Terms of service
Premier Card Grading New Zealand: Terms and Conditions
Effective date: 25 October 2026
1. Introduction and Agreement
1.1. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of the website www.premiercardgrading.co.nz, the PCG app, and the products and services provided by Premier Card Grading Limited, trading as Premier Card Grading New Zealand ("PCG", "we", "us" or "our"). Premier Card Grading Limited is a New Zealand company, company number 8176784.
1.2. PCG operates from 8A Target Court, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627, New Zealand.
1.3. By placing an order, submitting collectible items, purchasing products or otherwise engaging our services, you agree to these Terms.
1.4. If you submit items on behalf of another person, business or organisation, you confirm that you have the authority to do so and to accept these Terms on their behalf.
1.5. These Terms should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, Refund Policy and Shipping Policy, our Pricing & Services page, our grading standards and any product-specific conditions published on our website.
1.6. Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any guarantee, right or remedy you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
1.7. Business customers. If you acquire our services or products for the purposes of a business (for example, as a middleman, retailer or reseller), you agree that you are acquiring them in trade and that, to the extent permitted by law, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 does not apply, and the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1986 that parties in trade may contract out of do not apply. You and PCG agree that it is fair and reasonable to be bound by this clause. This clause applies only to your own contract with PCG as a business. It does not apply to consumers, including your own customers, and it does not affect the unfair contract terms provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1986 where they apply to you.
1.8. We may update these Terms from time to time. Updated Terms will ordinarily apply to orders placed after the updated Terms take effect. Material changes affecting an existing order will not be imposed retrospectively without a lawful basis or your agreement.
2. Services Provided
2.1. PCG provides collectible card authentication, grading, encapsulation, re-encapsulation and related services.
2.2. Available services may include Bulk, Standard, Express and Same Day grading and encapsulation, Player Slab options, pre-grading, authentication-only services, eligible signature authentication, re-slabbing, label correction, encapsulation replacement and other advertised services. Current services, prices and turnaround times are shown on our Pricing & Services page and at checkout.
2.3. Service availability, eligibility, fees and processing requirements may vary depending on the item submitted. Additional per-card charges, such as the surcharge for sports cards, are shown at checkout.
2.4. PCG may decline items that cannot reasonably be authenticated, graded or encapsulated, including items that are counterfeit, substantially altered, unsafe to handle or unsuitable for our equipment.
2.5. Where an order cannot proceed, we will tell you the available options, including any applicable refund and return arrangements.
2.6. PCG may introduce, change or discontinue services. Changes will not remove existing contractual or statutory rights relating to orders we have already accepted.
3. Grading and Authentication
3.1. All cards submitted for grading are assessed according to PCG's grading standards and internal assessment procedures.
3.2. Grading involves professional judgement in evaluating factors such as centring, corners, edges, surface condition and other relevant characteristics. PCG labels show sub-grades for these factors where the service includes them.
3.3. A grade represents PCG's professional assessment at the time of examination.
3.4. Grades are not guarantees of a card's monetary value, investment performance, future resale price or assessment by another grading company.
3.5. Different grading companies may use different criteria or assessment methods. A grade assigned by PCG may therefore differ from a grade assigned by another provider.
3.6. Grading involves professional judgement, and differences of opinion may arise. A difference of opinion does not, by itself, establish that a grading service was performed incorrectly.
3.7. PCG does not guarantee that a particular grade will be achieved.
3.8. PCG may decline to authenticate a card where authenticity cannot reasonably be established.
3.9. Authentication findings are based on the evidence available and the examination methods used at the time of assessment.
3.10. Nothing in this section limits your rights where PCG has failed to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill or has otherwise failed to comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
4. Counterfeit, Altered and Unverifiable Cards
4.1. PCG may refuse to grade or encapsulate any item it reasonably determines to be counterfeit, materially altered or otherwise unsuitable for the requested service.
4.2. If a submitted card is determined to be counterfeit during the authentication process, PCG may retain an authentication fee of up to $25 NZD per card, never more than the service fee you paid for that card. Any fees paid above this amount will be refunded to you. This fee covers the authentication work undertaken, and is subject to your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
4.3. Any return shipping charges that apply will be communicated to you.
4.4. Cards that cannot be conclusively authenticated may be returned without a numerical grade.
4.5. How fees are treated for inconclusive authentication results, altered cards and other unsuccessful submissions will be explained to you, consistent with the service purchased and applicable law.
