About us

ETA-GS GbR

ETA - GS is an innovative , German online company based in Cologne . ETA - GS aims to increase your enjoyment of collecting trading cards and other collectible items .

ETA-GS is an autonomous and independent company, not tied exclusively to any specific grading companies through any cooperation agreements. This independence ensures that ETA - GS selects reputable grading companies that are accepted in the collector market to evaluate your collectibles.

Your favorite pieces may turn out to be valuable treasures that are worth preserving . Perhaps your treasures require a new, more suitable form of storage, and a beautiful case would be appropriate. Our sleeves protect collector cards from many possible types of damage, such as light exposure.

Whether your collected item is a material treasure or more of an emotional attachment depends crucially on its condition and the corresponding market demand. ETA - GS helps customers make this distinction reliably by having the items evaluated by recognized grading companies and providing the results to our customers.

Valuations by grading companies provide a good basis for negotiations when it comes to selling your items. Even if you don't intend to cash in on your precious pieces, grading can be beneficial for many good reasons.

The condition and value of collectibles, especially trading cards , are determined by grading companies based on standard market criteria . Their core business is the authentication and evaluation of collectibles. These companies typically offer additional services that may be of interest to collectors.

Common market grading criteria include:

  • Surface

  • Edges

  • Corners

  • Centering

    It is important to know that each grading company has its own grading criteria and that the grading results may vary between individual grading companies.

The grading companies commissioned by ETA - GS have earned a worldwide reputation for their evaluation criteria and standards . Their professional assessments and issued documents are regarded by market participants as a reliable benchmark for the valuation of the respective item.

The vast majority of these companies are based in the USA .

The company's headquarters in the USA or outside of Europe complicates the grading of their items at an international level for European and German collectors . Independently commissioning such foreign grading companies is associated with high costs , complicated forms, and considerable effort . ETA - GS offers German collectors a smart and cost-effective solution for having their own cards graded by renowned companies .

Currently, ETA - GS works exclusively with PSA Grading Company, founded in 1999 and also based in the USA . ETA - GS is preparing to cooperate with other grading companies and is confident that it will be able to include the services of other professional grading companies in its selection in the foreseeable future.

The range of services offered by PSA and all grading companies available for selection is fully bookable for our customers and is provided by our own

The following services of the ETA-GS have been upgraded .

  • The ETA - GS pricing policy is transparent and protects every customer from surprises due to hidden additional costs .

  • When commissioning PSA, a so-called value charge may occur. This means that the declared value of the item is lower than its actual value, placing the PSA service in a higher price category. This circumstance leads to a subsequent increase in the invoice amount at ETA - GS .

  • ETA - GS guarantees that the grading companies ' submission guidelines are fully complied with .

  • ETA - GS organizes the shipment and return transport of the items, including all necessary formalities, even outside of Europe.

  • Shipping is completely organized by ETA - GS and is already included in the invoice amount - there are no additional costs .

  • All cards submitted to ETA - GS are insured throughout the entire evaluation process and during mailing , up to a maximum of € 5,000 per submission . In individual cases, the value of the submission may exceed the maximum insurance coverage.

  • In the event of loss or damage, the maximum insurance benefit will be paid pro rata.

  • For more valuable individual items, an appropriate adjustment of the insured amount is possible and is subject to a case-by-case assessment . There is generally no entitlement to an individual insured amount.

  • ETA - GS coordinates all communication with the international grading companies and serves as your sole contact person .

    The submitted items are handled with the utmost care and dedication by our staff . The entire process , from opening the incoming mail to professional storage and forwarding to the selected grading company , is monitored using high-resolution, state-of-the-art video technology .

    Each individual article is photographically administered and registered in great detail to ensure that no confusion between owners is possible .