Turnaround times: what affects restoration timelines
Most collectors aren’t asking for a guarantee; they just want clear expectations. Here’s what typically affects turnaround, what slows things down, and how to keep your order moving smoothly.
The big drivers of turnaround
- Volume: how many cards are currently in the queue.
- Complexity: light cleaning vs multi-step restoration.
- Condition risk: fragile surfaces or prior alterations require extra caution.
- Communication: approvals and questions can pause work.
- Shipping time: transit both ways is part of the “calendar time.”
Why some jobs take longer
Some surfaces (certain foils, glossy finishes, older inks) can be more sensitive. When a card is high value or delicate, the approach is slower and more conservative to reduce risk.
When a card needs multiple improvements (cleaning + residue removal + surface correction), it can require staged work with checks in between rather than a single pass.
How to avoid delays (collector checklist)
- Send clear photos up front: front, back, and close-ups of problem areas.
- Be clear about your goal: “display-ready” vs “as safe as possible” vs “minimum intervention.”
- Ship properly: damage in transit can reset everything.
- Reply quickly to questions: approvals keep work moving.
- Group shipments: sending multiple small packages creates more intake overhead.
A realistic way to think about timelines
Think in ranges, not exact dates. The best studios will communicate a range, update you when something changes, and prioritize safety over speed. If you have a hard deadline (gift, event, display), mention it early; we can tell you if it’s realistic.