Thoughts on Third Party Graders?

[Bagwell-1994]

As a new/novice collector, it seems there's a tremendous wealth of knowledge held by the folks here on these forums. I would like to know your thoughts on third party graders.

PSA seems to be the largest/most desirable grader, especially with consideration to resale value. Is this assessment true?

SGC seems to rank 2nd most popular but I've read in an article or two that they are even better than PSA with regard to pre-war vintage cards.

BVG seems to be a distant 3rd especially with regard to resale value.

I'm basing my assessments from the statistics at vintagecardprices.com that I've seen.

Why would you desire a PSA versus an SGC versus a BVG graded card? Is it mostly just personal preference? Dependent on the era? Dependent on if you plan to sale the card in the future?

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[Peter_Spaeth]

There are literally 100 or more threads on this topic already, suggest you search the archives.

[Goudey77]

Valid question. But since you are a member of VCP I think you have your answer $$$. TPG’s aren’t perfect and all will have experienced controversial issues. But ultimately I wouldn’t get too hung up with any one TPG. Buy the cards you want and if submitting raw cards for grading go with what fits your objectives. If it’s resale then go with PSA. There are so many variables depending on type of card being graded as well. Bazooka handcut cards for instance will have stricter guidelines by PSA standards. Some claim SGC has stricter standards for pre war.
It’s nice to have choices.

[doug.goodman]

What do I think about "the people who get paid for their opinions"?

Well, the most famous card with a paid opinion was graded incorrectly, so that's a good place to start.

Doug "still trimming cards hoping for an 8" Goodman

[ALR-bishop]

Doug has been consistent on this issue in every one of the 100 threads Peter mentioned

[Bagwell-1994]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

There are literally 100 or more threads on this topic already, suggest you search the archives.

Ah ok. I'll try search next time before creating new thread. Apologies.

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[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by Bagwell-1994

Ah ok. I'll try search next time before creating new thread. Apologies.

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Don't apologize, I can always use another thread to make fun of "the people who get paid for their opinions"...

Doug "beating a dead horse is my thing" Goodman

[slipk1068]

As much as I dislike them, before they existed, buying a card through the mail was like the wild west. NM cards with creases, stains, etc. At least now, you have a clue what to expect.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by slipk1068

As much as I dislike them, before they existed, buying a card through the mail was like the wild west. NM cards with creases, stains, etc. At least now, you have a clue what to expect.

This.

[Bagwell-1994]

Originally Posted by slipk1068

As much as I dislike them, before they existed, buying a card through the mail was like the wild west. NM cards with creases, stains, etc. At least now, you have a clue what to expect.

I prefer graded cards now and I prefer PSA (unless they're really old cards then SGC is fine). When I first began buying cards, I bought a bunch of raw 1941 Play Ball cards from different people on Ebay. I eventually sent them in to SGC for grading at $10/pop. Nearly every one of them came back as "SGC A for Altered". This experience kind of ruined me regarding raw cards.

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by slipk1068

As much as I dislike them, before they existed, buying a card through the mail was like the wild west. NM cards with creases, stains, etc. At least now, you have a clue what to expect.

Before they existed every phone didn't have a camera...