Authentication Process
What happens between the seller shipping a card and it arriving at your door
Every card passes through Tierdrop before it reaches you
Nothing ships seller-to-buyer directly. Every card comes to Tierdrop first, where it's checked for authenticity, condition and listing accuracy by our review team. Buyers know what they're getting, and sellers are protected by a documented, consistent process.
Authentication
Our authentication confirms what you are buying: a genuine card, accurately listed, in the stated condition. It isn't a professional grade and doesn't predict one. For how conditions work, see the Conditioning Guideline.
Seller ships to TierdropThe exact listed card is sent to us with tracking, not straight to the buyer.
STEP01
Documented arrivalThe parcel's arrival and opening are recorded, along with the card's condition the moment we first access it. From that point, the card is tracked through every step until dispatch.
STEP02
Authentication and listing checkWe confirm the card is genuine, check for alteration or tampering concerns, and make sure it matches the listing.
STEP03
Condition reviewA reviewer checks the entire card under consistent lighting, including a tilt pass for foil and surface issues, and compares it with our Condition Standard.
STEP04
Independent double-checkIf everything checks out, the card is approved. If something's off, we follow the outcome rules (see outcome section below).
STEP05
OutcomeAfter review, the card will either pass, require buyer confirmation for a minor discrepancy, or not pass authentication.
STEP06
Secure dispatchApproved cards are packed with final photos taken and shipped to the buyer with tracking.
STEP07
What we check
Authenticity
Is the card genuine, unaltered and free from tampering concerns?Condition
How does the card actually look, judged against Tierdrop's condition standard?Listing accuracy
Is this the exact card listed, with the stated details and any printing errors disclosed?For graded cards
We verify the holder, label, certification details and visible card details against the listing. We do not re-grade the card inside the holder. Material holder damage, tampering concerns or mismatches may prevent the card from passing authentication.
What we do not do
Your card is handled, not altered. We do not:
- clean, wipe, press, flatten or otherwise alter a card or holder
- open sealed graded holders
- assign professional grades or predict grading outcomes
- skip steps to meet a delivery date
Cards are reviewed as received. We do not clean, alter or attempt to improve their condition.
The possible outcomes
In every case, the decision is backed by the review record: the confirmed condition, reviewer notes and evidence photos.
| OUTCOME | WHAT IT MEANS |
|---|---|
| Pass | The card is genuine and matches the listing. It is shipped to the buyer. |
| Buyer confirmation required | The card is genuine, but we found a minor difference from the listing. The buyer will have 5 business days to decide whether to proceed. If we don't receive a response, we'll cancel the order and issue a full refund. |
| Returned to seller | The buyer declined to proceed or did not respond within 5 business days. The order is cancelled, fully refunded, and the card is returned to the seller. |
| Doesn't pass authentication | The card is damaged, cannot be authenticated with confidence, or otherwise does not meet Tierdrop's requirements. The order is cancelled and the buyer is fully refunded. |