FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS.

A graded card — commonly called a "slab" in the collector community — is a trading card that has been inspected, authenticated, and graded by a professional third-party grading company. The card is assigned a numerical grade, typically on a scale of 1 to 10, where higher grades represent better condition.

After grading, the card is sealed inside a hard plastic case (the "slab") with a label showing the grading company, the card details, the grade, and a unique certification number. This process authenticates the card and protects it from damage.

Why does grading matter? A graded card provides confidence in its authenticity and condition, which is why graded cards often carry significantly higher market values than ungraded copies of the same card.

Yes — the selection is genuinely predefined distribution. When payment is confirmed, a selection value between 0.000001 and 1.000000 is generated. The inventory composition for your selected price tier determine the value tier your card comes from.

Once the value tier is determined, a second predefined selection picks one specific card from all available cards in that tier currently loaded in the machine. Cards are evenly distributed across available inventory within each tier.

Every transaction is logged with the predefined seed, tier selected, and card dispensed for full auditability. Selection distributions are fixed and do not change based on previous outcomes, time of day, or any other external factor.

Full odds are available on our Odds & Inventory page. Here's a quick summary:

Essential ($29): Includes rookie cards, star players, and notable collectibles across hockey, baseball, basketball, and Pokémon.

Premium ($59): Includes premium rookies, short prints, and higher-demand collectibles across all categories.

Elite ($99): Includes rare parallels, vintage cards, and elite collectibles across all categories.

Every purchase results in the customer receiving a professionally graded trading card — Every purchase results in a professionally graded collectible card.

After your card is revealed on screen, you have the option to submit a sell request to our buying team — this is entirely optional and completely separate from your purchase.

If you choose to explore selling, you'll see an estimated offer range based on current market conditions. Tap "Submit Sale Request," enter your name, email, and phone number, and tap Finish. You'll receive an email confirmation immediately.

Response time: For a single card, our buying team typically reviews and responds within minutes. For larger collection submissions, it may take a little longer.

Payment: If you accept our offer, payment is sent via Interac e-Transfer within one business day.

We accept all major payment methods — no cash required. You can pay using:

Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, and other major cards
Debit cards: All major debit cards
Mobile payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay
Tap to Pay: Any contactless-enabled card or device

All payments are processed securely through our payment terminal. Your payment information is never stored on the machine.

All purchases are final. Because each transaction results in a specific card being selected from available inventory and provided to you, we are unable to offer refunds once payment is confirmed.

If you experience a technical issue with the machine — for example, a payment is processed but the machine fails to dispense your card or display your selected card — please contact us immediately at [email protected] with your transaction details. We will investigate and resolve any machine errors.

If you are unhappy with your card, you may choose to keep it as part of your collection. Slab ATM also operates a separate card-buying program for collectors interested in selling cards. This program is independent of the original purchase.

Slab ATM is recommended for ages 18 and over. Customers under 18 may use the machine with parent or guardian permission.

At checkout, you will be required to confirm that you are 18 or older, or that you have parent/guardian permission to proceed. This confirmation is part of the standard checkout process at the machine.

Our card-buying program accepts cards graded by all major recognized grading companies. This includes PSA, CGC, BGS, SGC, TAG, HGA, KSA, AGS, MNT, ISA, GMA, BCCG, TGA, and others. We also accept cards that are verified authentic even if not numerically graded.

For the vending machines, all cards loaded into inventory are professionally graded by one of these recognized companies. The grading company and grade are displayed on screen during the card reveal so you can verify the card's authentication before deciding whether to keep it.

If you are unsure whether the grading company on your card is accepted for our buying program, simply submit an inquiry through the Sell Your Cards section and our team will review it.

No. Slab ATM is a retail vending experience.

Each purchase results in the customer receiving a physical, professionally graded trading card — a tangible, authenticated collectible.

Customers are purchasing a collectible item from curated inventory. Cards are selected based on available inventory using a structured distribution system designed to maintain a balanced mix of collectible cards across categories and tiers.

The optional card-buying program is a completely separate service and is not part of the purchase transaction.

What you are buying is a collectible item — a graded trading card from our curated inventory. Cards are selected from our available inventory using a distribution system designed to maintain a balanced mix of collectible cards across categories and tiers.

The optional card-buying program is a completely separate service operated by Slab ATM's buying team. It is a separate, independent card-purchasing service.

We offer two flexible partnership models to suit your venue's preferences:

Revenue Share: You earn a percentage of every transaction processed at your location. This model means your earnings grow proportionally with the machine's performance — higher foot traffic and volume supports a stronger programme.

Fixed Monthly Amount: A predetermined fixed payment made to your venue on a regular schedule, regardless of transaction volume. This model offers predictability for venues that prefer consistent income.

The right model depends on your venue type, foot traffic, and preference. We'll discuss the options with you during our initial conversation and structure an agreement that works for both parties.

Our machine is modular — a main unit with optional extension pieces that attach to either side.

Essential (80 card capacity): Main unit only. Footprint approximately 600mm × 600mm. Best for smaller spaces or venues where floor space is limited.

Standard (140 card capacity): Main unit plus one extension. Footprint approximately 1,000mm × 600mm. The most common configuration for mall corridors and bar venues.

Large (200 card capacity): Main unit plus two extensions. Footprint approximately 1,400mm × 600mm. Best for high-traffic locations where maximum inventory visibility is an advantage.

All configurations include the full feature set: 43" touchscreen, LED lighting, payment terminal, and backlit lightbox topper on each unit. We'll work with you to determine the best fit for your available space.

Everything is handled by Slab ATM. Your team has no obligation to interact with the machine beyond directing curious customers toward it.

Specifically, we manage: machine installation and setup, inventory sourcing and restocking, software updates and remote monitoring, routine maintenance and repairs, and all customer inquiries and support.

We remotely monitor every machine for inventory levels, machine status, and transaction activity. When inventory gets low or an issue is detected, we arrange restocking or a service visit without needing to contact your team.

Agreement terms are discussed and negotiated with each venue partner individually. We understand that different venues have different lease structures, planning horizons, and operational needs — so we structure agreements to align with your venue's operational requirements.

Typical agreements cover: machine placement and space requirements, the revenue model (revenue share or fixed amount), restocking access and service arrangements, and agreement duration and renewal terms.

Submit an inquiry through our Host a Machine page to start the conversation — there's no obligation at the inquiry stage.

Installation is straightforward. The machine requires a standard electrical outlet and a clear floor space matching the machine's footprint. No permanent fixtures, plumbing, or special infrastructure is needed.

Once the machine is positioned and connected, our team loads the initial inventory, activates the software, and runs a full test of all functions before going live. The entire process typically takes a few hours on-site.

We'll coordinate timing with your venue management to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.

The Slab ATM machine is purpose-built to look premium rather than generic. The body features a matte black carbon fiber aesthetic with gold LED lighting that runs along the perimeter, corners, and around the touchscreen. A backlit lightbox sign sits on top displaying the Slab ATM branding.

The machine is designed to be a visual focal point rather than blend into the background — it's meant to attract attention and draw foot traffic. Most venues find it enhances rather than detracts from the look of the space.

Concept renders and photos are available on request. Submit an inquiry and we'll include visuals in our follow-up.