[Schlesinj]

Sadly I have a low percentage of buying raw that goes back to the early 2000 on eBay. First was a fake Jordan rookie and a corner colored in Nolan Ryan rookie. I was not as active in the market since the mid-90s. Got my first job and wanted to “treat myself” to a few cards I always wanted. Several years later I sent them to PSA and 0-2. Education dollars. I still have both, the Jordan and the submission to remind myself. One of the first pieces of advice I got on this site, someone suggested sending the Ryan card to his foundation to get signed. That is one of my favorite items, so made lemonade.

That said, I did not learn my lesson as I bought a Marsan Cuban card at a show a year ago and submitted it to SGC at the show and it came back trimmed. I was just happy to find one as I never see them at shows.

Anyway, sometimes it is helpful to reduce a risk even though they are not always correct. Yes, I agree you pay a premium too, so it does come down to risk tolerance.