4.6. PCG may record and photograph suspected counterfeit or altered items for quality assurance, fraud prevention and record-keeping purposes.
5. Encapsulation and Slabs
5.1. PCG uses protective encapsulation products ("slabs") intended for collectible cards. Our current slab options are the Standard / Collector Slab, the Player Slab (Metal Label) and the Player Slab Slim, where offered for the service you choose.
5.2. Encapsulation is designed to protect items during ordinary handling and storage. It does not make them indestructible, waterproof, fireproof or immune to environmental deterioration.
5.3. Store encapsulated cards away from excessive heat, moisture, prolonged direct sunlight and other potentially damaging conditions.
5.4. Certain cards, including thick, oversized, altered or unusually shaped cards, may not be suitable for standard encapsulation.
5.5. Where available, PCG may offer alternative encapsulation options, including Player Slabs.
5.6. An encapsulation-only service does not mean that the enclosed item has received a numerical grade or authenticity certification, unless we expressly say so.
5.7. PCG may decline encapsulation if an item does not fit securely or would be exposed to an unreasonable risk of damage.
6. Submissions and Customer Responsibilities
6.1. You must provide accurate and complete information when submitting cards.
6.2. Required information may include card name, set, year, card number, variation, quantity, declared value and service type.
6.3. Where a card cannot be found in the online catalogue, you may use the manual-entry option.
6.4. PCG may correct or standardise submitted card information during processing to ensure accurate identification and labelling.
6.5. Please check your order details, shipping address and contact information before submitting an order.
6.6. You are responsible for ensuring you are authorised to submit the cards and that you have not knowingly provided false or misleading information.
6.7. Package items securely, in the order shown on your submission, with suitable protection against bending, movement, moisture and impact during transit. Our How to Submit page explains how.
6.8. Include a printed copy of your order confirmation with the shipment, or clearly identify your order number on the package.
6.9. PCG may ask for more information or clarification where reasonably required to complete a submission.
7. Declared Card Values
7.1. You must provide an accurate and reasonable declared value for each submitted card.
7.2. Declared values help PCG assess handling requirements, shipping arrangements and any available transit protection.
7.3. The declared value does not automatically set the amount payable under any insurance or shipping protection, and is not a valuation by PCG.
7.4. Use reasonable supporting information, such as recent comparable sales, purchase records or independent valuation evidence, when setting declared values.
7.5. Where a declared value appears materially inconsistent with the available information, PCG may ask for clarification before processing or dispatching an order.
7.6. Each service has a per-card insurance cap, shown on our Pricing & Services page. If a card's value is higher than the cap for the service you have chosen, contact us before sending it.
7.7. Do not assume that the full declared value is insured unless PCG has expressly confirmed the cover available and its terms.
8. Processing and Turnaround Times
8.1. Published turnaround times are estimates unless PCG expressly agrees to a guaranteed completion date.
8.2. Turnaround times start when PCG has physically received your submission and has the information and payment reasonably required to process it. Time in transit to and from PCG is not part of the turnaround time.
8.3. Turnaround times are measured in business days and exclude weekends and New Zealand public holidays.
8.4. Express and Same Day services are subject to their published eligibility and operating conditions, including drop-off times.
8.5. Delays may arise from authentication complexity, submission volumes, equipment availability, public holidays, courier delays or circumstances outside PCG's reasonable control.
8.6. PCG will take reasonable steps to complete services within the agreed timeframe or, where no timeframe has been agreed, within a reasonable time.
8.7. You keep all rights and remedies available under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if PCG fails to provide services within a reasonable time.
9. Prices and Payments
9.1. All prices on our website and app are in New Zealand dollars unless otherwise stated.
9.2. Prices include GST where applicable.
9.3. Payment must be completed as required at checkout or as otherwise agreed in writing.
9.4. PCG may require payment before starting or completing services.
9.5. Any additional charges that need your authorisation will be communicated to you before they are incurred.
9.6. PCG may update pricing for future orders. This will not affect prices already agreed for accepted orders, unless a variation is separately agreed or legally permitted.
9.7. If a payment is reversed, dishonoured or disputed, PCG may contact you to resolve the outstanding amount.
9.8. Any recovery action, or any holding of completed orders, will be undertaken only where legally permitted and consistent with your consumer rights.
10. Sending Cards to PCG
10.1. You are responsible for getting your submission to PCG, unless a different arrangement has been expressly agreed. You can send it by post or courier, drop it off at our Auckland office (by appointment, or walk in for Same Day service, Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm), or hand it over at an event we attend.
