Send your card via FedEx or U.S. Mail to the grader along with a completed application and the cost of the grading. The grader will determine the card s value, place it in a plastic, transparent, protective holder, and label it accordingly. The grader will send the card back to you. The grading and mailing process can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of service you are willing to pay for. While Real Legends does not endorse any particular grader, it should be noted that PSA and SGC have been around the longest and have gained loyal followings.
Most reputable graders have web sites to explain their prices and policies.
Real Legends suggests sampling several graders before attaching to any particular one. A collector should weigh the increased market value of a high-graded card against the cost of the grading. The Real Legends web site is a good place to start to research current market values. For instance, you are interested in selling your Mark McGwire rookie card. You can do the math.