As an avid collector, I wanted to have some Pokémon cards graded and decided to try the service from AOG (Absolute Objective Grading). Here I share my experience and explain how the grading process works at AOG.
1. Ordering and submission
Ordering: The ordering process at AOG was straightforward. Unlike other providers such as PSA, AOG doesn't require you to specify the card in advance. You simply select the desired label; I opted for the brushed chrome/white design.
Submission: What immediately struck me was that, unlike with PSA, cards can also be submitted in toploaders. This could be an advantage for some, as toploaders are more common compared to Card Savers. I received the empty toploaders back with the returned cards after grading.
2. Arrival and registration
Registration: After sending my cards, I received confirmation of receipt. AOG sent me a link to a YouTube video documenting the card registration and recording process. This transparency builds trust. I knew that my cards had arrived safely and were correctly recorded.
Tracking: Throughout the entire process, I received notifications about each step. This kept me informed about the current location of my cards and what would happen next.
3. Assessment and Grading
Grading process: AOG uses modern technologies to evaluate the cards. This includes centering, corners, edges, and surface. The use of high-resolution scanners and specialized software ensures an objective and precise evaluation.
Subcategories and Scans: A standout feature of AOG is the detailed breakdown of the rating into subcategories. Once the rating was available, I was able to view it online, including high-resolution scans of the front and back. I found the beta feature particularly impressive, as it visually indicates where critical points or flaws on the map are located, along with detailed explanations. A population report also shows how often the map has been graded on AOG and places my rated map in the ranking.
4. Sealing and return shipping
Sealing: The cards were sealed in high-quality cases. The AOG slabs are slightly heavier, thicker, and more rounded compared to the PSA slabs, which are easier to stack due to their sharp edges. The chrome label I chose gave a professional and aesthetically pleasing impression, though this is certainly a matter of personal taste. 
Return shipping: The entire process, from sending in the cards to receiving them back, took about 20 business days. The evaluation was available after 12 days. The graded cards arrived safely packaged.
Conclusion
Overall, I was impressed with AOG's service. In particular, the transparency and the detailed subcategories of the rating are, in my opinion, unique. The ratings were easy to understand. I was amazed at how detailed the evaluation was. They even identified flaws that are barely visible to the naked eye.
Although PSA remains the most well-known provider, AOG, as a German company, offers an excellent alternative. The option to send in cards in toploaders and the high-quality sealing make AOG a highly recommended choice for collectors.
Click here for AOG's grading services : https://ao-grading.com/
Note: AOG provided the grading. This did not influence my opinion or the report. The described experiences and ratings are based on my own assessment and experiences.
