FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our grading service
About Gemix
What is Gemix?
+
Gemix is a trading card authentication and grading service. Our certified graders and AI evaluate card condition under strict standards, then encase each card in a premium protective holder.
Why choose Gemix?
+
Gemix is a trading card grading service featuring the industry's first detailed grading report that fully visualizes grading evidence. We deliver grading quality that meets global standards, paired with holder designs trusted by collectors worldwide. Visit our features page to learn more.
How is Gemix different from other grading companies?
+
Gemix fully discloses grading evidence through our patent-pending Grading Report. While PSA, BGS, and CGC provide only a numerical score, Gemix uses 12+ grading codes to specify the type, location, and impact of every defect. We also differentiate with Japanese-made stainless steel cases and anti-counterfeit laser engraving.
Grading Service
What is trading card grading?
+
Trading card grading is a service that verifies a card's authenticity and evaluates its condition, assigning a numerical score. Graded cards are encased in a tamper-proof holder, helping to prove market value and protect your collection.
What types of cards can be graded?
+
The following cards are eligible for grading. More card titles will be added over time. -Pokemon Card Game (including classic backs) -Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Duel Monsters -Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel -One Piece Card Game -Weiss Schwarz (excluding Blau and Rosé) -Duel Masters -Dragon Ball Heroes -Super Dragon Ball Heroes -Dragon Ball Super Divers -Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World
How are grading scores determined?
+
Certified graders and AI evaluate the card's surface, back, centering, corners, and edges based on strict grading standards. For detailed grading criteria, please visit our Grading System page.
How is centering evaluated?
+
The detailed criteria for centering evaluation are not publicly disclosed. However, a perfect score of 10 does not require an exact 50:50 ratio — a certain tolerance range is applied. The back of the card has a wider tolerance range than the front.
How is the vertical centering of Pokémon Card Supporter cards measured?
+
It is not measured by the width of the top and bottom borders. Instead, we adopt the official top-to-bottom border ratio and measure precisely at the pixel level.
Does card warping affect the grade?
+
Card warping itself is not a grading criterion. However, significant warping may affect the accuracy of centering measurements. Additionally, if the warping is severe, the card may not fit in the case and could be returned as Oversize.
Does relief misalignment affect the grade?
+
Generally, it does not affect the grade. However, if the misalignment exceeds the standard threshold or if there is an error in the relief, an Error notation will be added.
Does relief penetration from the front to the back affect the grade?
+
Relief penetration to the back of the card does not affect the grade in any way.
How long does the grading process take?
+
From the time your cards arrive at our facility, the Regular service is completed within 30 business days and the Express service within 10 business days. During peak periods, processing may take slightly longer.
How long does it take for my submission to appear after you receive my cards?
+
Your submission will typically be reflected on your account page within 5 business days of card arrival. Processing times may vary depending on current volume.
When can I view my grading results?
+
Once your order status is updated to "Shipped" on your account page, the grading results and Grading Report become available online. You will also receive an email notification when the status changes. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours after actual shipment for the status to be reflected.
How long does it take from grading completion to shipping?
+
After grading is complete, return shipments are typically processed within 5 business days. Once shipped, your order status will be updated to "Shipped" on your account page, and you will receive an email notification.
What do the status terms on my order details mean?
+
The following statuses may appear on your order details: -Unable to Grade — The card was determined to be ineligible for grading. -Questionable Authenticity — The card was flagged as a suspected counterfeit during authentication. -Alteration Detected — Signs of artificial modification such as inking or trimming were detected. -Oversized — The card exceeds the maximum size accepted for grading. In all cases, the fee for the selected service level will apply, and the card will be returned to you as-is.
How many cards can I submit at once?
+
There is no limit on the number of cards per submission. You can send as many cards as you like in a single order.
Is card cleaning performed before grading?
+
We remove dust and debris using an air duster before grading, but we do not perform any cleaning that could potentially affect the card, such as wiping.
