[jchcollins]

I buy both raw and graded, depending on the situation.

Since I learned how to grade and judge authenticity myself well before anyone had heard of PSA, if I'm at a shop or a show or elsewhere in person where I can inspect the card(s) inches away from my own eyeballs, I have no issues buying raw. For expensive cards ($300 and up for me generally) I will usually get these slabbed myself later if bought raw, but that is just personal preference. For cards cheaper than this raw, it often makes no sense to look for graded in person - as I find that for what I'm looking for (usually postwar vintage) - slabs in this range are sometimes 1.5- 2x more expensive than a comparable looking raw card that would likely grade in the same range as the more expensive slab.

On the other end of that scale, it is true that the pricier an item is, even if in person - I do prefer to have it in a reputable TPG holder (SGC or PSA) just for matters of convenience and common sense later. Regardless of whether or not you think professional grading is fantastic or you absolutely hate it; can't stand it - TPG's are a fait accompli in our hobby at this point, and to not acknowledge that fact is silly, IMO. A card is easier to sell later if graded. A card is easier to trade later if graded. I am a collector first and foremost, but much of this is simply the way the game is played these days. Individual collectors can choose to accept this - or not. I accept it because it often makes my life easier down the road.

If buying online only from a scan, and especially if not from a seller I'm already familiar with - I'm going to want $100 and up items in reputable slabs just to further protect me as the buyer. I have made exceptions to this - but they are increasingly rare as time goes by.