Grading makes sense when a card's raw value is low compared to what a high grade would sell for. Rule of thumb: if a PSA 10 sells for 3x+ more than the raw price, grading is usually worth the $15–25+ submission fee. Cards under $20 raw rarely justify grading unless it's a rare or hot card.

Centering, corners, edges, and surface — the same 4 factors PSA and BGS use. SnapSlab gives you an estimate before you pay to submit, so you're not gambling submission fees on a card that grades low.

It's an estimate, not a guarantee. Use it to filter out cards that clearly won't grade well — not as a final answer on borderline cards.

Yes. Flat, even lighting and a straight-on angle give the most reliable read. Glare or shadows can throw off corner and edge detection.