Well, I'm a relatively new returnee to the hobby. Before getting back into it, I happened to read The Card (by Michael O'Keefe and Teri Thompson) and Operation Bullpen (by Kevin Nelson).
After reading those books (especially The Card), I don't feel silly or super unsophisticated when I trust my own eye (as opposed to the trusting the integrity of the third party graders) and pay a decent price for a raw card from a dealer with a brick and mortar shop in the community.
I don't think ebay's authenticity guarantee and seller feedback scores gives the same comfort as buying from a guy who hangs a shingle and has to look you in the eye when you run into him at the barber shop next week -- but it is getting better. I've bought a number of modern and 1970s raw cards and was very happy.
Happy to look at what you have on offer.
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