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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

Nobody begged for a grading service; enterprising people saw an opportunity and took it. And it caught on. I don't think anyone entered this hobby hoping to buy graded cards. I know I didn't; in fact, I only bought my first graded card two years ago or so. After putting together a 1958 Topps set, card by card, ungraded, all in cards purchased on ebay advertised as Near Mint, I came to realize that 90% of the dealers, reputable ones included, lied about the grades of their cards. It was a joke. So, instead of continuing to throw out money, I started buying PSA, SGC and GAI graded cards. This reduced the possibility of getting robbed. And even if the stray trimmed card ends up in a slabbed holder with a grade on it, my investment is protected. End of story.