Degree Terms & Conditions

Degree Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: February 17, 2025

Please read these Terms and Conditions (“Terms,” “Agreement”) carefully before submitting your cards to Degree (“Degree,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) at https://www.degreegrading.com. By accessing or using Degree’s professional card grading, preservation, and encapsulation services (collectively, the “Service”), you (“Customer,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the Terms, then you may not access or use the Service.

1. Acceptance of Terms

1.1. By submitting cards or otherwise using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who wish to access or use the Service.

1.2. You acknowledge and agree that Degree has the option and entitlement to leverage and personally benefit from this Agreement as set forth herein.

2. Service Description and Turnaround Times

2.1. Degree provides professional card grading, preservation, and encapsulation services. While we strive to meet stated estimated turnaround times, all turnaround times are approximate and not guaranteed. We shall not be liable for any delays or consequential damages resulting from our inability to meet a specific timeframe. All stated times are business days and do not include weekends or holidays.

2.2. No Guarantee of Authenticity: Degree’s evaluation is our professional opinion regarding the condition and/or authenticity of cards. We do not and cannot guarantee authenticity. Sophisticated counterfeits or alterations may escape detection despite our efforts and expertise. By using our Service, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

3. Submission of Cards

3.1. Prohibition on Fraudulent or Altered Cards: Degree will refuse to grade cards that appear to be tampered with, altered, trimmed, restored, or otherwise questionable as to authenticity. You agree not to knowingly submit any card that is counterfeit, fraudulent, inauthentic, or altered for grading, encapsulation, or display.

3.2. Right to Refuse Service: We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to reject any card. If we expend resources to evaluate a card and subsequently determine it to be inauthentic, altered, or otherwise ungradable, you will be responsible for the associated costs. This includes, but is not limited to, any fees for extra scrutiny or forensic evaluations.

3.3. Representation of Authenticity: You represent and warrant that you have no knowledge of any defect or inauthenticity for any card you submit. You further agree that Degree shall have no liability for grading any card subsequently determined to be fake, altered, or containing a fraudulent autograph if such defects were not reasonably detectable during our inspection.

4. Subjective Nature of Grading

4.1. Subjective Practice: You acknowledge that card grading is inherently subjective, and opinions may differ among experts. Degree does not make any warranty or representation and shall have no liability to you if you disagree with a grade assigned.

4.2. No Warranty: All grading determinations are final and carry no warranties, express or implied. Grading fees are non-refundable once the grading process begins, regardless of outcome or disagreement.

5. Handling, Liability & Insurance

5.1. Reasonable Care: Degree agrees to handle Customer’s cards with reasonable care from the time we receive them until they are returned to you or otherwise disposed of according to these Terms. This includes normal handling for grading, encapsulating, storage, and shipment.

5.2. Loss or Damage by Degree: In the event Degree determines that your card was lost or damaged due to our negligence, you will be compensated based on the fair market value of the card as determined by Degree, up to and not exceeding the declared value set forth in your submission form. This is your sole and exclusive financial remedy for lost or damaged cards caused by Degree’s negligence.

5.3. Declared Value & Insurance: The declared market value you list on the Submission Form is used for estimating insurance coverage and/or service levels. Degree reserves the right to decline or adjust your declared value if we reasonably believe the submitted value is incorrect. If you refuse any adjusted Service Level fee, Degree may retain your cards as payment for expended resources.

5.4. Limitation of Total Liability: Under no circumstances will Degree’s liability exceed the lesser of (a) the fees you actually paid for the grading services relating to the card(s) at issue, or (b) the declared value of the card. You agree that this limitation of liability is fair and reasonable under the circumstances of this Agreement.

5.5. Customer Inspection: You must inspect your encapsulated cards immediately upon receipt. Any damage, errors, or discrepancies must be reported to Degree within five (5) days of shipment delivery. Degree is not liable for any errors not timely reported. If requested, you agree to return any incorrectly labeled card for correction, and you waive any claims against Degree for losses arising from the circulation or sale of incorrectly described cards.

