Elfsar Comics & Toys is a CGC Authorized Member Dealer.  We accept your comics on your behalf and have them sent to CGC offices for grading.  Before you bring your books to our downtown Vancouver retail location, you will need to list the books that you wish to be submitted.  We will then need to check and ensure your books are properly listed and accounted for so please allow time so we can assist you.  It is recommended to set up an appointment before showing up with your books.

Click here for a direct link to CGC's website page for pricing and delivery times.

"Modern" - $16 per book for books printed after 1975 and valued less than $200 (2 comic minimum; 10 or more, $15 per book)

"Economy" - $29 per book for books printed before 1975 and valued less than $250

"Standard" - $49 per book for books printed before 1975 and valued less than $1000

"Express" - $79 per book for books printed before 1975 and valued less than $4000

The names are misleading and the turnaround times posted on CGC's website are not terribly accurate since they do not factor in shipping outside the country.

Here are some quick pointers: Getting books graded is not relatively cheap so if you're looking to make a quick buck you're better off with older books (pre-1970) in very good/or better condition.    Otherwise, you may be disappointed with the resale value. 

When reselling your CGC books it is customary for the cost of getting the book graded to be passed onto the buyer. 

If you're grading simply out of curiosity, just try to keep an eye on the pricing and remember, it's always in US dollars.

SHIPPING
You are also responsible for shipping costs both to and from CGC, which will include insurance. The return shipping from CGC is done via FedEx and pricing is based on groups of 10 books.  So, to keep the cost per book down it's a good idea to submit in groups of 10.  Current return shipping rates are;
$32 U.S. for 10 books or less,
$42 U.S. for 11 to 20 books
$52 U.S. for 21 to 30 books

Shipping TO CGC is usually done via Canada Post but they only insure up to $1000.00 worth of books.  After that, one option is to go Purolator where shipping is around $17 to start plus $3.25 insurance for every $100.00 PLUS there is a hidden broker fee from a U.S. company that can double the cost.  Yeah, it adds up.  Our best recommendation is to send multiple packages through Canada Post, insured up to $1000

FINALLY CGC seemingly has more rigid standards for grading than the previously universal Overstreet Grading Guide.  A book you believe to be an 8 out of 10 may easily come back a 6.  Further, CGC does not include notes regarding the grading.
For additional pointers, click here for CGC's submission expectations.

Concerns about security of your books can be eased by the fact that we are listed as a CGC Member and under the guidance of our sister store Happy Harbor located in Edmonton (who has made numerous submissions in the past) we take your security very seriously.  If you have questions about pricing before submitting (you need a rough estimate to determine if it's affordable), please feel free to contact me for more info.

- The Big Elf    www.elfsar@shaw.ca

If you want further information on CGC and the positive and negative effects it might have on the industry, please read CGC Grading: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This article examines the pros and cons of CGC grading and offers commentary by industry retailers and pros.