[Lordstan]

i didn't say you shouldn't get it done.

I think items fall into 2 categories.

1) Personal collection items--- I would never send my personal items, regardless of which kind of item, in for grading and would not pay extra for an item that was graded. I would pay more for a higher quality signature, but having a number grade means nothing to me as it's only someone's opinion. I think this really holds especially true for things that can fade like autos. An autographed photo or ball can fade, even under the best of circumstances. So what happens if a ball that was graded a 10 fades in 20yrs? You aren't going to get the same resale price regardless of the label, so why bother? IMHO, the only reason to grade a personal item is the pride/bragging rights of being able to say you have an item graded 10. I don't think it makes the personal enjoyment of the item greater unless the bragging rights are the reason that person collects.

2) Items that will be sold in the short term---To me this would depend on the selling price difference between ungraded and graded. If a certed, but ungraded Mantle 8x10 with a perfect sig sells for $200 and the same certed Mantle 8x10 graded a 10 sells for $400, but the grade cost is only $20, it is certainly financially worth it to do the grading. If the sale price is the same then you are wasting your money.