Policies
General Policy
Black Grading Service GmbH provides professional services for the grading, authentication, documentation and encapsulation of collectible cards and comparable collectibles. By using our services, customers agree to comply with the policies, order information and contractual provisions applicable to the selected service.
Card Submissions
Customers are responsible for ensuring that all collectible cards submitted for grading are properly, securely and adequately packaged.
All information concerning the card, owner, selected service and any other information required during the ordering process must be complete and accurate.
Customers may only submit items that they are legally entitled to submit for inspection, processing and grading. By submitting an item, the customer confirms that the submission and processing of the item does not unlawfully infringe third-party rights.
Grading and Assessment
Collectible cards are assessed according to the grading standards and internal grading criteria applied by Black Grading Service GmbH at the time of examination.
A grade represents a professional assessment of the condition and characteristics of a collectible card at the time it is examined. In particular, a grade does not constitute a guarantee of any specific market value, selling price, future value or investment performance.
The assessment may include factors such as surface condition, corners, edges, centering, printing quality, visible damage and other relevant characteristics.
No particular grade or minimum grade can be guaranteed before the grading process has been completed.
Authentication
Where authentication forms part of the selected service, the collectible card will be examined using the technical resources and professional expertise available to Black Grading Service GmbH.
Where significant doubts exist regarding authenticity, or where there are indications of alteration, manipulation, counterfeiting or undisclosed modifications, the card may be identified accordingly or, depending on the service, excluded from standard grading.
An authentication decision represents a professional assessment based on the condition of the item and the information reasonably available at the time of examination.
Altered and Modified Cards
Cards may be excluded from standard grading or receive an appropriate designation where evidence of alteration is identified.
This may include, in particular, trimming, recolouring, restoration, surface treatment, replacement or addition of components or other modifications.
Final classification is determined by Black Grading Service GmbH in accordance with the grading standards applicable to the respective service.
Slab, Label and Certification Number
Following successful completion of the applicable grading service, a card may be sealed in a designated protective holder commonly referred to as a slab.
The label may contain information about the card, its grade and an individual certification or serial number.
A certification number is used to associate the graded item with the relevant certification record within our systems. Removal, alteration or manipulation of the slab or label may prevent the original certification from being verified as unchanged.
Digital Verification
Where online verification is available, certified cards may be searched using their certification or serial number.
The information displayed through our verification service is intended to confirm certification information stored by Black Grading Service GmbH.
Digital verification does not replace physical examination where there are doubts regarding the condition or identity of a card or the integrity of its slab.
Processing Times
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, stated turnaround times should be understood as estimated processing times rather than guaranteed deadlines.
Actual processing times may depend on the selected service, number of cards submitted, complexity of examination, additional authentication requirements and exceptional operational circumstances.
We aim to process orders within the stated or agreed timeframes.
Shipping and Packaging
Customers are responsible for packaging submissions appropriately according to the value and sensitivity of the collectible cards and for selecting a suitable method of shipment.
Return shipments are handled in accordance with the shipping conditions agreed for the relevant order.
Mandatory statutory provisions concerning risk, liability and consumer rights remain unaffected.
Prices and Payment
The prices displayed or individually agreed at the time of ordering apply to the respective services.
Additional services, special shipping methods or services subsequently requested by the customer may result in additional charges where such charges are appropriately disclosed or agreed before the additional service is carried out.
Refusal of Submissions
To the extent permitted by law, Black Grading Service GmbH reserves the right to refuse a submission where proper assessment is not possible or where legitimate reasons prevent processing.
This may particularly apply to unlawful or hazardous items, items clearly unsuitable for the selected service or circumstances giving rise to reasonable concerns regarding lawful processing of an item.
Withdrawal and Commencement of Services
Consumers entering into distance contracts are entitled to statutory withdrawal rights where the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.
Where a consumer expressly requests that Black Grading Service GmbH begin providing a service before the applicable withdrawal period has expired, the statutory requirements governing such an early commencement apply.
In the case of services, an existing right of withdrawal may expire after the service has been fully performed where all statutory requirements concerning the consumer's express consent and acknowledgement have been properly satisfied.
Statutory consumer rights remain unaffected.
Liability
Liability of Black Grading Service GmbH is governed by applicable law and, where applicable, by validly agreed Terms and Conditions.
No limitation of liability applies where liability cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted under mandatory law. German law places restrictions on contractual clauses that attempt to exclude liability in certain cases, including specified cases involving intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
Third-Party Rights and Trademarks
Third-party trademarks, logos, product names, designs and other protected signs remain the property or protected signs of their respective rights holders.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the grading, authentication, certification or display of a collectible card by Black Grading Service GmbH does not constitute or imply a partnership, licence, endorsement, corporate affiliation or other official relationship with the relevant manufacturer, publisher, licensor or trademark owner.
Changes to These Policies
Black Grading Service GmbH may amend these Policies with effect for the future where necessary due to changes to our services, grading procedures, technical systems or legal requirements.
For contracts already concluded, amendments apply only to the extent permitted by applicable law and the contractual arrangements agreed with the customer.