Local comic shops that accept CGC grading submissions — skip the direct shipping cost and drop off your books at an authorized retailer in your state. Includes CBCS and CBCS-authorized shops.
CGC authorization status changes — always call ahead to confirm a shop is currently an authorized CGC retailer before submitting books. The official CGC retailer list is at cgccomics.com/retailer-locator.
🏅 How CGC Drop-Off Works
01
Find an authorized shop
Use the directory below or filter shops.html by "CGC Drop-Off" to find an authorized CGC retailer near you. Call ahead to confirm current authorization.
02
Prepare your books
Bag and board each book. Know the declared value — this determines the service tier. Fill out the CGC submission form (printable at cgccomics.com) or the shop may have physical forms.
03
Submit at the shop
Drop off your books with the completed submission form and payment. The shop handles packing and shipping. Ask for the submission confirmation number to track your order on CGC's website.
04
Track & receive
Track your submission at cgccomics.com/mysubmissions using your order number. Graded books are shipped back to the shop for pickup, or directly to you depending on the shop's policy.
New York City's largest comic book store — three Manhattan locations carrying the deepest new issue selection in the US. Massive back issue department, CGC submission, and weekly new releases every Wednesday.
Chicago's beloved comic institution since 1975. Multiple locations across Chicagoland with huge new issue inventory, extensive back issue bins, CGC submissions accepted, and strong Silver Age selection.
Texas's largest comic book chain with 8 locations across the DFW metroplex. Enormous back issue selection spanning 60+ years of comics, CGC submissions, buy/sell/trade, and one of the most active spec communities in Texas.
Burbank's go-to comic shop, steps from the Warner Bros. and Disney lots. Strong LA entertainment industry collector clientele, deep variant cover selection, CGC submissions, and weekly creator signings from industry professionals.
Award-winning Maryland comic shop with a reputation for exceptional customer service and a deeply curated selection. Pull list subscriptions, CGC submissions, and one of the best creator networking communities on the East Coast.
A Hollywood institution since 1979. Melrose Avenue's legendary comic shop with celebrity clientele, deep back issue and variant section, weekly CGC submissions, and an unmatched collection of signed and sketch-cover editions.
North Carolina's most beloved comic shop, serving the UNC community since 1977. Deep new issue selection, comprehensive back issue bins, CGC drop-off, and a reader-first approach that's earned a cult following across the Southeast.
Portland's friendliest comic shop. New issues every Wednesday, large graphic novel section, CGC submissions, and an especially strong indie and alternative comics selection reflecting Portland's unique comics culture.
North Carolina's largest comic shop with 7,000+ sq ft. Massive new issue wall, 500,000+ back issues, CGC and CBCS submissions, and a dedicated children's section making it one of the most family-friendly LCS in the Southeast.
LA's premier Golden and Silver Age specialist. Decades of expertise in pre-Code horror, Golden Age superhero, and key Silver Age books. CGC submissions accepted with in-house pressing service — one of the best in the West Coast.
CollectibleFind lists 30+ verified comic book creators who cover CGC grading strategy, pressing vs. cleaning, which books to submit, and how to read CGC census data for investment decisions.
CGC authorized retailers can accept grading submissions on your behalf — they package and ship your books as part of a bulk submission, which can qualify for better service tier pricing and eliminates your individual shipping risk. You pay the shop directly (CGC's fee plus any handling fee the shop charges). The shop receives your graded books back from CGC and notifies you for pickup.
CGC's base Economy tier is currently around $30–$42 per book for comics with a declared value under $400, with a 65-day estimated turnaround. Modern tier is approximately $65 per book with faster turnaround. Express and Walkthrough tiers are available for urgent submissions at higher costs. Your local shop may add a handling fee of $3–$10 per book. Always ask for the full cost breakdown in writing before submitting.
Pressing uses gentle heat and pressure to remove non-structural defects — light creases, spine rolls, and minor page bends that would otherwise cost points. On key issues, a successful press can raise a grade by 1–3 points, which can dramatically increase value. Pressing is not restoration and does not affect CGC grade eligibility. Many shops that offer CGC drop-off also offer pressing services or partner with professional pressers. The cost-benefit analysis depends on the book's value and the cost delta between grades.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) is the most recognized and liquid grading service — CGC holders command the highest secondary market premiums. CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service) is a strong competitor with similar grading standards, accepted by most dealers and auction houses. PGX is considered less authoritative by the collector community and its holders typically trade at a discount to equivalent CGC copies. For maximum resale value, CGC is the standard.
Grade comics where the certified premium exceeds the grading cost. Key first appearances, low-print newsstand editions, death issues, error variants, and books tied to upcoming MCU/DCEU announcements return the best grading ROI. For a book valued at $50 raw, paying $65 for grading only makes sense if a high grade slab would sell for $150+. Comics in 9.0+ condition from the early Bronze Age backward are almost always worth grading if they are key issues.
Yes — if a creator is appearing at your local comic shop or a nearby convention, CGC offers witnessed signing where a CGC representative (or authorized witness) certifies the signature in person. The book is then graded and labeled as Signature Series. This is the most valuable form of signed comics. Check the CGC Signing Schedule at cgccomics.com for upcoming witnessed signing events. Some shops organize private CGC signing sessions with notable creators.