There appears to be dust-like particles in my card images. Is this a problem?
+
Card images are taken immediately after removal from their sleeve, before any dust removal with an air duster, so minor dust particles may appear in the photographs. Grading is performed after dust removal with an air duster, so any dust visible in the images does not affect the evaluation.
Can I request a re-photograph of my card?
+
We do not offer re-photography services.
What is Minimum Grade (MG)?
+
If the grade does not meet the selected Minimum Grade (MG), you can choose to either have the card returned as-is, or have it encased as authentication-only. Order detail display: Below MG + Return → MG Not Met Below MG + Authentication → A (cert number is assigned) In both cases, the fee for the selected service level will apply. In both cases, Grade and Grading Report will not be provided.
* Minimum Grade (MG) is an optional setting. If you want a numerical grade issued, please submit without setting an MG.
Can signed cards be graded?
+
Unfortunately, we do not offer grading services for signed cards at this time.
Can I have my grading slab re-holdered for a fee?
+
Unfortunately, we do not offer re-holdering services, whether paid or otherwise.
Pricing & Payment
How much does grading cost?
+
Grading fees start from ¥3,300, based on the declared value of your card. For the complete fee schedule, please visit our Pricing page.
How should I determine the declared value?
+
Set the declared value based on the card's raw (ungraded) market value, referencing prices from marketplaces and auction sites. The declared value is used to calculate the grading fee.
What payment methods are accepted?
+
We accept credit card payments including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
+
Cancellation is possible before you ship your cards to us. Once cards have been shipped, cancellations are not accepted.
Can I get a receipt?
+
Yes. Once grading is complete and payment has been finalized, a receipt will be automatically sent to your registered email address.
Shipping & Returns
How should I pack my cards for shipping?
+
Place cards in sleeves, then protect them with toploaders or cardboard to prevent damage during transit. For detailed packing instructions, please see our Shipping Guidelines.
Can I submit cards from outside Japan?
+
Yes, we accept submissions from around the world. For international shipping details, please refer to our International Shipping Guidelines.
How are graded cards returned?
+
Graded cards are encased in our protective holder and returned via Yamato Transport.
Is there insurance for cards damaged during shipping?
+
We handle card damage that occurs under our care in accordance with our Terms of Service. Please note that damage resulting from insufficient packaging by the sender may not be covered.
Can I get a tracking number?
+
We do not provide individual tracking numbers. If you are registered with Yamato Transport's Kuroneko Members service, you can receive delivery notifications and track your shipment status.
Crossover
What is a crossover?
+
A crossover is a service where we remove a card from another grading company's case, re-grade it, and encase it in a Gemix holder. ※PSA, BGS, and CGC only
What are the crossover fees and requirements?
+
Crossover requires an additional fee of 2,200 JPY on top of the standard grading fee. For details, please visit our Pricing page.
If the grade is below MG, will the card be returned in its original case?
+
With our crossover service, the card is always removed from its original case before evaluation. If the grade falls below MG, the card will be returned as a raw card without a case.
Grading Report
What is a Grading Report?
+
The Grading Report is Gemix's patent-pending appraisal report. Beyond just a numerical grade, it documents the type, location, and impact of every defect using 12+ grading codes, along with high-resolution card images — fully visualizing why each card received its score. Available online anytime. Note: For cards graded below 9 with a certain number of noted defects, the report automatically switches to a simplified, easier-to-read layout.
How can I look up grading results by certificate number?
+
Enter the certificate number printed on your holder into our Cert Verification page to view the grading results online.
Account & General
What are your business days?
+
For security reasons, we do not disclose details about our business days or hours of operation. Inquiries are handled on business days in the order they are received.
Do I need to create an account?
+
Yes, an account is required to submit cards for grading. Registration is free and only requires an email address and password.
How can I contact support?
+
After logging in, you can reach us through the inquiry form in your account dashboard. Our dedicated support team will assist you.
Still have questions?
