Questions collectors should be able to ask us.
A quick explanation of how IQCardGuide handles values, grading comparisons, commercial relationships, reviews and changing hobby information.
How does IQCardGuide estimate what a card is worth?
We start by identifying the exact card, then favor completed sales over asking prices. When there are enough comparable transactions, our methodology uses a representative center such as the median and separates raw cards from each graded bucket. See the Value Methodology.
Why do graded-card comparisons use percentages instead of only dollar amounts?
A percentage premium makes it easier to compare grading outcomes across cards with very different raw values. We first calculate the premium for each card, then only publish broader grader averages when the underlying sample is strong enough.
Which grades are used in the Grader Premium comparison?
The framework focuses on PSA 10, BGS 10, BGS 9.5, CGC 10, SGC 10 and TAG 10. BGS 9.5 is shown separately because it is an important Beckett market outcome and should not be treated as the same thing as BGS 10.
Does IQCardGuide guarantee a card value or grading result?
No. Card values move, condition varies, and grading is not guaranteed. Market figures are estimates based on available comparable evidence, not promises of what your card will sell for or what grade it will receive.
What does “Limited data” mean?
It means the available exact-card evidence is too thin, too old or otherwise not strong enough for us to present a precise conclusion with the same confidence as a deeper market. We would rather leave a number unpublished than manufacture certainty.
Is IQCardGuide affiliated with Topps, Fanatics, eBay, TCGplayer or grading companies?
Not unless a specific page clearly says so. We may seek or have affiliate relationships with companies we cover, but affiliate participation does not mean a company endorses IQCardGuide, and it does not buy favorable editorial treatment.
Do affiliate links cost visitors more?
Generally, an affiliate commission does not add a separate charge to the visitor. Program terms vary, so we disclose affiliate relationships clearly where they are used. You never have to use an affiliate link.
Can an affiliate partner pay for a higher ranking or better review?
No. A partner can compensate IQCardGuide for qualifying transactions under an approved program, but it cannot buy our ranking, grading comparison, value conclusion or review opinion.
Does IQCardGuide personally test every product it reviews?
No, and we do not claim that we do. When a page is based on research rather than firsthand testing, we say so. Collector Consensus pages summarize recurring experiences across multiple sources instead of turning other people’s reviews into fake testimonials.
How often are grading prices, turnaround times and release dates updated?
Time-sensitive pages are date-stamped and checked against official sources. Graders and publishers can change details quickly, so visitors should follow the official-source link before submitting a card or relying on a release date for an important purchase.
Why might Topps or Pokémon be featured more prominently in the release calendar?
They are major publishers relevant to the audiences IQCardGuide currently serves. Prominence is based on usefulness and coverage, not a promise of favorable treatment. Publisher names or marks are for identification and do not imply endorsement unless expressly stated.
Is IQCardGuide for collectors, investors or resellers?
All three. The same card can make sense for different reasons, so we try to identify the lens behind the decision. See Collector vs. Investor vs. Reseller.
Can I suggest a correction?
Yes. We want factual errors and stale information corrected. Once the monitored contact channel is active, include the page URL and the information you believe needs review.