Inside the AI Grading System: Interview with a PSA Grader

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Unplanned Interview
3. Different Grading Tiers and Influences
4. The PSA Grading Process
5. PSA's Implementation of AI Grading
6. The Policy on Cracking Cards and Alterations
7. Preventing Bias in the Grading Process
8. Pros and Cons of PSA Grading
9. The Future of PSA Grading
10. Conclusion

The Unplanned Interview: Inside the World of PSA Grading

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of PSA grading and provide an insider's perspective on the process. We'll explore different grading tiers, the implementation of AI grading, and the policies surrounding cracking cards and alterations. We'll also discuss how PSA prevents bias in the grading process and the pros and cons of their services. Finally, we'll take a look at the future of PSA grading and conclude with some key insights.

The Unplanned Interview: Inside the World of PSA Grading

Have You ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a PSA grading facility? How do they determine the grades of your prized trading cards? In this article, we will take you on a Journey through the world of PSA grading and provide an inside look into their processes and policies.

1. Introduction

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is one of the leading companies in the field of trading card authentication and grading. They provide a service where collectors can send in their cards to be inspected, graded, and sealed in protective plastic cases. The graded cards are then assigned a grade ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade. This grading system provides collectors with an objective measurement of their card's condition and value.

2. The Unplanned Interview

Our journey begins with an unplanned interview conducted by a popular content creator on TikTok. The interviewer stumbled upon a PSA employee during a live stream and decided to have an impromptu conversation about the grading process. Although the interview was spontaneous and unprofessional, it yielded some interesting insights into the world of PSA grading.

The employee discussed various topics, including different grading tiers, the influence of social media drama on grading difficulty, and the use of AI technology in the grading process. They also touched on the company's policies regarding cracking cards and alterations, as well as the potential future changes in grading practices.

3. Different Grading Tiers and Influences

One of the topics discussed in the unplanned interview was the existence of different grading tiers. The employee revealed that PSA has different departments for grading various types of entries. Cards that are not designated for a specific department are sent to a different location, which can sometimes result in longer grading times. This is because the cards need to be moved from one location to another or from one department to the next.

The interviewee also Mentioned that certain factors can influence the difficulty of grading, such as the presence of social media drama. The employee explained that the company has to be more particular and stricter in grading due to the influence of social media on the Perception of their grading standards. This means that they need to ensure consistency and accuracy in their grading process to maintain the trust of collectors.

4. The PSA Grading Process

In this section, we will take a closer look at the PSA grading process. The employee revealed that the process starts with employees receiving job requests Based on the Type of entry they specialize in. Some days are dedicated to inventory management, while others are focused on card grading. The distribution of work depends on the workload and staff availability.

The employee also mentioned that the grading process used to be done by individual graders, but now it is more team-based. When a card enters the grading process, it goes through a designated team that evaluates the card's condition and assigns a grade. If there is disagreement among the team members, they engage in discussions to reach a Consensus.

5. PSA's Implementation of AI Grading

One of the most intriguing aspects of the unplanned interview was the mention of AI grading. The employee revealed that PSA has implemented AI technology in their grading process. AI grading involves using high-resolution cameras and advanced algorithms to analyze cards and detect imperfections. This technology allows for more accurate grading and can even identify surface scratches that may not be visible to the human eye.

The employee clarified that not all cards are graded using AI technology. It is primarily used for vintage and more sensitive cards. Cards that may be subject to factory errors or require a more precise evaluation are sent through AI grading for a detailed analysis.

6. The Policy on Cracking Cards and Alterations

During the interview, the employee discussed the policy on cracking cards, which refers to removing a card from its protective plastic case. They explained that it is generally not recommended to crack open a PSA slab. It can be risky, as excessive pressure can damage the card, and there is no guarantee that the card will receive a better grade when regraded.

The employee also mentioned that PSA takes precautions to prevent the grading of Altered cards. They rely on AI technology and visual inspections to detect alterations or tampering attempts. If a card is suspected of being tampered with, it is rejected and returned to the owner with a disclosure explaining why it was not graded.

7. Preventing Bias in the Grading Process

To ensure fairness and avoid bias in the grading process, PSA employees are trained to keep personal opinions and preferences out of their work. They follow professional standards and guidelines to evaluate each card objectively. The use of gloves during the grading process helps prevent fingerprints and other forms of contamination.

The employee emphasized that PSA employees are not influenced by outside factors, such as bribes or preferences. The company has strict policies in place to prevent any unethical behavior. Any attempt to influence the grading process is taken seriously and can result in severe consequences for the employee involved.

8. Pros and Cons of PSA Grading

PSA grading offers several advantages for collectors. The company is highly reputable and well-established in the industry, making their graded cards highly sought after by collectors. The PSA grading system provides an objective measurement of a card's condition, which helps determine its value. The protective plastic case also provides added security and protection from damage.

However, PSA grading is not without its drawbacks. The high demand for their services has led to longer turnaround times, and some collectors may find the pricing structure too expensive. The grading process is also subject to human error, although measures are in place to minimize mistakes.

9. The Future of PSA Grading

The future of PSA grading is uncertain, as the industry continues to evolve. The employee mentioned that there have been discussions within the company about potential changes, such as adding subgrades or lowering grading prices. However, no official decisions have been made at this time.

PSA recognizes the need to adapt to the changing market and the preferences of collectors. They aim to maintain their position as one of the leading grading companies and Continue to provide reliable and accurate grading services.

10. Conclusion

PSA grading offers collectors the opportunity to have their trading cards professionally authenticated and graded. While the process is not without its controversies and challenges, PSA strives to maintain the integrity and fairness of their grading practices.

In this article, we explored the unplanned interview that provided insights into PSA's grading process. We discussed different grading tiers, the use of AI technology, and the policies on cracking cards and alterations. We also highlighted the importance of preventing bias in the grading process and discussed the pros and cons of PSA grading.

As the future of PSA grading unfolds, collectors can expect continued improvements and adaptations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their services. Whether you choose to submit your cards for grading or not, the world of PSA grading continues to play a significant role in the trading card industry.