CGC Submission Rule Book
This CGC Submission Rule Book sets forth the specific provisions governing all CGC submission services offered by Memorabilia Germany.
It serves as a binding basis for the execution of submission orders and supplements Memorabilia Germany’s General Terms and Conditions and other legal documents with submission-specific regulations, responsibilities, and procedures.
The purpose of this Rule Book is to ensure that the entire submission process is transparent, traceable, and consistent. It describes the rights and obligations of the contracting parties as well as the key procedural steps, from the placement of an order to the return of the processed collectibles.
The CGC Submission Rule Book is included with every CGC Submission Service ordered through Memorabilia Germany.
1.1 Scope
This CGC Submission Rule Book applies to all CGC submission services offered by Memorabilia Germany.
It sets forth the specific terms and conditions for the execution of consignment orders and supplements the General Terms and Conditions as well as Memorabilia Germany’s other legal documents.
1.2 Services Covered
This Rule Book applies in particular to the following services:
• CGC Card Grading
• CGC Comic Grading
• CGC Signature Authentication
• CGC x JSA Authentication
• Pressing
• ReHolder
• CrossOver
• as well as all future CGC submission services offered by Memorabilia Germany.
1.3 Scope of the Rule Book
By engaging a CGC Submission Service, the client acknowledges that the version of this CGC Submission Rule Book published at the time the order is placed serves as the binding basis for the execution of the submission order.
1.4 Relationship to Other Regulatory Frameworks
This CGC Submission Rule Book supplements Memorabilia Germany’s General Terms and Conditions and other legal documents. In addition, the currently effective Submission Rules and other binding guidelines of CGC apply. To the extent that mandatory CGC guidelines conflict with individual provisions of this Rule Book, the currently effective CGC guidelines shall take precedence.
2.1 Placing an Order
The provisions of Memorabilia Germany’s General Terms and Conditions apply to the formation of the contract for the respective CGC Submission Service.
The client commissions Memorabilia Germany to organize and carry out the submission of the collected items to CGC, as well as any additional services that have been booked.
The sole purpose of this contract is the performance of the commissioned submission service. The Company is not obligated to provide a specific grading result, a specific authentication decision, or any other economic benefit.
The submission process is carried out based on the services booked when the order was placed and the information provided by the client. The service description for the respective submission service published at the time the order was placed is authoritative.
2.2 Information Provided by the Client
The client is required to provide all information necessary for the submission process completely and truthfully.
This includes, in particular, the proper selection of the desired submission service, the specification of the fair market value, and all other information relevant to the submission.
The client warrants that he or she is authorized to submit the items sent in. A statement of ownership is not required for this purpose.
Memorabilia Germany is not obligated to verify the client’s ownership status or other rights.
The client shall indemnify Memorabilia Germany against any claims by third parties arising from the submission of items without the appropriate authorization.
2.3 Review of the Bid
Memorabilia Germany generally accepts the information provided by the client as the basis for its bid.
A comprehensive review of all information provided by the client or a substantive review of each individual property is not part of the Submission Service.
However, Memorabilia Germany reserves the right to correct obvious discrepancies or those relevant to the submission, provided that this is necessary for proper submission to CGC.
Memorabilia Germany processes all submissions in accordance with CGC’s current Submission Rules and service guidelines.
If Memorabilia Germany determines prior to submission that the client’s information would result in a submission that is objectively incorrect or noncompliant, the submission will be made in accordance with CGC’s applicable guidelines.
No submission that is knowingly incorrect or contrary to the Submission Rules will be accepted.
The final classification and all technical decisions regarding submitted items are the sole responsibility of CGC.
2.4 Service Adjustments and Recalculations
If, due to obvious discrepancies, the proper execution of a submission requires an adjustment to the booked service level or other booked services, the submission must be made through the applicable service.
Any additional costs incurred as a result will be billed to the client.
