Would the Hobby welcome a new TPG Co.that was high tech?

[T205 GB]

For aboyut the last 6-7 yrs I have had an idea on how to stop isues with TPG's and some of the fraud we see taking place by people. It has only been in the last few yrs that the technology has came about to build a format and the software I need to properly do this. Actually the technology has been around just way to expensive for people to afford. I would love to build this system and start grading cards based on what technology says and not what opinions are. This is kinda what I have planned and would love to hear feedback about what you guys think since we all here care more than most about our great hobby.

Authentication will be done by several people that are very knowledgeable and then passed to Analist once the item has been deamed ok.

The card will be viewed and blacklighted under a high resolution scan and posted to a large screen for grading. The scanning process will identify a minimum of 20 unique characteristics and give the card a so called finger print(This can be used and cross referenced by the hobby to verify the item in a case is the one thats supposed to be there, or if it has passed through the system and cracked out to be altered the person has proof the card in question is the one that was graded and is altered). The great thing about identifying all the issues is it helps in the accuracy of grading the card itself and creating a very accurate pop report.

Also a service for raw cards will be available. A lot of collectors prefer raw cards and for a very minimal fee compared to grading you can have the peace of mind that the cards you sell raw are clean and documented as such. Idea for them would be to encolse them in a semiridged card saver with a cert # embossed onto them. A simple scan and upload for comparison is all that needed to verify its the correct card.

If using a smart phone app is something I am looking at so you can do a scan and verify on site. Yes the cards will be removable because whats the point in sealing them up to a raw collector.

There is a lot more to go with all of this but thats just a brief summary of what I am thinking.


Would any of you guys use this service or think there is a need for it?

[kmac32]

Kind of like instant replay in MLB. Eliminate the human error in grading?

[vintagecpa]

I would think the technology should exist that a card could be scanned by a TPG, and they would have some type of record that the card was already submitted in the past or the wrong card is in the holder. It would be a similar technology in which peoples identity can be recognized by facial recognition software. For example, it I think the technology should exist that if someone submits a raw Art Shell card, the company could immediately tell from a simple scan that the card once resided in a PSA 8 holder and wouldn't be as quick to bump the card up.

Now, the price for this technology would obviously impact the cost of grading and you would have to have some type of cooperation with all TPG companies. I'm not sure how much of an appetite exists for that considering the vast majority of collectors don't play in this universe.

I know a few years ago, there was an individual that was trying to sell people the idea of taking detailed pictures to get a forensic history of a card. I do think there might be a market for some type of higher-end grading service, especially with high-dollar cards. IMO, as the fraudsters get better and better, collectors will require more proof that they are buying legitimate cards before plunking down large amounts of money.

[arc2q]

I definitely agree there would be demand at the top of the market for a higher-end service. It does seem a little funny to see Honus Wagner, Eddie Plank, and Baltimore Sun Ruth rookie cards in PSA or SGC holders. In effect, it would be like taking an original Monet to the local framing store around the corner. I am not disparaging those TPGs...in fact, they could be the ones offering the higher end of service...but it seems odd that a million $ card would be put in the same holder as any other card with a minimal level of assurance and protection.

There really ought to be holder and a method of documenting high-value cards that goes beyond the basic service. We have all seen pretty good knock-offs of PSA holders, for example, that could easily fool most collectors.

I think the need is there but it would cost a lot. And barriers to entry into the TPG business seem steep. Such innovations may have to come from within the big three.

[T205 GB]

Andy the design of my holder is a Lexan plastic in a deep gray/near black color with a clear area for the flip that is etched in and not inserted.

As far as cost for the program to be developed as well as a software program and scanner I can say it is going to be a costly sum but the pattent will make it worth it in the long run. I do not intend on charging a retared sum of money for this service either. Try to stay at or lower than TPG's now. The hobby will appreciate it more and in return the dividends may be small but will add up over time. Steady wins the race

[SMPEP]

My vote would be .. yes I think people would be interested.

But the one thing that a good TPG should be doing in my opinion ... maintain a database with front/back scans of all the cards they grade .... so that before someone buys a card ... they can look it up and see if it's the same card. After all, anyone can produce a fake PSA slab and label. They can stick anything in there. And you will never know. But if you have the ability to see if it looks like what the company graded ... then at least there's one more check that this is accurate.

I also like the idea of having the owner's name of that card associated with it. As it changes hands, the seller/buyer can update. Some may not want to have their names associated with their cards - so it could be voluntary instead of mandatory. But this would be yet another way to verify the card. If I know XXX owns it, and YYY is selling it on Ebay ... that's a pretty good red flag there.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers,
Patrick

[travrosty]

tpa's arent that bright to take a "fingerprint" photo of every card, they dont have the time. it's bag and slab and move on.

you have to believe in yourself, you have to refine the process, into a proof of concept. I agree the high end is the way to go if you have a safecracker proof system.

the downside is that the collectors who own these high end cards usually have them in a registry set, that is the hook psa set up to keep them in psa holders, which i dont like. but you have to invent the system and prove it first, then the customers will be there if it works great and it is a better mousetrap.