Frequently Asked Questions

We clean and review the card for grading potential, including a centering check.

• Condition photos
• Centering review
• Surface review
• Corner and edge review
• Damage notes
• Grading risk notes
• Restoration recommendation

Structural restoration requires separate approval

Value is determined using relevant current market data and recent comparable sales. Current raw value sets the starting rate. Damage complexity, risk, and the work required determine the final quote.

We confirm the price, planned work, and primary risks before restoration begins. If cleaning or removal from an existing holder reveals damage that changes the recommendation, scope, or price, we pause and request approval before continuing.

We may stop work when previously hidden damage creates unacceptable risk.

Higher value or higher risk cards may require a deposit or payment before work begins. The service balance and return shipping are due before return unless another arrangement is agreed to in writing.

Surface residue, mild warping, and shallow dents often respond well. Creases, deeper dents, and lifted layers are improvement focused. Missing material, severe delamination, deep scratches, broken crease scars, and trimmed edges are usually not repairable.

No. Some damage can be reduced, but marks, texture changes, weakness, or other evidence may remain.

• Unbroken creases may improve, but a line, texture change, weakness, or grading evidence may remain.
• Raised or separated areas, sometimes called bubble creases, are card specific and may remain visible or lift again.
• Minor edge or layer lifting may sometimes be reduced but may not remain flat.
• Internal fiber damage can prevent full correction or cause bends and warping to return.

Straightforward work may take days, while complex restoration may take several weeks. Timing depends on the queue, the damage, and how the card responds. The live queue shows the current average turnaround and weekly pace.

Express Lane has limited availability and provides priority placement, but it does not guarantee a completion date or shorten any step needed to work safely.

No grade increase is guaranteed. A card may receive the same grade, a lower grade, no numerical grade, or a restored or altered designation. Grading and authentication companies make the final decision using their own standards.

Restoration results vary. Damage may remain visible, become more noticeable, or, in rare cases, worsen. We cannot guarantee complete damage removal, a grade increase, authentication, resale value, or acceptance by a grading company.

• Results vary by card, material, finish, age, and prior damage.
• Cleaning may reveal damage hidden beneath surface buildup.
• Complete damage removal is not guaranteed.
• A particular appearance under every light or angle is not guaranteed.
• A card may receive the same grade, a lower grade, no numerical grade, or a restored or altered designation.
• Market value and resale results are not guaranteed.

We do not offer the following work.

• Adding ink, marker, paint, or color to hide missing print or wear
• Trimming, sanding, shaving, or reshaping edges or corners
• Rebuilding, rebacking, or replacing missing paper, foil, layers, corners, or surface material
• Hidden reconstruction intended to misrepresent the card
• Guaranteed grades or grading outcomes
• Rushed work when doing so would create unnecessary risk

You remain responsible for accurately disclosing restoration when selling, trading, authenticating, or submitting the card for grading.

There is no storefront, so cards change hands in person at set places and times, or by mail once they are approved.

• Croma TCG in Lehi on Tuesdays, usually from 5:30 to 6 PM. Reach out before you come so we can confirm the day and the time.
• Any show we are vending at. Bring the cards to the table.
• Leaving cards at Croma TCG Lehi for us, or picking them up there, while we are not around, with payment made up front.
• Pickup or drop off at the Salt Lake City Croma TCG location can sometimes be arranged, and may also need payment up front before a card is returned.

Instagram and Facebook posts and stories say where we will be and when.

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Shipping is available on request. Cards must be approved before they ship, and the service balance and return shipping are due before a card is sent back.

• Wait for approval and shipping instructions before mailing anything
• Use tracked and appropriately insured shipping
• The mailing address is a business address, not a place to walk in or leave cards

Clear photos of the front, back, and damage, what you hope to improve, and the details below.

• Confirm that you own the card or are authorized to approve the work
• Provide accurate information about known damage and previous work
• Approve the quote and any material changes

Every card is photographed for quality control and our records. We may use those photos for educational or promotional purposes unless you tell us not to; saying so when you submit, or at any point before we post, is enough. Your name and other identifying details are never included unless you ask us to include them.