As a general rule, amounts already paid will not be refunded if the client has booked a higher-tier service, even though a less expensive service would have been sufficient for the submission.
Example:
A comic is submitted through the “Modern” service. During the submission process, it turns out that it is actually a vintage comic. The submission is processed at the correct service level; any additional costs incurred as a result will be billed retroactively.
2.5 Additional Claims
If Memorabilia Germany is billed for additional fees or other costs after submission by CGC that are attributable to the respective submission order, these costs will be passed on to the client.
Memorabilia Germany is not obligated to permanently pre-finance such fees or additional costs on behalf of the client.
The client is required to pay any such additional charges within fourteen (14) calendar days of the invoice date.
Until full payment has been received, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to withhold the return of the submission in question.
2.6 Failure to Pay After Services Have Been Rendered
If any outstanding additional charges are not paid within the specified payment period, Memorabilia Germany will initiate the prescribed collection procedure in accordance with statutory provisions and internal procedures.
The reminder cycle is generally fourteen (14) calendar days.
The third reminder also serves as the final demand for payment. It already includes a notice stating that, if the specified deadline passes without a response, measures permitted under German law may be taken to enforce the claim.
Provided that the legal requirements are met, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to dispose of the retained items to the extent permitted by law.
From legally permissible proceeds from the sale of assets, the following in particular are
• outstanding receivables,
• collection costs,
• storage costs, as well as
• reasonable reminder and administrative costs
paid.
Any surplus remaining after all valid claims and costs have been settled shall be paid to the client and handled in accordance with legal requirements.
2.7 Submission Deadline
Once the order has been successfully placed, the items intended for the auction must be sent to Memorabilia Germany within fourteen (14) calendar days.
If no items are received within this period, Memorabilia Germany will send the client a reminder via email regarding the outstanding shipment of the items and grant a one-time extension of seven (7) calendar days.
If the goods are not received by the end of this grace period, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to cancel the order.
In this case, the processing costs incurred up to that point remain subject to payment. Memorabilia Germany charges a processing fee of XX% of the order value, with a minimum of XX €. Any payments already made in excess of this amount will be refunded accordingly.
2.8 Special Submission Cases
If the content of a submission does not correspond to the originally commissioned submission order, further processing will be carried out in accordance with the following principles.
If fewer items are submitted than were ordered, the submission order is deemed to have been placed for the originally ordered quantity. No pro-rata refund will be issued.
If more items are submitted than were ordered, Memorabilia Germany will inform the client of the discrepancy and coordinate with the client regarding the next steps and any necessary additional charges.
If items are submitted that do not correspond to the booked Submission Service, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to adjust the order accordingly, to the extent necessary to ensure proper submission. Any additional costs incurred as a result will be billed separately.
If the deviation cannot be clearly assigned to an existing submission service, further processing will be carried out after individual consultation with the client.
Example:
Booklet cards are being submitted even though a submission service for standard cards was booked. The submission will be processed through the appropriate service. Any additional costs incurred will be billed separately.
2.9 Rejection of a Bid
Memorabilia Germany reserves the right to exclude submitted items, in whole or in part, from a consignment if their condition significantly impairs proper processing or safe shipping.
This applies in particular to cases of obvious mold growth, strong odors, significant soiling, or similar circumstances that make processing unreasonable.
Before rejecting an item, Memorabilia Germany documents the condition of the items in question and informs the client of the decision that has been made.
If a submission is rejected for these reasons, the order will be canceled. Any amounts already paid will generally be refunded. In the event of a grossly improper submission, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to withhold a reasonable processing fee.
Memorabilia Germany does not conduct a substantive review for originality, forgeries, or other indicators of authenticity as part of its Submission Service.
3.1 Shipping to Memorabilia Germany
The client is responsible for the proper packaging and shipping of the items sent in until they are verifiably received by Memorabilia Germany.
Please follow the packaging instructions provided in the respective product descriptions.
Shipments are generally made at the customer’s risk.