10.2. PCG strongly recommends tracked shipping with protection suitable for the declared value of your items.
10.3. Check directly with your postal or courier provider that collectible trading cards are covered by any insurance or transit protection you buy.
10.4. PCG does not control the handling of packages you send using a carrier you arranged.
10.5. PCG's responsibility for your cards ordinarily begins when PCG or an authorised receiving representative actually receives and accepts your package.
10.6. Carrier tracking information alone does not conclusively establish the contents or condition of a package on receipt.
10.7. Where appropriate, PCG may record package condition, item quantities and visible discrepancies at intake.
10.8. Any liability relating to inbound shipping remains subject to applicable law, the particular shipping arrangement and the circumstances of the loss or damage.
11. Return Shipping and Insurance
11.1. PCG returns orders using New Zealand postal and courier services. You can also collect your order from our Auckland office, or from an event where that option is offered.
11.2. Shipping options, prices, delivery estimates and available transit protection may vary and are shown at checkout.
11.3. Return insurance is optional. It is not included unless you select it at checkout or we confirm it in writing.
11.4. You are responsible for choosing a suitable shipping option and providing accurate delivery details.
11.5. Where optional insurance or transit protection is offered, its availability, limits, exclusions, evidence requirements and claims procedures are governed by the applicable policy or carrier arrangements, and by the per-card insurance cap for your service.
11.6. Shipments above available carrier limits may need an alternative courier, separately arranged cover or another agreed delivery arrangement.
11.7. PCG does not guarantee that any particular carrier will accept or insure collectible trading cards, whatever their declared value.
11.8. Buying insurance or shipping protection does not guarantee that a claim will be accepted. A declared value does not, by itself, guarantee payment of that amount.
11.9. Tell PCG promptly if a return shipment appears lost, damaged, wrongly delivered or substantially delayed. PCG will reasonably help with carrier investigations and claims for shipping arranged through PCG.
11.10. Handover to the carrier. This clause applies to the return of your own cards. Once they have been securely packed and handed to the postal or courier service, PCG is not responsible for loss, theft, damage, delay or mishandling caused solely by that carrier, to the extent permitted by law. PCG remains responsible for taking reasonable care in packing, preparing and dispatching your items, and for any obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. A carrier's own liability for loss or damage is limited by law, which is why optional insurance is offered. For products you buy from us, such as slab sleeves, the Consumer Guarantees Act delivery guarantees apply.
11.11. Not buying optional insurance does not remove any rights or remedies you have against PCG that cannot lawfully be excluded.
12. High-Value Submissions
12.1. If a card's declared value is higher than the insurance cap for your chosen service, please contact PCG before sending it.
12.2. PCG may recommend suitable shipping, hand-delivery or collection arrangements for high-value cards.
12.3. Where necessary, PCG may require confirmation of shipping arrangements before accepting or returning high-value submissions.
12.4. Additional handling or security arrangements may be agreed with you depending on the value of the submission and the circumstances.
12.5. PCG does not guarantee that transit cover is available for every card value or destination.
12.6. Any special arrangements and their costs will be communicated before you commit to them.
13. Middlemen, Group Submitters and Partners
13.1. PCG may accept submissions through authorised middlemen, group submitters, retail stores and other partners.
13.2. Where you submit through a third party, that party may be responsible for collecting cards, taking your payment, forwarding submissions and communicating with you.
13.3. Keep your receipts, submission references and any documents the partner gives you.
13.4. Turnaround times start when PCG receives the cards, not necessarily when you hand them to a partner.
13.5. Responsibility for transport between you, the partner and PCG depends on the submission arrangement and the law.
13.6. PCG may send order updates directly to the submitting partner where that partner handles customer communications.
13.7. Buying services through a partner does not remove any consumer rights you have against PCG or the partner.
13.8. Separate written agreements may apply between PCG and its middlemen and partners. Those agreements govern the commercial arrangements between them.
14. Errors, Defects and Re-slabbing
14.1. PCG takes reasonable steps to ensure grading labels and encapsulation are accurate and properly produced.
14.2. If PCG identifies or confirms an error caused by its own processing, such as an incorrect label or a manufacturing defect in the slab, PCG will provide an appropriate remedy.
14.3. Where an error or manufacturing defect is caused by PCG, correction or replacement will ordinarily be provided at no additional charge.
