Q: What types of cigar labels does GCLGS grade?
A: GCLGS
grades and protects inner and outer labels, proofs and
samples. In addition, GCLGS grades and protects other kinds
of cigar art including flaps, nail tags, end labels, cigar
bands, top tags, back flaps and advertisements. Our standard
label size for grading and archiving is 10 by 7 inches.
For larger sizes please call GCLGS for pricing. In
addition, GCLGS grades untitled labels. The assigned title
will be a brief description of the image.
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Q:
Why should I grade my cigar labels?
A: Each
cigar label is a highly valued work of art. They are bought
and sold world-wide via major auction and private treaty
sales. GCLGS services are a way to consistently determine
the quality and authenticity of each cigar label. Grading
will assure buyers and sellers that they are buying or
selling a label that is graded by independent experts using
consistent standards. Professionally graded collectibles
have historically attracted new collectors, resulting in
strong demand and increased liquidity.
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Q: What are the GCLGS grading standards?
A: GCLGS
uses established grading standards that have used for many
years within the cigar label collecting community. They
have been further refined by GCLGS to provide consistency.
For detailed grading definitions, go to: GCLGS
grading standards.
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Q:
How is my Cigar Label encapsulated and preserved?
A: It
is extremely important that antique paper artifacts (Some
cigar labels are well over 100 years old.) are preserved
properly. Other then careless handling, acidic conditions
are the cigar label’s greatest enemy. Yesterday’s
scrap books, slipcases, boxes, matting cardboard, and vinyl
holders can cause rapid damage. The GCLGS graded
cigar label is encapsulated in an inert polyester film
that is approved by the Library of Congress for use in
archival storage (Library of Congress specification number
500-500-5/31/95).
The encapsulation is sonically welded and sealed, resulting
in a durable, tamper resistant, crystal clear display. All
of the materials used in the encapsulation of your label
are chemically-inert and acid-free. The high-clarity polyester
film is treated on both sides for protection, brilliance and to prevent slippage.
In addition, because GCLGS goes
to great length to preserve your artwork, we offer
an archival with no grade option. Once
your label is encapsulated, the life expectancy of your
artwork should be extended indefinitely with proper storage
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Q:
How do I submit my labels to GCLGS for grading and archival?
A: Use GCLGS
submission forms that are available online or in traditional
paper form.Go to www.GCLGS.com,
where you can either print a submission form or complete
and print the form online. Paper submission forms
can also be sent by mail. Contact GCLGS directly
or one of our authorized dealers.
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Q:
How do I determine service types and costs for entry
on the submission form?
A: GCLGS
has tried to make this easy by providing a Service
Fee Schedule on the submission form. The Service
Fee Schedule is based on service type and declared value.
Each submission form will require you to enter a service
type for the order. Using the Service
Fee Schedule and
declared value, calculate the cost for each label. Once
this is complete, add up your costs and enter the total.
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Q: How
do I determine the declared value of my labels?
A:GCGLS requires
that you state the declared value of each label on your
submission form. This information is used to determine
your service level and insurance fees. Declared values
can be obtained from any recent price guide. More up-to-date
pricing information can be obtained on the Astral Online
Price Guide or ‘The Price Guide Book of Cigar Label
Art,” edited by Rupert Knowles. To help you
determine values, GCLGS offers a link to the Astral
Online Price Guide. If a label cannot be found in a price
guide, it is recommended that you declare an insurance
value that you are comfortable with.
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Q:
How do I determine the return shipping and handling costs?
A:Customer
is responsible for shipment and insurance costs to and
from GCLGS. GCLGS has provided a shipping
and handling chart to use in determining return shipping
and handling fees. Based on your total declared value,
locate the return shipping costs. Enter the total shipping
and handling fee on the front of the form. For other shipment
options such as UPS or FEDEX, please call GCLGS to inquire.
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Q: Can I mix service
types on the submission form?
A: No.
GCLGS does not allow mixing of service types on one submission
form. Service types and their codes are listed near
the top of the submission form. If you would like to submit
labels using multiple service types, please complete a
separate submission form for each service type. All items
submitted under the same service type can be put on one
submission form. Please calculate cost based on each
service type. If more than twenty lines are needed, an
additional form for the same submission may be attached. If
multiple submission forms are used for one submission of
one service type, they must be mailed together in the same
package.
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Q:
What is the Archival Only Service Request?
A: The
GCLGS holder provides the highest standards of preservation
for your cigar label art. Archival Only submissions
are not sent through the grading process, but the same
archival quality holder (approved by the Library of Congress)
is used. Once your label is encapsulated, the life
expectancy of your artwork should be extended (with proper
storage conditions). In addition, your label art
will be authenticated, recorded and described using the
same GCLGS barcode as that of graded labels. The encapsulated
label is further protected in a polypropylene three-hole
sleeve for shipment. This will allow your label to be easily
stored in a three-ring binder. The end result is
a handsome enclosure, and labels are viewable on both sides.
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Q:
Can I request other types of labels besides inners and outers?
