Terms of Service · Rise Grading

Scope of Services. Rise Grading provides card authentication, grading, and encapsulation services (the “Services”) for sports and trading cards. These Terms govern our Services and your submissions. By submitting a card, you agree to these Terms. We may update the Terms at any time (with notice as required). If you do not agree, do not submit any cards.
Submission Process & Eligibility. To submit cards, you must complete our online submission form, providing accurate information (card descriptions, declared values, etc.). You must be a user (typically 18+) with a valid account. Each submission must include only one type of service (e.g. grading) and one card type (e.g. sports card) per order, shipped separately. We reserve the right to refuse or separate orders that do not conform. By submitting cards, you represent they are your property, genuine, and free of tampering or undisclosed restoration. We require that submitted cards have no knowledge of forgery or tampering and declare value fairly.
Fees and Payment. You agree to pay all fees for selected Services at the time of submission. Prices are set on our website or submission form; we may adjust fees if you later select different options. Prices on paper forms are illustrative — online rates prevail. Payment is due immediately and may be charged to your card on file. Unpaid balances may accrue interest and create a security interest in your cards. We may hold or refuse to release cards until all fees (and related charges) are paid.
Shipping and Risk of Loss. You must pack and ship cards securely following our instructions. You are responsible for shipping costs and risk of loss or damage until Rise Grading receives and inspects the cards. Once received, cards enter our custody and insurance applies only as described below. For returned cards, Rise Grading provides insured shipping at certain coverage levels. If you select insurance coverage up to a limit, coverage will not exceed that limit or the service tier’s maximum value. Any value above the insured limit is your responsibility; you assume all risk beyond our insurance.
Title and Ownership. You retain title to your cards. However, you grant Rise Grading a security interest in submitted cards to secure payment of fees. If you fail to pay fees or receive cards within a reasonable time after notice (one year), we may deem cards abandoned, store or insure them at cost to you, or sell/dispose of them, as permitted by law.
Grading Disclaimers. Grading is subjective. Rise Grading makes no guarantee of any particular grade or authenticity determination. Our opinions are based on reasonable judgment but can differ from others. Cards may be damaged in handling even with care; we are not liable for damage resulting from pre-existing conditions or inherent fragility. Except as provided in any explicit Guarantee, we disclaim all warranties, including merchantability or fitness. We do not warrant any outcome of conservation or alteration services, and you waive any claim for reduced grade after such services, unless caused by our gross negligence.
Turnaround Times & Delays. We publish estimated turnaround times based on service level. These are approximate and subject to delays (e.g. high volume, shipping issues). We are not liable for delays beyond our control. Force majeure events (natural disasters, war, strikes, etc.) will suspend or extend our obligations.
Cancellations and Refunds. Orders may be canceled or changed only before grading begins. If you cancel or request changes in time, we may charge a processing fee. Once a grading process has started, Services cannot be canceled and fees are non-refundable. Any refunds, if allowed, will be subject to deduction of the fees for work already done.
Limitation of Liability. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, RISE GRADING DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. Our total liability for any single claim shall not exceed the fees paid for the affected Services. This excludes claims covered by any separate guarantee or liability for our own gross negligence or willful misconduct. In no event will Rise Grading (or its affiliates, employees, agents) be liable for loss of sales, profits, business opportunities, or loss/damage to cards beyond the insured limit.
Indemnification. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Rise Grading and its affiliates harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, your negligence, or your violation of any law or rights of another. This includes any unauthorized modifications to submissions or failure to disclose material facts.
Intellectual Property. By submitting cards, you grant Rise Grading the irrevocable right to photograph or image your cards and use the data (e.g. images, grades) for our business purposes. You waive any ownership of those images or data. All Rise Grading branding, text, graphics, and technology are our intellectual property; you may not copy or use them without permission.
User Content and Conduct. You warrant that any content you submit (images, messages, etc.) does not infringe third-party rights. You agree not to submit fraudulent or prohibited items (counterfeits, obscenity, illegally obtained cards). We may cancel your submission if we suspect fraud, and you will be responsible for the full fee.
Account Security. If we require an account, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.
Privacy. Our Privacy Policy governs how we collect and use your personal information. By using our Services, you consent to the practices in that policy.
Dispute Resolution (Arbitration vs. Court). You and Rise Grading agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms will be resolved by binding individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall occur in the State of Delaware (remotely). The arbitrator has exclusive authority to decide all arbitrability issues and may award any relief that a court could. The federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §1 et seq.) governs this clause. You and Rise Grading each waive any right to a jury trial or to bring a class/collective action in court.
Termination. We may suspend or terminate Services or accounts for breach of these Terms (e.g. failure to pay, submitting prohibited items). Upon termination, outstanding fees remain due.
Force Majeure. We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our control (natural disasters, etc.).
Changes to Terms. We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted with an effective date. Your continued use of Services after changes indicates acceptance.
Notices. We will send notices to your account email or postal address. Notice is deemed given upon delivery.
Contact. For questions or notices under these Terms, contact support@risegrading.com.
Minors. Our services are intended for customers 18 or older. If you are under 18, you may not submit items.
Export Compliance. You agree to comply with all U.S. export laws. Do not submit items restricted for export. You are responsible for any import/export duties or paperwork.
Consumer Protection. These Terms do not waive any statutory consumer rights you may have under applicable law. Any part of these Terms found unenforceable will be severed without affecting the rest.