declared-value-strategy

name	declared-value-strategy
description	Use when filling out a submission form's declared value field. The choice affects insurance, service tier, and grader pricing-audit risk.

Declared Value Strategy

Declare fair market — not 'hope'. Under-declared = no insurance. Over-declared = higher fee. Audit catches egregious cases.

The declared-value matrix

Card hope-grade scenario	Declare
Likely PSA 10 ($500+)	$400-500 (PSA 10 comp mid)
Likely PSA 9 ($150)	$150 (PSA 9 comp)
Range PSA 8-10	PSA 9 comp (mid-range)
Long-tail high upside	PSA 9 comp, NOT 10 (avoid Express tier surprise)

Insurance math

Lost in transit at $500 declared → $500 reimbursed. At $50 declared → $50. Always declare enough for full replacement. Shipping insurance riders cap at declared value.

Audit risk

Graders sample-audit declared values. If your declared is wildly low (e.g., $100 declared and card grades PSA 10 selling at $5,000), they may:

1. Hold the card for value review
2. Adjust to higher tier and charge difference
3. Restrict account for repeat offenses

Keep declared within 20-30% of likely grade-out value.

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Concierge tool computes declared value automatically using PSA 9 comp mid as default.