What do I need to become an LCS Grading Shop?

Becoming an authorized LCS Grading Shop allows you to offer professional card grading to your customers using our trusted standards and systems. Below is everything you'll need and the steps to complete the approval process.

Steps to become an LCS Grading Shop

  1. Dealer Application

    • Complete and submit the LCS Dealer Application. This captures your business details, licensing, references, and agreement to LCS terms and policies.

  2. Dealer Agreement

  3. Site Inspection

    • An LCS representative will schedule a site inspection to verify your facility, security, and workflow meet LCS requirements. Prepare:

      • A secure, temperature-stable area for handling cards

      • Adequate lighting and workspace for grading and photography

      • Secure storage for inventory and submitted cards

      • Staff available to discuss processes and policies

Required equipment

Primera Printer (recommended: LX500)

  • Purpose: Print LCS labels, sleeve inserts, and shipping documentation with durable, high-resolution output.

  • Recommendation: Primera LX500 for consistent color, fast output, and reliable media handling.

Duplex Scanner (recommended: Ricoh/Fujitsu 8040)

  • Purpose: Scan card images and documentation for submission, records, and online review. Duplex capability allows for efficient double-sided scanning when needed.

  • Recommendation: Ricoh (Fujitsu) 8040 for reliable feed, image clarity, and speed optimized for card workflows.

Product visuals and action links

Below are product images with action buttons in the same visual style as the rest of your site (button labels shown as examples). Replace the sample images with your site’s image assets and link the buttons to the official vendor product pages or your preferred reseller.

  • Primera LX500 Ricoh (Fujitsu) 8040

  • Notes and best practices

  • Equipment alternatives: If you already own comparable printers or duplex scanners that meet or exceed the recommended specs (print quality, reliability, duplex scanning, supported media sizes), provide model details on your Dealer Application for LCS review.

  • Consumables and maintenance: Keep spare labels, ribbon/ink, cleaning kits, and replacement rollers on hand. Regular maintenance ensures consistent grading outputs and reduces downtime.

  • Staff training: Ensure staff understand LCS grading standards, handling procedures, and data entry processes. LCS can provide orientation materials as part of the onboarding.

  • Security & insurance: Maintain adequate business insurance and secure handling protocols for high-value cards. Document chain-of-custody procedures.

Next steps

  1. Complete the Dealer Application and submit it to LCS.

  2. Schedule the site inspection after initial application approval.

  3. Procure recommended equipment (Primera LX500 and Fujitsu 8040) or submit alternate equipment details for review.

  4. Complete onboarding and training with LCS to start grading as an authorized shop.

If you’re ready to apply or need template assets for the site inspection or equipment specifications, tell me which assets you want (application form, inspection checklist, product image files) and I’ll prepare them to match your site’s style.