5.6. Handling After Encapsulation: Degree shall have no liability for any damage, injury, or other harm that may result from a third party (including the Customer) breaking, cracking, or tampering with our sealed encapsulation. We are also not liable for any damage to the cards once they leave Degree’s custody, including shipment methods chosen or paid for by you.

6. Fees, Payment & Lien Rights

6.1. Payment of Fees: You agree to pay Degree for all applicable fees, including grading fees, service-level adjustments, additional charges incurred for extra authentication resources, and any other applicable charges. All fees are non-refundable once grading has commenced.

6.2. Security Interest & Lien: You acknowledge that Degree holds a security interest in the cards submitted and any other property of yours in our possession, securing payment for our Services. You grant Degree a lien against such property to the extent of any outstanding fees or charges.

6.3. Payment Authorization: Degree retains payment methods on file for your convenience. Upon completion of services—or at the time we take possession of your cards if we invoice immediately—Degree will charge the payment method on file for any owed amount. You must ensure that your payment method is valid, up-to-date, and has sufficient funds.

6.4. No Chargebacks: By providing payment information, you expressly agree not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute with your card issuer or payment platform for fees earned in accordance with these Terms. You agree to contact Degree directly to resolve any payment or service issues.

6.5. Abandoned Orders:

  • Definition: Any order with an outstanding balance for more than 90 days from the date the invoice was issued is considered “Abandoned.”
  • Disposition of Cards: For Abandoned orders, Degree reserves the right to sell the cards at the then-prevailing market rate to offset outstanding balances. Degree is not responsible for any depreciation in value that occurs prior to or during such sale.
  • Use of Proceeds: After deducting amounts owed (including fees, storage costs, and processing fees), any net proceeds will be credited to your account for future grading services with Degree. This credit is not redeemable for cash.
  • Customer Notification: We will attempt to notify you via the contact information on file. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information current. Failure to respond or pay outstanding balances within 90 days constitutes consent to this abandoned property policy.

7. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimer of Warranties

7.1. Maximum Aggregate Liability: THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY THAT DEGREE SHALL HAVE TO CUSTOMER, OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR WHOM THE CUSTOMER MAY BE ACTING, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE, ACT, OMISSION OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE GRADING CHARGES ACTUALLY PAID BY CUSTOMER FOR THE GRADING SERVICES RENDERED BY DEGREE WITH RESPECT TO THE ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR GRADING HEREUNDER.

7.2. Exclusion of Certain Damages: IN NO EVENT SHALL DEGREE OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF ITS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, OR AGENTS, BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

7.3. Disclaimer of Warranties: EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. DEGREE MAKES NO GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES THAT OUR GRADING, AUTHENTICATION, OR ENCAPSULATION PROCESSES WILL DETECT ALL ALTERATIONS OR COUNTERFEITS.

8. Third-Party Submissions

8.1. Submissions via Third Parties: If cards are submitted by a third party on behalf of the Customer, you represent and warrant that such third party has accepted these Terms, and that you remain bound by them as well.

8.2. No Liability for Third-Party Acts: Degree shall have no liability for disputes, claims, or issues arising between you and the third party. Our responsibilities and liabilities are strictly governed by this Agreement.

9. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

9.1. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

9.2. Jurisdiction & Venue: The parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Nevada, County of Clark, and agree that any legal action arising under this Agreement shall be filed in such courts (or in the federal district court sitting therein).

9.3. Prevailing Party: In the event of any dispute or legal action to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses.

10. Entire Agreement & Severability

10.1. Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any submission forms or addenda referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Degree regarding the subject matter. They supersede all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

10.2. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified or severed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

10.3. Further Assurances: Each party agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments as another party may reasonably request to effectuate the purpose and intent of these Terms.

11. Acknowledgment

11.1. By Submitting Cards: You acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms, and agree to be bound by them. You also acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to seek independent legal counsel regarding these Terms and fully understand their effects.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at support@degreegrading.com.

END OF TERMS & CONDITIONS