We're here to help
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our grading service
About Gemix
What is Gemix?
+
Gemix is a trading card authentication and grading service. Our certified graders and AI evaluate card condition under strict standards, then encase each card in a premium protective holder.
Why choose Gemix?
+
Gemix is a trading card grading service featuring the industry's first detailed grading report that fully visualizes grading evidence. We deliver grading quality that meets global standards, paired with holder designs trusted by collectors worldwide. Visit our features page to learn more.
How is Gemix different from other grading companies?
+
Gemix fully discloses grading evidence through our patent-pending Grading Report. While PSA, BGS, and CGC provide only a numerical score, Gemix uses 12+ grading codes to specify the type, location, and impact of every defect. We also differentiate with Japanese-made stainless steel cases and anti-counterfeit laser engraving.
Grading Service
What is trading card grading?
+
Trading card grading is a service that verifies a card's authenticity and evaluates its condition, assigning a numerical score. Graded cards are encased in a tamper-proof holder, helping to prove market value and protect your collection.
What types of cards can be graded?
+
The following cards are eligible for grading. More card titles will be added over time. -Pokemon Card Game (including classic backs) -Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Duel Monsters -Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel -One Piece Card Game -Weiss Schwarz (excluding Blau and Rosé) -Duel Masters -Dragon Ball Heroes -Super Dragon Ball Heroes -Dragon Ball Super Divers -Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World
How are grading scores determined?
+
Certified graders and AI evaluate the card's surface, back, centering, corners, and edges based on strict grading standards. For detailed grading criteria, please visit our Grading System page.
How is centering evaluated?
+
The detailed criteria for centering evaluation are not publicly disclosed. However, a perfect score of 10 does not require an exact 50:50 ratio — a certain tolerance range is applied. The back of the card has a wider tolerance range than the front.
How is the vertical centering of Pokémon Card Supporter cards measured?
+
It is not measured by the width of the top and bottom borders. Instead, we adopt the official top-to-bottom border ratio and measure precisely at the pixel level.
Does card warping affect the grade?
+
Card warping itself is not a grading criterion. However, significant warping may affect the accuracy of centering measurements. Additionally, if the warping is severe, the card may not fit in the case and could be returned as Oversize.
Does relief misalignment affect the grade?
+
Generally, it does not affect the grade. However, if the misalignment exceeds the standard threshold or if there is an error in the relief, an Error notation will be added.
Does relief penetration from the front to the back affect the grade?
+
Relief penetration to the back of the card does not affect the grade in any way.
How long does the grading process take?
+
From the time your cards arrive at our facility, the Regular service is completed within 30 business days and the Express service within 10 business days. During peak periods, processing may take slightly longer.
How long does it take for my submission to appear after you receive my cards?
+
Your submission will typically be reflected on your account page within 5 business days of card arrival. Processing times may vary depending on current volume.
When can I view my grading results?
+
Once your order status is updated to "Shipped" on your account page, the grading results and Grading Report become available online. You will also receive an email notification when the status changes. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours after actual shipment for the status to be reflected.
How long does it take from grading completion to shipping?
+
After grading is complete, return shipments are typically processed within 5 business days. Once shipped, your order status will be updated to "Shipped" on your account page, and you will receive an email notification.
What do the status terms on my order details mean?
+
The following statuses may appear on your order details: -Unable to Grade — The card was determined to be ineligible for grading. -Questionable Authenticity — The card was flagged as a suspected counterfeit during authentication. -Alteration Detected — Signs of artificial modification such as inking or trimming were detected. -Oversized — The card exceeds the maximum size accepted for grading. In all cases, the fee for the selected service level will apply, and the card will be returned to you as-is.
How many cards can I submit at once?
+
There is no limit on the number of cards per submission. You can send as many cards as you like in a single order.
Is card cleaning performed before grading?
+
We remove dust and debris using an air duster before grading, but we do not perform any cleaning that could potentially affect the card, such as wiping.
