PSA Vs. SGC

[ClementeFanOh]

I don't think so, Peter- my point was spot on. I wish I had a dollar for every "collector" who remarked they just wanted PSA cards. They don't ask about a specific card's quality, descriptions, etc- they are merely seeking the bottom line. I guess I'll grudgingly say "good for PSA", as it must be nice to be richly rewarded for incredibly spotty work; however, most folks focus on PSA strictly out of bottom line concerns. So, my point remains.

[ruth_rookie]

+1. In addition, newbies into the hobby/business are jumping on the PSA Bandwagon too by exclusively purchasing PSA, which only exacerbates the issue. I personally know of two high-income guys entering our beloved pastime and will only buy PSA. I’ve tried selling them on SGC to no avail.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

I don't think so, Peter- my point was spot on. I wish I had a dollar for every "collector" who remarked they just wanted PSA cards. They don't ask about a specific card's quality, descriptions, etc- they are merely seeking the bottom line. I guess I'll grudgingly say "good for PSA", as it must be nice to be richly rewarded for incredibly spotty work; however, most folks focus on PSA strictly out of bottom line concerns. So, my point remains.

And did PSA magically get to be more expensive in a vacuum, or did it get there because people favored them?

[ClementeFanOh]

Peter- there was no magic involved, which you already knew. PSA was "first", which some people equate with being best. (You may recall a recent time in the American automotive industry when consumers bought cars simply because they were American, despite overwhelming evidence the product had deteriorated. Over time, even lots of those hard liners gave up and bought better made vehicles)…
Back to the original question, which was which grader does the reader "respect", my answer and point remains the same. I "respect" the company which actually gets the grade RIGHT a high percentage of the time and which employs good customer service as well. There will be folks who say they respect PSA more; however, that respect is almost exclusively pecuniary in nature, because the grading consistency and accuracy just ain't there. Again, 3 cheers to PSA for making truckloads of cash despite delivering mediocre product; however, that result does not equate to "respect" or "proficiency".

[Peter_Spaeth]

To me there's still an element of circularity to say people prefer PSA because it sells for more. Sales prices are a function of supply and demand, so there has to be a reason for the demand and I don't believe at this point it's just first-mover advantage, that was used up a long long time ago. I understand your perspective though.

[steve B]