A: Yes,
flaps, nail tags, end labels, cigar bands, top tags, back
flaps, and advertisements can be graded and archived by
GCLGS. For non-standard labels, enter “Other” in
the Label Type or Size column on the submission
form. Our maximum size for standard grading and archiving
is 10 by 7 inches. For larger sizes please call GCLGS for
pricing.
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Q:
Can I create submissions online?
A: All
labels must be listed on a submission form in order to
be graded. Submission forms can be completed and printed
online, or completed manually using a paper form. All labels
received at GCLGS must be accompanied by a submission form.
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Q:
When does Service Time start?
A: Turnaround
time is based on type of service indicated. Service
time begins when your shipment is received and any submission
errors are corrected.
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Q: Can I send
multiple orders in the same package?
A: Yes, you can send more then one
submission form in your shipping package. However,
each submission service type will be considered a separate
order.
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Q: How
do I package my labels for mailing to GCLGS?
A: Customer
is responsible for shipment and insurance costs to and
from GCLGS. Each label must be
individually packaged in a protective sheet or sleeve. Labels
need to be securely packaged using stiff cardboard or
equivalent protective insert. Stamp or write “Do
Not Bend” on the outside of your package. Include
a copy of the completed submission form. It is highly
recommended that you insure your labels when mailing
to GCLGS. You will be notified immediately if your
package is received with any type of damage.
Mail packages
with submission forms to:
GCLGS
1175 Rickett Rd.
Suite 4
Brighton, MI 48116 |
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Q: How do I know when
you receive my labels?
A: You will receive an automatic
notification via the e-mail address you provided on
the submission form.
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Q: How does the shipping
time affect the turnaround of my order?
A: Service
level turnaround time does not include transit time to
or from the GCLGS facility. Transit times also
vary according to the carrier that you use. Please contact
your shipping carrier for more information.
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Q:
How are my labels protected while at the GCLGS Facility?
A: Protection
of your valuables is of the highest importance at GCLGS.
The GCLGS facility is protected by a 24/7 security system
and trained personnel. Once we receive your labels, GCLGS
follows a strict procedure for internal tracking and
safety. The process includes internal order tracking
and secure storage of your labels. Our staff is well-trained
in safety and archival procedures. In addition,
GCLGS carries liability insurance while your valuables
are on the premises.
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Q:
What are the qualifications of GCLGS graders?
A: GCLGS
is an independent grading service employing highly skilled
graders. Each grader is extensively trained by our expert
consultants. Our consultants have over twenty years of
experience handling cigar label art exclusively.Each
label is graded and finalized by a consultant. Graders
do not buy or sell cigar labels. In addition, GCLGS is
an active member of the Ephemera Society of America (ESA),
and the Society of American Archivists (SAA).
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Q:
What happens if GCLGS does not meet service level turnaround
time?
A: If
everything is received in good order, GCLGS guarantees
the turnaround time specified. Turnaround time may be
affected by inaccurate submission information, packages
that are received in damaged condition or packages that
are not clearly marked. In such cases you will
be notified. The new service time start date will
be the date when all issues are resolved.
In the case that GCLGS does not meet the specified turnaround
time, there will only be a charge for the service level
that was achieved. In addition, you will receive a grading
voucher for the price difference between the requested
service price and the actual administered service price.
This voucher can be applied to any future grading service
request.
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Q:
Is there a chance my label cannot be graded?
A: Yes, a label will not be graded
for the following reasons:
1.
Evidence of restoration such as re-coloring or significant repair
2. If the
label is altered in any way
3. Questionable
authenticity (such as a forgery or a reproduction)
4.
Major damage
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Q:
Will I receive a refund if one or more of my labels cannot
be graded?
A: You
will receive a voucher for the service fee, good towards
any future submissions.
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Q:
How do I submit labels using a voucher as payment?
A: The
voucher must accompany your submission. Enter the voucher
amount in the space provided on the submission form, and
subtract the voucher amount to determine total due. Attach
vouchers to the submission form. |
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Q:
If I remove a label from its GCLGS holder, is the grade
still guaranteed?
A: GCLGS
only guarantees the assigned grade if the GCLGS holder
has not been tampered with.
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Q:
How can I be certain that any GCLGS graded label I purchase
is authentic?
A:GCLGS
records all labels with a certification number and encrypted
barcode. In addition, all labels are housed in a tamper
resistant enclosure. You can call GCLGS to verify that
we have recorded the certification number and that it corresponds
to your label. To determine authenticity the barcode will
need to be provided to GCLGS for scanning. |
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Q:
How will I know my submission status?
A: By accessing www.gclgs.com you
can inquire on the status of your order by clicking
on submission status. You will need to enter order
number. We track the order by date received and date
order shipped.
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Q:
Is there a way to determine the rarity of a GCLGS certified
label?
A: GCLGS
populates a database with certification numbers and grades
of labels that have been submitted. Periodically, this
population report will be updated and made available for
purchase. |
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Q:
Can I become a GCLGS submitting dealer?
A: Please
contact GCLGS if you are interested in becoming an authorized
dealer. |
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