CPS – Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPS?  
CPS is a 100% Canadian-based comic book grading company that offers professional, reliable, and affordable grading services for collectors.

Why should I choose CPS for comic book grading?  
CPS provides faster turnaround times and eliminates cross-border shipping hassles for Canadian collectors, along with potential customs issues. Our tamper-evident holders ensure your comics remain preserved.

What types of comic books does CPS grade?  
We grade comics from all eras, including modern, silver, bronze, and golden age books.

What grading scale does CPS use?  
CPS uses the industry-standard 10-point scale, ranging from 0.5 (Poor) to 10.0 (Gem Mint), ensuring consistency with international grading standards. We also offer the traditional scale (Poor-Near Mint+), as well as the CPS percentage scale (5%-100%).

How much does it cost to grade a comic book with CPS?  
Unlike other companies, we charge a flat rate for grading – $82 Canadian plus applicable taxes and shipping.

Why do you charge so much more? CGC rates start at $25 USD per submission.
All of our prices are in Canadian dollars, saving you a significant amount on exchange rates. You also don’t have to deal with cross border shipping, delays and potential customs issues. We also charge a flat rate – we will not increase prices based solely on the age or market value of a comic book. 

Can I drop off my comic books in person?
You can drop off submissions at our retail partners, or in person at some events. Please email info@cpscapsule.com for more details.

What does your grading service include?
Each service includes an assigned grade along with detailed notes, plus a digital record of the grading process.

Do you offer grading notes?
Yes, grading notes are included with every submission. We have nothing to hide here.

Can I dispute a grade?
No, all grades are final.

What is the typical turnaround time for grading?  
Standard grading is completed within 30 days. 

Does CPS provide signature authentication services?  
Yes, CPS can authenticate signatures, depending on the original author or artist. Please contact us before making your submission for rates and details.

Can I submit comics through a local dealer?  
We partner with select local comic book shops for submissions. Check our retail partner list to find a dealer near you.

How do I prepare my comics for submission? 
Place your comics in protective sleeves with backing boards. Use a sturdy shipping box and bubble wrap for added protection. You may also wish to submit in a protective holder, such as a ComicCapsule. Please visit our submission guide for detailed instructions.

Do you accept walk-in submissions? 
Comics can be submitted in person at certain events and through select retail partners. Please follow our mail-in submission process for the best experience.

Can I submit a damaged comic for grading? 
Yes, but the condition of the comic will significantly impact its grade. Grading provides an accurate assessment of the comic’s current state.

Can you provide me with a fair market value of my comic? 
Our services focus on preservation; market rates are constantly changing, and we encourage you to research different outlets for data on current market values.

Does CPS offer pressing and cleaning services?
Yes, we provide pressing and cleaning services to help improve the presentation of your comics before grading. Please contact us for further details.

How does CPS handle cross-border submissions?
Your comic books never leave Canada with CPS, so there are no cross-border situations to worry about. Currently, we only accept submissions from within Canada and only ship to Canadian addresses.

Can CPS grade custom or rare-sized comics?  
Currently we only support standard golden, silver and modern age comics.

Does CPS grade magazines, trade paperbacks, or graphic novels? 
Currently, CPS focuses on single-issue comics. Please check our website for any changes to our grading offerings.

How secure are CPS holders?
Our holders are designed with advanced tamper-evident technology to protect your graded comics while maintaining clarity for display purposes.

What happens if my comic is lost or damaged during grading?
CPS takes great care in handling your comics. It is your responsibility to ensure that your collection is properly ensured while in your custody and in transit. In the rare event of damage or loss, any compensation is subject to our terms and conditions.

Do you offer refunds?
We do our best to ensure your satisfaction, but we do not offer refunds for any of our services under any circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us first, as well sales are final.

How do I contact CPS for additional questions? 
You can reach us via email at inf@cpscapsule.com.