HUGE Conditioning Updates ALL TCGPlayer Sellers Should Know!

Introduction

Hello, everyone! Mason here from CNA Games. Recently, TCGPlayer released a comprehensive guide aimed at helping us all better understand their card condition standards. I dove deep into this guide, and I'm here to share the highlights — so you don't have to!

The guide covers new terminology and detailed explanations of how TCGPlayer assesses card conditions, focusing particularly on the Direct Program. If you're a seller on TCGPlayer or considering joining, this information is critical for ensuring you're on the same page with TCGPlayer's standards.

New Terminology and Key Updates

One of the main updates from TCGPlayer is the introduction of new terminology. Here are a few crucial terms:

Contiguous: This term is particularly relevant for edge wear. If there are imperfections less than 5 millimeters apart, they are treated as a single imperfection.
Total Scuffing: Defined as scuffing affecting more than 50% of a card's surface. This makes it easier to comprehend the extent of surface imperfections.

Damage Classifications

The severity of damage affects how cards are graded. A bend visible on the card automatically earns a minimum of two points against its condition. Any card crease impacts integrity, leading to a higher grading severity.

Additionally, TCGPlayer has classified damage from liquid exposure, which is now treated as a fault if it undermines the card's structural integrity.

Edge Wear Clarifications

Here are the two significant updates about edge wear that I found particularly enlightening:

Dull Cuts and Rough Cuts: Manufacturing defects such as dull and rough cuts along the edges of a card are no longer considered imperfections. This is essential for modern cards that often come with these quirks straight from the pack.
Flaking Issues: Particularly with cards like Yu-Gi-Oh gold-bordered cards, any edge flaking will be treated as a fault. Edge flaking will be classified more severely than simple edge wear.

Clarification on Surface Wear

Surface wear is defined along a spectrum moving from scratches to scuffs and finally to total surface wear. This new classification will help sellers identify the condition of their cards more accurately.

Conclusion

This detailed guide by TCGPlayer clarifies various aspects of card condition assessments and introduces essential terminology that all sellers should familiarize themselves with. Many issues presented in previous discussions have now been addressed, making it easier for sellers to navigate TCGPlayer's standards confidently.

Keywords

TCGPlayer
Card Condition
Edge Wear
Contiguous
Total Scuffing
Damage Classifications
Dull Cuts
Surface Wear
Manufacturing Defects

FAQ

Q: What is the new term 'Contiguous' in card condition assessments?
A: 'Contiguous' refers to imperfections that are less than 5 millimeters apart, allowing them to be treated as a single imperfection.

Q: Are dull and rough cuts considered imperfections?
A: No, TCGPlayer has clarified that dull cuts and rough cuts from manufacturing are not regarded as imperfections.

Q: How is total scuffing defined?
A: Total scuffing occurs when more than 50% of a card's surface is affected by scuffing.

Q: What does liquid damage entail?
A: Liquid damage is now classified as a fault if it compromises the card's structural integrity.

Q: What happens if there is edge flaking?
A: Edge flaking, especially common in certain cards like Yu-Gi-Oh, is considered a fault rather than standard edge wear.