When it comes to grading collectible sports cards, there are a number of options available. Two of the most popular grading services are Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). And the two most important factors when selecting a grader is cost and time frames.
While both of these organizations provide reliable and trusted grading services, there are some important differences that collectors should be aware of when choosing between them. In this article, we will compare BGS and SGC grading costs and time frames to help you understand the differences between them and allow you to make the best choice.
Cost
How much the card costs to get graded will most likely be the greatest factor for most collectors.
BGS Cost
- Relabel Service: $10 per card with or without subgrades
- Collectors’ Special Service: $18 per card or $16 per card without subgrades (10 card minimum)
- Base Service: $22 per card or $18 per card without subgrades
- Standard Service: $40 per card or $30 per card without subgrades
- Priority: $140 per card or $100 per card without subgrades
- Next Day: $400 per card with or without subgrades
- Immediate: $500 per card with or without subgrades
SGC Cost
- 1 to 9 cards: $24 per card
- 10 to 19 cards: $22 per card
- 20 to 49 cards: $20 per card
- 50 or more cards: $18 per card
Submitting one card cost $22 for both SGC and BGS.
Submitting 10 cards or more will cost $18 with BGS and $22 with SGC grading.
Turn Around Times
Another factor ranking high on the list in terms of what the collectors look for is how long it will take to get the card back. Once the card is mailed most collectors can think of little besides how much longer until the card is graded and sent back. One of the most exciting grading parts of the hobby is opening a newly received pack of cards with fresh grades.
BGS
- Relabel: 10-15 business days
- Collectors Special: 40-60 business days
- Base: 40 to 60 business days
- Standard: 10 to 20 business days
- Priority: 2 to 5 business days
- Next Day: 1 business day
- Immediate: Same day
SGC
- 5 to 10 business days on all orders
- 1 to 2 business days if the buyer pays extra for express shipping
Verdict
In conclusion, BGS and SGC both provide reliable grading services for sports cards. However we would choose BGS grading over SGC and its not even close.
When selecting a card grader we give priorioty to ROI and BGS grading has the edge here. A BGS 9.5 grade will sell for more money than a SGC 10 grade and they both cose the same to get graded. One could argue that obtaining a SGC 10 grade is easier than obtaining a BGS 9.5 grade. But even if you factor that into account we still have received better returns opting for BGS grading.
The only card grader we would choose over BGS is the industry leader PSA grading. Please visit cardboardnerds.com/psa-grading-cost-per-card-and-time-in-2023 to read more about PSA Grading.