3.2 Receiving Goods and Documentation
Upon receipt of the shipment, Memorabilia Germany inspects the shipment for completeness as well as for any visible damage caused during transit and obvious packaging defects.
The receipt of goods and the condition of the items sent in are documented through photographs and/or video recordings as part of insurance-related security documentation. This documentation serves, in particular, to ensure traceability of the shipment’s original condition and to facilitate any potential claims settlement with transportation service providers or insurers.
Existing or obvious damage does not, in principle, prevent the submission from proceeding, provided that it does not prevent the submission from being properly filed with CGC.
In such cases, there is generally no obligation to consult with the client in advance.
3.3 Packaging and Shipping During the Submission Process
Once the items have been successfully received, Memorabilia Germany will properly package the submitted items in accordance with the requirements of the respective submission service.
Memorabilia Germany arranges all transportation necessary for the submission process between Memorabilia Germany and CGC.
Customer items are insured along these shipping routes under a shipping insurance policy tailored specifically to the transport of high-value collectibles. The specific insurance coverage is based on the insured value applicable to the respective shipment, the agreed-upon maximum coverage limits, and the terms of the respective insurance contract.
3.4 Fair Market Value and Insurance
The client is required to provide a realistic fair market value for each property submitted.
The values provided are intended, in particular, to help select the appropriate CGC service level and to determine the required insurance coverage.
If it later turns out that the values provided are insufficient for a proper submission or for the required insurance coverage, Memorabilia Germany is entitled to adjust the submission accordingly and to make any necessary recalculations.
Unusual performance results that could not have been foreseen at the time the order was placed will be discussed with the client on a case-by-case basis.
3.5 Claims Settlement During the Bidding Process
If a loss, damage, or shortage occurs during a shipment organized by Memorabilia Germany, Memorabilia Germany will handle all communication and claims processing with the involved shipping providers, CGC, and the insurer.
The Client agrees to assist Memorabilia Germany to the extent necessary in determining the extent of the damage and processing the insurance claim, and to provide, upon request, appropriate documentation, in particular proof of value or proof of purchase.
Any compensation will be determined based on the terms of the respective insurance coverage, the applicable insured values, and the results of the respective claims investigation.
The estimate provided by the client does not automatically entitle the client to compensation in that amount.
Memorabilia Germany has no further liability for damages regardless of fault. The statutory liability provisions and the General Terms and Conditions remain unaffected.
3.6 Return Shipping
Once the submission process is complete, the processed items will be returned to the shipping address provided by the client.
Return shipments are always insured for their full value. To this end, Memorabilia Germany uses shipping insurance specifically tailored to the transport of high-value collectibles.
The specific insurance coverage is based on the insured value applicable to the respective bid, the agreed-upon maximum coverage limits, and the terms and conditions of the respective insurance contract.
We do not accept underinsured returns.
3.7 Refusal of Delivery or Unclaimed Returns
If a return shipment sent by Memorabilia Germany cannot be delivered for reasons attributable to the client, in particular due to a refusal to accept the package, failure to pick it up on time, or incorrect or incomplete address information, and if the shipment is returned to Memorabilia Germany, the client will be notified accordingly.
A new shipment will be sent only after payment has been received
• the shipping costs incurred again,
• any costs incurred by the shipping provider as a result of the return,
• as well as a flat-rate administrative fee of €9.99.
The shipping costs originally charged will not be refunded. Memorabilia Germany is entitled to withhold the returned item until it is reshipped.
3.8 Inspection Upon Receipt of the Returned Item
The client must inspect the returned shipment immediately upon receipt to ensure it is complete and to check for any visible damage caused during shipping.
Any obvious damage, missing items, or other complaints must be reported in writing to Memorabilia Germany no later than seven (7) calendar days after delivery.
The original packaging, including all packaging materials, must be retained until any damage assessment is complete. Upon request, appropriate photos, videos, or other evidence must be provided.
