SGG at the National - Onsite Grading?

[gonefishin]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Parkplace- I’m surprised that you are surprised. SGC has a reputation for very quick returns that is well deserved. The National does nothing but impede their best attribute while adding logistical nightmares. They are staying true to their model. There will be people lining up at PSA, very likely for outrageous in-house prices and very questionable results. That’s not SGC. Trent King

Trent got it absolutely right. If the objective is to make a profit, how can they possibly offer grading at a reduced price while paying for all the logistical and infastructure costs associated with on-site grading?

I just attended the Long Beach Expo last weekend where PSA offered on-site grading, drop off, and on-site autograph authentication. Here are a couple of my takeaways:

Cost: Cheapest was Express - $150 per card

Forms: All forms were to be completed on-line prior to the show and brought with the item for turn in. (I like this but will explain the problem later)

Lines: There was one line only to get to CS. The line was a mix for everything; drop off, pick up, grading, autograph authentication, etc.

Here are some observations.

Since there weren't separate lines for pick up and drop off, a big bottleneck occurred. The gentleman in front of me failed to prepare a turn in form to have his cards graded. After waiting in line for about 45 minutes, he had to leave the line - find a public computer to prepare his form (PSA didn't have one for public use), print off his form, get back in line and go through the process again. That's just to get to CS. (Yes, I know he should have followed the rules, but sometimes people don't read, or understand, the fine print).

There weren't sufficient graders, authenticators, or space on-site to handle the volume. One gentleman turned in numerous autographed guitars to be authenticated. There wasn't adequate space for storage, so they were moved to PSA's home office area for storage, etc. Keep in mind that PSA authenticates numerous other items at these events other than cards.

Customers, at least me, weren't notified when our items were ready for pick-up, which would have made the process more enjoyable.

From a manpower perspective it may not be feasible, but at these large events if they could be categorized by category, drop off, pick up and more thought given to customer flow it sure would make things easier.

Back to SGC. If the bottom line doesn't allow them to offer on-site grading, I don't think it is going to hurt their business model in the slightest. They currently offer great turnaround times at an affordable cost and do an acceptable job of grading. Why would they want to offer something that could possibly cause more harm than good and lose money in the process.

Just a few thoughts.