Posted By:
Jason LLots of opinions here on this, and all seem reasonable, but from my own experience, I think that with the proliferation and accessibility of professional grading, you are better off entertaining a healthy dose of skepticism about the product if you buy raw.
I don't know about others, but there is no way in heck that I can reliably receive a card, ship it off to PSA immediately, pay for quick service, and hope to get it back in time to comply with a seller's return policy. It's just not going to happen and that is one of my limitations that I have accepted - life is just too busy. So now if I buy raw, I am prepared to live with the consequences. Lesson learned. Raw Mantle came back trimmed. thinking about it now, why would any good-looking Mantle be raw? duh.
At any rate, buy graded, check feedback, check seller's history of items sold, don't assume a return policy, check for reasonable shipping costs, make sure seller accepts your form of payment, close your eyes and click.
one thing to count on as home equity withdrawals continue to drive escalating hobby prices - the more money involved, the more incentive exists to cheat...sad, but it really brings out the hacks
Sorry for the long rambling...just recently stung, so I can relate to David's irritation
Jason L