14.4. To report an issue, contact PCG with the certification number, a description of the issue and clear photographs where practical.
14.5. PCG may reasonably need to inspect the item before deciding on the appropriate remedy.
14.6. Damage caused by misuse, unauthorised opening, attempted modification or other external events may not qualify for a free replacement, unless the law requires it.
14.7. Cosmetic preferences, differences of grading opinion or requests for a different slab style are not manufacturing defects. Our paid Re-Slab service, for cards already in a PCG slab, is available for these.
14.8. Nothing in this section restricts your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
15. Sealed Trading Cards
15.1. PCG generally requires trading cards to be removed from factory-sealed packaging where opening is necessary to assess authenticity or condition for numerical grading.
15.2. Opening the original packaging of a sealed promotional card may affect its collectability or resale value.
15.3. PCG will seek or rely on your authorisation before opening factory-sealed items.
15.4. If you do not authorise opening, PCG may be unable to grade or authenticate the card and may offer to return it.
15.5. PCG will use reasonable care when opening authorised sealed items.
15.6. A card removed from sealed packaging is assessed on its actual condition. Factory-sealed status does not guarantee a particular grade.
16. Autographs and Altered Cards
16.1. Signature authentication is available only for eligible submissions and subject to PCG's assessment criteria.
16.2. PCG may require additional documentation, or decline signature authentication where the evidence is insufficient.
16.3. Cards with artwork, alterations, handwritten markings or other modifications may be ineligible for conventional numerical grading.
16.4. Eligible altered cards may be accepted for alternative encapsulation services where available.
16.5. Acceptance for encapsulation does not mean that an alteration, signature or artwork has been authenticated, unless we expressly say so.
17. Privacy and Customer Information
17.1. PCG collects and uses personal information reasonably required to provide its services, operate customer accounts, process payments, send order updates and meet legal obligations.
17.2. Personal information is managed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 2020.
17.3. PCG may share relevant information with payment processors, shipping providers, authorised submission partners and service providers as reasonably necessary to fulfil orders. Some of these providers store information outside New Zealand, as explained in our Privacy Policy.
17.4. Please keep your account details and contact information up to date.
17.5. Requests to access or correct your personal information can be sent to our Privacy Officer at info@premiercardgrading.co.nz.
18. Intellectual Property and Card Images
18.1. PCG retains ownership of its trade marks, logos, website and app materials, grading systems, proprietary designs and other intellectual property.
18.2. You keep any rights you lawfully hold in the cards and other materials you submit.
18.3. PCG may photograph or scan submitted cards for authentication, grading records, quality assurance, certification verification, fraud prevention and population reporting.
18.4. PCG may display images in its online certification and population-reporting systems, subject to applicable law and our Privacy Policy.
18.5. Images shown in population reports, certification records or card databases may be representative examples rather than photographs of your specific card.
18.6. A representative image does not confirm a particular edition, variation, foil treatment or other attribute.
18.7. The card details recorded in the certification entry are PCG's recorded assessment of the submitted item.
18.8. PCG will take reasonable steps to correct confirmed errors in certification information or associated records.
18.9. Promotional use of photographs of your specific cards, beyond ordinary service administration, is subject to applicable privacy, intellectual property and consent requirements.
19. Certification and Population Reports
19.1. PCG keeps certification records and publishes a public population report showing cards graded by PCG. Anyone can look up a certification number.
19.2. Population reports provide general information based on PCG's recorded grading activity.
19.3. PCG may update certification records where errors, changes in card identification or other verified issues are identified.
19.4. Population figures may change as more items are graded, records are corrected or duplicate entries are reconciled.
19.5. Population-report images may be samples or placeholders and should not be relied on as photographs of the specific certified card.
19.6. Certification details should be checked against the card's physical label and recorded certification information.
19.7. You can report suspected database or certification errors to us for investigation.
20. Refunds and Cancellations
20.1. You may request cancellation by contacting PCG as soon as practicable.
20.2. Where a service has not started, PCG will consider cancellation and refund requests in line with the circumstances, our Refund Policy and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
20.3. Where work has already started, any refund or cancellation outcome will take into account the services already supplied and your legal rights.
20.4. PCG does not give refunds simply because a card receives a lower grade than expected.
20.5. PCG will provide refunds or other remedies where required under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
20.6. Where a submitted card is determined to be counterfeit, PCG may retain an authentication fee of up to $25 NZD per card and refund any fees paid above that amount (see clause 4.2).
