Bear Maximum's CGC Grading Process Explained – Including Cleaning & Pressing

Bear Maximum's CGC Grading Process Explained – Including Cleaning & Pressing

WHAT IS BEAR MAXIMUM'S CGC GRADING PROCESS?

Bear Maximum offers comprehensive CGC grading services for comic books and collectibles. Our process includes professional cleaning, pressing, and submission to CGC for certification.
We handle the entire process from initial assessment to final delivery of your graded comics.

CLEANING & PRESSING SERVICES

WHAT IS CLEANING & PRESSING?

Comic cleaning and pressing removes dirt, debris, and minor defects from comic books. This process can significantly improve a comic's appearance and potential grade.
Bear Maximum partners with Comic Press to provide professional cleaning and pressing services. Comic Press specialises in preparing comic books through non-invasive techniques to allow them to achieve maximum grade potential.
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CLEANING & PRESSING PROCESS

The cleaning and pressing process follows these steps:
  • Initial Assessment: Comics are examined for cleaning and pressing potential
  • Dirt and Debris Removal: Surface contamination is carefully removed
  • Pressing: Heat and pressure application removes creases and spine ticks
  • Quality Check: Final inspection ensures optimal results
  • CGC Submission: Cleaned and pressed comics proceed to grading

ELIGIBLE COMIC TYPES

We accept most comic book and magazine types for cleaning and pressing services:
  • Modern Comics: Books from 1980s onwards
  • Bronze Age Comics: Comics from 1970-1985
  • Silver Age Comics: Books from 1956-1970
  • Golden Age Comics: Comics from 1938-1956
  • Key Issues: First appearances and significant storylines
  • Variant Covers: Special edition and limited covers
Fragile or severely damaged comics may not be suitable for pressing. We assess each comic individually.

CGC GRADING PROCESS

WHAT IS CGC GRADING?

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) provides third-party authentication and grading for comic books. CGC assigns numerical grades from 0.5 to 10.0.
Bear Maximum submits comics to CGC on behalf of customers. We handle packaging, shipping, and tracking throughout the process.
CGC GRADING STEPS
CGC grading follows a standardised process:
  • Verification: CGC checks comic authenticity and completeness
  • Grading: Professional graders assess condition and assign grades
  • Encapsulation: Comics are sealed in protective cases
  • Labelling: Custom labels identify comic details and grades
  • Return Shipping: Graded comics return to Bear Maximum
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COMMUNITY SUBMISSION PROCESS

HOW COMMUNITY SUBMISSION WORKS

Bear Maximum operates community submission services for CGC grading. Multiple customer comics are batched together for cost-effective shipping to CGC.
Community submission reduces individual shipping costs and processing fees, as such it means that books are sent to CGC every 4-6 weeks.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Complete our submission process:
  • Online Form: Submit comic details via our website
  • Payment: Pay grading fees and service charges
  • Comic Delivery: Send comics to Bear Maximum address
  • We'll Do The Rest!
Visit our cleaning, pressing & CGC page to begin submissions.

COSTS & PRICING

CGC grading fees vary by service tier and comic value: CGC Grading Costs (Bear Maximum)
All prices include:
  • Packaging & postage to CGC
  • CGC administration fee
  • Return postage to Bear Maximum
    (Return postage to customer is charged at cost.)
Value Prior to Grading & Encapsulation
Modern (1975–Present)
  • Books valued at £300 or less: £35
Vintage (Pre-1975)
  • Books valued at £300 or less: £46
High Value (Up to £750)
  • £100
Unlimited Value
  • 4.8% of Fair Market Value (FMV)
  • Minimum £120 (covers up to £2,125 FMV)
JSA Signature Authentication
  • £24 per signature (for authenticating unwitnessed signatures)
Cleaning & Pressing Costs (Provided by Comic Press)
Prices based on value before service:
  • £0–£250: £17.50
  • £251–£500: £22.50
  • £501–£1,000: £27.50
  • £1,001–£2,500: £32.50
  • Over £2,500: Contact info@comicpress.co.uk
Specialist Services (Add-ons)
  • Sticker Removal: £5
  • Restoration Removal: £20
  • Slab Cracking (without cleaning/pressing): £5
(Email info@bearmaximum.co.uk in advance for specialist services)
View current pricing on our CGC price list page.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
  • Priority Processing: Expedited handling comes with £10 cleaning and pressing surcharge and at least a £13 admin fee for grading

TIMING & PROCESSING

PROCESSING TIMEFRAMES

CGC processing times depend on existing pipeline of orders but we expect once the books have added to their system in the US, turnaround times to return to Bear Maximum is 12-16 weeks, although it is quicker. 
Processing times may extend during peak submission periods.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

Bear Maximum handles shipping logistics:
  • Inbound Shipping: Customers ship comics to Bear Maximum
  • CGC Submission: We batch and ship to CGC facilities
  • Return Processing: Graded comics return to Bear Maximum
  • Final Delivery: We ship completed orders to customers
Shipping costs apply for both directions. Insurance is covered whilst Bear Maximum & CGC are custody of the books and we recommended that suitable cover is taken for return postage to customers.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DELAYS & PROCESSING ISSUES

What causes CGC processing delays?
CGC processing delays occur due to high submission volumes, complex authentication requirements, and seasonal fluctuations. Bear Maximum provides updates when delays are announced by CGC.
Can I track my submission progress?
Unfortunately there is not a live tracking system in place just yet, but we will provide significant updates when they become available.

CUSTOM LABELS & SIGNATURES

Are custom labels available?
CGC offers custom label services for qualifying submissions. Additional fees apply for custom label requests.
Do you handle in-house signings?
Bear Maximum coordinates with CGC to facilitate witnessed signings when possible.
Visit signature & art capture page for additional signing services.

VALUE & GRADING ADVICE

Do you provide grading estimates?
Bear Maximum staff can provide general condition assessments but final grades are determined by CGC's professional graders.
Is pressing always recommended?
Pressing benefits most comics but may not be suitable for all books. Where it may be unsuitable, we will be in contact and a refund issued where applicable.

PRIORITY SERVICES

Can I request priority processing?
By exception we may be able to offer expedited cleaning, pressing and grading services.
What is signature verification?
CGC offer signature verification through the World's largest signature authentication company, JSA to authenticates signatures on comic books.

GETTING STARTED WITH BEAR MAXIMUM

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Begin your CGC submission:
  1. Complete Submission Form: Provide comic details and service requirements
  2. Package Comics Safely: Use appropriate protective materials
  3. Ship to Bear Maximum: Send comics to our processing address
  4. Track Progress: Monitor submission status via our updates
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about CGC grading services? Contact Bear Maximum directly:

NEXT STEPS

Ready to submit comics for CGC grading? Visit our submission pages to begin the process.
Bear Maximum handles the complex logistics of CGC submissions. We ensure your valuable comics receive professional treatment throughout the grading process.
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