There appears to be dust-like particles in my card images. Is this a problem?
+
Card images are taken immediately after removal from their sleeve, before any dust removal with an air duster, so minor dust particles may appear in the photographs. Grading is performed after dust removal with an air duster, so any dust visible in the images does not affect the evaluation.
Can I request a re-photograph of my card?
+
We do not offer re-photography services.
What is Minimum Grade (MG)?
+
If the grade does not meet the selected Minimum Grade (MG), you can choose to either have the card returned as-is, or have it encased as authentication-only. Order detail display: Below MG + Return → MG Not Met Below MG + Authentication → A (cert number is assigned) In both cases, the fee for the selected service level will apply. In both cases, Grade and Grading Report will not be provided.
* Minimum Grade (MG) is an optional setting. If you want a numerical grade issued, please submit without setting an MG.
Can signed cards be graded?
+
Unfortunately, we do not offer grading services for signed cards at this time.
Can I have my grading slab re-holdered for a fee?
+
Unfortunately, we do not offer re-holdering services, whether paid or otherwise.
Pricing & Payment
How much does grading cost?
+
Grading fees start from ¥3,300, based on the declared value of your card. For the complete fee schedule, please visit our Pricing page.
How should I determine the declared value?
+
Set the declared value based on the card's raw (ungraded) market value, referencing prices from marketplaces and auction sites. The declared value is used to calculate the grading fee.
What payment methods are accepted?
+
We accept credit card payments including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
+
Cancellation is possible before you ship your cards to us. Once cards have been shipped, cancellations are not accepted.
Can I get a receipt?
+
Yes. Once grading is complete and payment has been finalized, a receipt will be automatically sent to your registered email address.
Shipping & Returns
How should I pack my cards for shipping?
+
Place cards in sleeves, then protect them with toploaders or cardboard to prevent damage during transit. For detailed packing instructions, please see our Shipping Guidelines.
Can I submit cards from outside Japan?
+
Yes, we accept submissions from around the world. For international shipping details, please refer to our International Shipping Guidelines.
How are graded cards returned?
+
Graded cards are encased in our protective holder and returned via Yamato Transport.
Is there insurance for cards damaged during shipping?
+
We handle card damage that occurs under our care in accordance with our Terms of Service. Please note that damage resulting from insufficient packaging by the sender may not be covered.
Can I get a tracking number?
+
We do not provide individual tracking numbers. If you are registered with Yamato Transport's Kuroneko Members service, you can receive delivery notifications and track your shipment status.
Crossover
What is a crossover?
+
A crossover is a service where we remove a card from another grading company's case, re-grade it, and encase it in a Gemix holder. ※PSA, BGS, and CGC only
What are the crossover fees and requirements?
+
Crossover requires an additional fee of 2,200 JPY on top of the standard grading fee. For details, please visit our Pricing page.
If the grade is below MG, will the card be returned in its original case?
+
With our crossover service, the card is always removed from its original case before evaluation. If the grade falls below MG, the card will be returned as a raw card without a case.
Grading Report
What is a Grading Report?
+
The Grading Report is Gemix's patent-pending appraisal report. Beyond just a numerical grade, it documents the type, location, and impact of every defect using 12+ grading codes, along with high-resolution card images — fully visualizing why each card received its score. Available online anytime. Note: For cards graded below 9 with a certain number of noted defects, the report automatically switches to a simplified, easier-to-read layout.
How can I look up grading results by certificate number?
+
Enter the certificate number printed on your holder into our Cert Verification page to view the grading results online.
Account & General
What are your business days?
+
For security reasons, we do not disclose details about our business days or hours of operation. Inquiries are handled on business days in the order they are received.
Do I need to create an account?
+
Yes, an account is required to submit cards for grading. Registration is free and only requires an email address and password.
How can I contact support?
+
After logging in, you can reach us through the inquiry form in your account dashboard. Our dedicated support team will assist you.
Still have questions?
We're here to help