posted on December 23, 2000 04:00:50 PM
Is anybody aware of what a crock the whole baseball card grading system is?
They take cards that are in O.K. condition, seal them in a protective container, and then call them "MINT".
What a scam. I guess if you're paying them to grade your cards, they do you the courtesy of grading them higher (more valubale) and sealing them so no one can ascertain the real condition.
posted on December 23, 2000 04:08:06 PM
Get used to it, third party grading is here and will be the future of collectible cards, coins and comics.
Buyers are sick of lame sellers claiming they have something they usually do not. If collecting high grade specimens it's the only way to go.
Edited to add that sealing them keeps them in their graded condition and also you can see the item very clearly through the holder.
Ain't Life Grand...
[ edited by twelvepole on Dec 23, 2000 04:09 PM ]
posted on December 23, 2000 04:36:36 PM
I agree: it's a total crock. True that condition grading has always been a subjective thing and a seller will tend to overgrade. But PSA has proven over and again that despite all their rules and procedures, they can't seem to loose that subjectivity.
posted on December 23, 2000 08:10:01 PMpowderblue if PSA or one of the other grading services says it is a "Mint" card, I would believe them over a non-graded card any day. Card grading by individual sellers has become the joke and that is the reason for the third party grading services. That is my point.
Ain't Life Grand...
posted on December 23, 2000 09:20:15 PM
"They take cards that are in O.K. condition, seal them in a protective container, and then call them "MINT". What a scam."
Who is "they"? There are at least a dozen grading companies. Reputable companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC will grade them how they should be graded.
posted on December 23, 2000 11:10:38 PM
Go to ebay and see their authentication section, I believe it has most of them on there. I used PSA last year and if I remember it cost me $20? to get a card graded for a gift.
posted on December 24, 2000 05:23:28 AM
Yes, PSA charges $20 and if I were into this (which I am not but have bought and searched for cards for a friend) I would certainly buy a graded card over a nongraded. Of course ,we're talking cards that are selling at over $300 and up into the thousands.
Would you want to spend that kind of money just on the word of a seller who says "looks like it ought to be a 9 at least"?
Racket? I think rather that these grading companies found a niche market and you can believe them because their reputation is at stake. Wouldn't take too many mis-gradings to put them out of business.
As for the plastic, that only insures that the card stays at it's grading level.It's very easy for a card to lose it's value from handling or accidents if it's not protected.
posted on December 24, 2000 09:17:48 PM
You can actually get cards graded much more cheaply if you do it in bulk. Also, eBay will credit your account if you use PSA through them...about 10% I think. Last time I talked to some friends and we sent in a bunch of cards, took the option which takes the longes time to get them back, and sent in a bunch. It was about 8 bucks a card, I think. PSA is the world standard. You can sell a PSA card based on its barcode! Personally, I do it with cards I like to protect them and display them. Hope this is useful info!