20.7. Refunds will ordinarily be made to the original payment method where practicable.
20.8. Nothing in these Terms is intended to impose an unlawful blanket prohibition on refunds.
21. Uncollected and Abandoned Orders
21.1. You are responsible for collecting completed orders or arranging their return delivery.
21.2. PCG will take reasonable steps to tell you when an order is ready for collection or when further action is needed.
21.3. If you cannot collect your order, contact PCG to arrange another collection or delivery method.
21.4. Where an order remains uncollected for an extended period, PCG may send written notices asking you to collect it and explaining any proposed next steps.
21.5. PCG will not treat valuable customer property as transferred to PCG merely because a period of time has passed.
21.6. Any storage charges, sale, disposal or other dealing with uncollected property will happen only where authorised by law and after any required notice and procedural steps.
21.7. PCG reserves any rights it has under New Zealand law relating to uncollected goods, subject to complying with that law.
22. Limitation of Liability
22.1. PCG acknowledges its obligation to take reasonable care and skill in handling, authenticating, grading and encapsulating your property.
22.2. Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any liability that cannot legally be excluded, including liability under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
22.3. PCG is responsible for loss or damage to the extent required by law and the particular circumstances.
22.4. To the extent permitted by law, PCG is not responsible for losses arising solely from changes in collectible market prices, speculative valuations or investment expectations, where those losses are not caused by a breach of PCG's legal obligations.
22.5. PCG does not guarantee future market value, resale performance or acceptance of a grade by another grading provider.
22.6. Where liability may lawfully be limited, any limitation applies only to the extent that it is reasonable, valid and enforceable under applicable law.
22.7. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, wilful misconduct or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
23. Website, App, Accounts and Third-Party Services
23.1. You must use PCG's website, app and online services lawfully and must not interfere with their normal operation.
23.2. You are responsible for keeping your account login details confidential.
23.3. PCG may temporarily restrict access to an account where reasonably necessary to investigate suspected fraud, security concerns or serious misuse.
23.4. Where reasonably practicable, PCG will give notice and an opportunity to resolve account-related issues.
23.5. You may close your account at any time by emailing info@premiercardgrading.co.nz. We will keep order, invoicing and certification records we need for legal, accounting and population-report purposes, as explained in our Privacy Policy.
23.6. PCG uses third-party systems for functions such as payment processing, shipping, order management and website operation. Our online store runs on Shopify. These providers may have separate terms for their own services.
23.7. PCG remains responsible for its own obligations to you to the extent required by law.
24. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
24.1. If you have a concern about a service or order, please contact us directly first.
24.2. Complaints should include the order number, certification numbers, supporting photographs and a clear description of the issue where appropriate.
24.3. PCG will review complaints fairly and take reasonable steps to investigate and respond.
24.4. Where an error or service failure is established, PCG will offer an appropriate resolution consistent with its legal obligations.
24.5. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may contact Consumer Protection (consumerprotection.govt.nz) or the Commerce Commission, or apply to the Disputes Tribunal (disputestribunal.govt.nz), which hears smaller claims.
24.6. Nothing in these Terms prevents you from exercising statutory rights, complaining to a regulator or starting proceedings in a court or tribunal with jurisdiction.
25. Governing Law
25.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
25.2. Subject to any mandatory consumer protections, disputes may be brought before the courts and tribunals of New Zealand, including the Disputes Tribunal.
25.3. Nothing in these Terms prevents you from bringing proceedings in another jurisdiction where the law permits.
26. Severability and General Conditions
26.1. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
26.2. A failure by PCG to enforce a provision on one occasion is not a waiver of that provision on another occasion.
26.3. These Terms, together with your order details and any expressly incorporated policies or agreements, form the agreement between PCG and you for the relevant services.
26.4. Any separate agreement signed with an authorised middleman or partner applies to that relationship according to its terms.
26.5. Any inconsistency will be resolved subject to applicable law and your non-excludable rights.
26.6. Competitions and promotions run by PCG have their own terms, published with the promotion.
27. Contact Information
27.1. Premier Card Grading Limited (trading as Premier Card Grading New Zealand), 8A Target Court, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627, New Zealand. Office visits by appointment; Same Day drop-offs are walk-in, Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm.
27.2. Email: info@premiercardgrading.co.nz
27.3. Website: www.premiercardgrading.co.nz
27.4. Last updated: 25 October 2026