| gonefishin |
06-10-2025 04:23 PM |
Always, Always, Always follow the money. Leon got it right.
As long as the demand is there and the money is there, everything else be damned.
You can't stay in business without revenue. The key to success is to get the revenue flowing and then figuring every way in the world possible to add profit to the revenue. Whether that be membership, tariffs, dealer's premium, charging more based on the value of what they're grading (although the time is probably comparable to a $5 card), etc. etc.
The 2 easiest times to sell something is when the market is really good (sell high) or when it is really bad (sell low or discount). The tough times are when the economy is just rolling along normal. Many companies, including PSA, have realized tremendous opportunities in the last few years, maybe a couple of good ones still to come. However, at some point the economy will change, or the market demand will change. Maybe to a point where they are laying off staff, reducing pricing, etc. With that, you will see companies begging the little man ($1,000 a year spend maybe) back and get their cards grading at prices that will stun you - until - the revenue increases again. Then the cycle will start over.
Maybe something earth shattering will happen that collectors will embrace - maybe someone will invent a computer program utilizing AI that will evaluate your card and assign a grade to it while it's still in your possession. If accepted by the market there would be no need for PSA, SGC, or anyone else's opinion on how your card ranks compared to other comps.
Maybe the card collecting world will just say - that's enough!
I haven't purchased a Panini product for 3 years and refuse to until they Honer the Hong Song Kim redemption card I sent them 3, yes 3, years ago and still waiting. So, to hell with Panini even if I do get the card.
Yes, PSA special - send them in! We need a bigger back log to ensure we have the anticipated revenue in the future to continue taking "Joe Blows" money, expand our already expanded Headquarters, buy up other companies, drive the competition out of business (which beats collusion), open other locations, and expand our business Internationally!
They have successfully used the footprint of Sam Walton (whom I greatly admired) to succeed (undercut the competition until no ones left then raise the price). If you're not first (on the quantity graded for the month) you are last!
Yes, I still use PSA more for what I'm selling than what I'm keeping. Panini, not so much and never will - I hope they get a class action lawsuit and go bankrupt.
Too bad they don't send back a guaranteed completion date along with the monthly "special". Oh, you only get the "special" because you paid a membership fee - not because you are special. Never get the 2 confused. I've had a PSA membership fee for many years, and they have never made me feel special.
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