A late or incomplete damage report may hinder the enforcement of claims against transportation service providers or insurers. The client is responsible for any resulting disadvantages to the extent that they stem from a breach of the client’s duty to cooperate.
3.9 Partial Deliveries
As a general rule, all items related to an order are returned to the client together.
If the completion of individual items is delayed due to CGC or for other reasons beyond Memorabilia Germany’s control, Memorabilia Germany retains the right to consolidate the order until full repayment has been made.
A partial delivery may be made ahead of schedule at the client’s request, provided that this is logistically feasible.
The client shall bear the resulting additional shipping, insurance, and administrative costs.
3.10 Processing and Turnaround Times
All processing and turnaround times are based on experience and are not binding.
The actual processing time depends, in particular, on internal processing procedures, workload, and the processing times of CGC and other service providers involved.
Delays beyond Memorabilia Germany’s control generally do not give rise to any claims against Memorabilia Germany.
Whenever possible, Memorabilia Germany will notify the client of significant delays as soon as they become known.
3.11 Resubmissions
If, after a submission has been completed, an item is resubmitted to Memorabilia Germany, the responsibilities and the allocation of any resulting shipping and processing costs will depend on the reason for the resubmission.
If the cause lies within Memorabilia Germany’s area of responsibility or is due to an obvious processing or production error on the part of CGC or JSA that is recognized by Memorabilia Germany, Memorabilia Germany will handle the further processing of the matter.
If the resubmission is made at the client’s request or as part of a newly commissioned service, the client shall bear the resulting costs.
4.1 Decisions by CGC
All technical decisions made in connection with a bid are made exclusively by CGC or the respective authentication or evaluation companies involved.
This applies in particular to
• the assigned grade,
• authentication decisions,
• label texts,
• notes or remarks on labels,
• “Restoration,” “Qualified,” “Altered,” or similar classifications,
• as well as all other technical evaluations and decisions.
Memorabilia Germany has no influence over these decisions.
4.2 Scope of the Submission Service
When a submission service is commissioned, the contract covers only the professional organization and execution of the submission.
A right to
• a specific grade,
• a specific authentication decision,
• a specific label design,
• a specific market value,
• or any other economic success
does not exist.
4.3 Obvious Processing Errors
If Memorabilia Germany determines that there are obvious processing or production errors on the part of CGC or JSA, Memorabilia Germany will assist the client within the framework of the complaint or correction procedures established by CGC or JSA, respectively.
There is no entitlement to the initiation or success of such proceedings.
4.4 Market Value Trends
Memorabilia Germany has no influence over changes in the market value of items submitted.
This applies in particular to increases or decreases in value or other market changes resulting from sporting events, market trends, auction results, economic developments, or other circumstances beyond Memorabilia Germany’s control.
Under applicable law, there is no right to compensation for lost sales opportunities or lost profits.
4.5 Force Majeure
Delays or other disruptions to the conduct of an auction may arise, in particular, due to events of force majeure or other circumstances beyond Memorabilia Germany’s control.
These include, in particular, natural disasters, pandemics, government measures, customs restrictions, strikes, cyberattacks, disruptions affecting international transportation or logistics service providers, and similar unforeseeable events.
To the extent possible, Memorabilia Germany will notify the client of any significant delays resulting from this.
5.1 Changes to the Rule Book
Memorabilia Germany reserves the right to amend this CGC Submission Rule Book in the future, provided there is a legitimate interest in doing so.
For each submission order, only the version of this Rule Book published at the time the order was placed shall apply.
5.2 Severability Clause
Should any provision of this CGC Submission Rule Book be or become invalid, in whole or in part, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.
Any provision that is invalid or unenforceable shall be replaced by a provision permitted by law that most closely reflects the economic purpose of the original provision.
5.3 Language Version
This CGC Submission Rule Book is available in several languages.
Only the German-language version published at the time the order is placed shall be authoritative.
