This is the problem with grading...

[CMIZ5290]

I have bought many, many cards from rick probstein over the past several years. I have never suspected anything pertaining some of these accusations that are being made on this thread. I have paid good money for some, and gotten good buys on others like last night ( psa 7 ed reulbach for $996, the last psa 7 sold for over $2k). I think alot of people that make these statements really need to have there ducks in a row, as people can be made accountable for such comments.......

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by CMIZ5290

I think alot of people that make these statements really need to have there ducks in a row, as people can be made accountable for such comments.......

Pull your head out of the sand. I think Probstein needs to get his ducks in a row and explain (at the very least) why he allows his consignors to shill their own auctions.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Pull your head out of the sand. I think Probstein needs to get his ducks in a row and explain (at the very least) why he allows his consignors to shill their own auctions.

And how would you suggest he stop it, put a block on every single consignor? Monitor every one of his hundreds of auctions to see every bid?

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

And how would you suggest he stop it, put a block on every single consignor? Monitor every one of his hundreds of auctions to see every bid?

I don't understand Peter, auction houses are expected to monitor bids, why not on eBay?

I think he can at the very least check red flags, like this bright red one here.

I also think he should address the issue better, he could at least stop accepting consignments from this guy. I buy from Rick sometimes and I'd like to have the same piece of mind that I get from buying from AHs that I trust.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

I don't understand Peter, auction houses are expected to monitor bids, why not on eBay?

I think he can at the very least check red flags, like this bright red one here.

I also think he should address the issue better, he could at least stop accepting consignments from this guy. I buy from Rick sometimes and I'd like to have the same piece of mind that I get from buying from AHs that I trust.

I thought we DON'T want auction houses monitoring bids, lest they know who has placed max bids. EDIT TO ADD If someone wants to buy back his own card, that's OK with me as long as he pays the premium. My only concern is a consignor placing a bid for the purpose of running someone up who he knows has placed a higher bid.

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I thought we DON'T want auction houses monitoring bids, lest they know who has placed max bids. EDIT TO ADD If someone wants to buy back his own card, that's OK with me as long as he pays the premium. My only concern is a consignor placing a bid for the purpose of running someone up who he knows has placed a higher bid.

I wasn't referring to bid amount, I thought they monitored whether or not a consignor is bidding on his own consignments... I didn't know that was acceptable.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

I wasn't referring to bid amount, I thought they monitored whether or not a consignor is bidding on his own consignments... I didn't know that was acceptable.

What's the point? If I really want to shill my own consignment but am blocked from bidding, I could have a friend do it. I would rather worry about altered and overgraded cards, myself.

[brob28]

I wonder what liability PSA could have on a negligence claim for "undergrading" the card the first time. I'm sure they have this all covered but hell, the first seller of this card must be pissed!

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by CMIZ5290

I have bought many, many cards from rick probstein over the past several years. I have never suspected anything pertaining some of these accusations that are being made on this thread. I have paid good money for some, and gotten good buys on others like last night ( psa 7 ed reulbach for $996, the last psa 7 sold for over $2k). I think alot of people that make these statements really need to have there ducks in a row, as people can be made accountable for such comments.......

This is what's puzzling.... If the same card you just bought somehow made it's way into a 5 holder, your price would have been a terrible deal. How do you know it hasn't been bumped?

I really like exhibitmans post. I try to avoid graded cards, but it's hard. When I see a card I want in a slab, I ask myself, if I purchase this card and bust it out, would it potentially lose "value"? If the answer is yes, I just don't buy it.

I know the hobby has grown accustomed to TPG, but it's soooo crazy to me that a card can lose value just by removing it from its holder.