pals may correct or deactivate certification information where a slab or label is counterfeit or tampered with, a card is removed or replaced, information was issued in error, or fraud is suspected.

International Submissions

Pocket Pals Card Grading is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and currently accepts submissions worldwide, subject to applicable law, carrier availability, customs requirements, and operational limitations.

• You are responsible for selecting and paying for inbound shipping.
• You are responsible for customs declarations and complying with import/export requirements.
• Duties, taxes, brokerage fees, customs charges, and similar government or carrier charges remain the customer's responsibility.
• Cross-border shipments may take longer because of customs or carrier processing.
• Return shipping is invoiced after grading is complete.
• Insurance or additional carrier coverage is the card owner's responsibility.

Still Need Help?

Email Pocket Pals support and include your submission number whenever your question relates to an existing submission.

Business and submission address:
Pocket Pals Card Grading
1760 W 2nd Ave, Office 101
Vancouver, BC V6J 1H6
Canada