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 via email.  We will then make recommendations and prioritize your list and follow up to make an appointment as we need to determine the fair market value.  We also need to check and ensure your books are properly listed and accounted for so please allow time so we can assist you.  Again, 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.

GETTING YOUR COMICS GRADED THRU ELFSAR

"Modern" - $21.25 (CND) There is a 2 comic minimum with each submission. Books are considered "Modern" if printed from 1980 to present and each comic is valued less than $200 (USD)

"Value" - $28.75 (CND) per book.  There is a 30 comic minimum and each book can be of any print date but each book may not be valued more than $150 (USD)

"Economy" - $40 (CND) per book. Each book must be valued less than $300 (USD)

"Standard" - $67.50 (CND) per book. Each book must be valued less than $1000 (USD)

"Express" - $106.25 (CND) per book. Each book must be valued less than $3000 (USD)

"Walk Thru" - Minimum charge is $150 (CND) - Maximum Charge is $1,875 (CND). This is used for books that are greater than $3000 (USD) in value.  Walk Thru can be used for any publication date.  CGC will base the price off of 2.5% of what is determined the fair market value.

"Reholder" - $13.75 (CND) This is used for scratched or damaged (but not opened) holders.

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-1980) 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.  Shipping rate is approximately $50 for the first book and $5 for every book thereafter.

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.
 

Concerns about security of your books can be eased by the fact that we are listed as a CGC Member and have been submitting books since 2003 and even before that under the guidance of our sister store Happy Harbor located in Edmonton (who has made numerous submissions in the past) so suffice to say, 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 would like 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.