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Intake Instructions

Get your card assessed faster (and more accurately) by following the quick steps below.

Step 1 - Prep Your Card

  • Clean hands, clean surface.  Avoid microfiber that sheds.

  • Use a penny sleeve & semi-rigid (Card Saver I) protector if mailing; top loader is fine for storage.

  • Do not wipe the card surface.  If needed, use air puffer only.​​

Step 2 - Take the Required Photos

Minimum required (2 photos):​

  1. Front (straight-on)

  2. Back (straight-on)

 

Strongly recommended (adds accuracy):

​     3. Top edge close-up

     4. Bottom edge close-up

     5. Left edge close-up​

     6. Right edge close-up

     7. Top-left corner close-up

     8. Top-right corner close-up

     9. Bottom-left corner close-up

     10. Bottom-right corner closeup

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Optional but helpful:

  • Surface angle shot (tilt under light to reveal scratches/print lines)

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Step 3 - Photo Rules (these matter)

  • No filters.  No portrait mode.

  • Bright, even lighting.  Natural daylight is best.

  • Keep the card flat and the camera parallel to the card.

  • Fill the frame (but don't cut off corners).

  • Avoid glare:  shift the light source, don't tilt the card too aggressively.

  • One card per set (don't batch multiple cards in one photo, if possible).

Step 4- Naming & Folder Structure
                                (simple + scalable)

Best practice:  One folder per card.

Folder name = the card identity.

Photos inside can be short.​

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​Example folder name:

     2023 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani Launched into Orbit Refractor

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Photos inside folder:

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No underscores/dashes required as long as the folder name is clean and consistent.

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  • Front.jpg
  • Back.jpg
  • TL.jpg
  • TR.jpg
  • BL.jpg
  • BR.jpg
  • TopEdge.jpg
  • BottomEdge.jpg
  • LeftEdge.jpg
  • RightEdge.jpg
  • SurfaceAngle.jpg (optional)

Step 5 - What You'll Receive

  • Condition assessment (centering corners / edges / surface)

  • Grade likelihood guidance  (submission-ready vs. hold raw)

  • Recommended grader 

    • Options:​

      • PSA (default)​

      • SGC

      • BGS

      • TAG

    • ACV may recommend an alternate grader based on card type, condition, turnaround time, and value.​

  • Priority ranking for your queue (SGC vs TAG tracks if needed)

Step 6 - Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Photos taken through a sleeve/top loader (adds glare + hides surface flaws)

  • Cropped corners

  • Angled front/back (warps centering judgement)

  • Low light / heavy shadow

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Full Submission Capability Coming Soon
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