What We Look At
A PokeOutpost grade is not determined by looking at just one part of a card. Every card is carefully examined across six key areas before the final grade is assigned.
Our Grading Assessment
Every card is carefully examined across six key areas. We consider the severity, visibility and combination of any imperfections before assigning the final grade.
Centering
We examine how evenly the artwork, borders and printed elements are positioned on the card.
Both the front and reverse of the card are considered.
Significant off-centering may affect the final grade, even when the card is otherwise in excellent condition.
We Consider
- Border alignment
- Left-to-right centering
- Top-to-bottom centering
- Front centering
- Reverse centering
- Significant printing or cutting irregularities
Corners
All four corners are inspected individually under suitable lighting and magnification.
We Look For
- Whitening
- Softness
- Rounding
- Chipping
- Crushing
- Bending
- Creasing
- Corner wear
- Manufacturing imperfections
The condition of all four corners contributes to the overall assessment.
Edges
The entire perimeter of the card is carefully inspected.
We Look For
- Whitening
- Chipping
- Nicks
- Edge wear
- Splitting
- Colour loss
- Damage
- Uneven edges
- Manufacturing issues
Both the front-facing and reverse-facing edges are considered.
Surface
The card surface is examined under suitable lighting and, where required, magnification.
We Look For
- Scratches
- Holo scratches
- Print lines
- Roller marks
- Dents
- Indentations
- Scuffs
- Staining
- Printing defects
- Surface contamination
- Other visible surface imperfections
Particular attention is given to foil and holographic cards, where certain imperfections may only become visible under specific lighting conditions.
Structure
We assess whether the card has retained its original physical structure.
We Check For
- Creases
- Folds
- Bends
- Warping
- Indentations
- Water damage
- Significant deformation
- Other structural damage
Structural damage can have a significant effect on the final grade.
Overall Presentation
Finally, we assess the card as a complete item.
Two cards may have similar individual imperfections but can present very differently when viewed as a whole.
For this reason, PokeOutpost also considers the card's overall eye appeal, visual presentation and consistency when determining the final grade.
Manufacturing Defects
Not every imperfection is the result of handling or storage. Trading cards can leave the factory with manufacturing imperfections. Where appropriate, these are distinguished from post-production damage.
Examples Include
- Print lines
- Holo lines
- Ink spots
- Poor registration
- Factory whitening
- Uneven cuts
- Miscuts
- Print marks
- Factory dents
- Corner irregularities
Manufacturing defects are documented where relevant and may influence the final grade or result in an appropriate qualifier.
Altered Cards
PokeOutpost takes card authenticity and integrity seriously.
Cards showing evidence of deliberate modification may not receive a standard numerical grade.
Potential Alterations Include
- Trimming
- Recolouring
- Artificial whitening removal
- Surface alteration
- Restoration
- Cleaning intended to disguise damage
- Other deliberate modifications
Where an alteration is identified, PokeOutpost may apply an appropriate qualifier or decline to issue a standard numerical condition grade.
PokeOutpost Qualifiers
Certain cards may require an additional designation alongside the numerical grade.
Used where a significant manufacturing miscut is present.
Used where centering is significantly outside the normal range expected for the assigned grade.
Used where evidence indicates that the card has been deliberately modified or altered.
Used where a significant crease is present and materially affects the card.
Used where a card has been determined to be genuine but does not qualify for a standard numerical condition grade.
How the Final Grade Is Decided
PokeOutpost does not simply count the number of imperfections found on a card.
The severity, visibility, location and combination of imperfections are considered together before the final grade is awarded.
This means that one significant defect can have a greater effect on a grade than several extremely minor imperfections.
Our grading process is therefore based on the overall condition and presentation of the card, rather than simply the number of defects present.
Fair. Consistent. Transparent.
At PokeOutpost, we understand that collectors trust us with cards that may have significant personal and financial value.
Every card is assessed on its own condition and merits.
The same grading standards are applied across submissions as consistently as possible.
We aim to provide a clear and honest assessment of why a card received its grade.
PokeOutpost
Collect. Grade. Protect.