What is the (predicted) future of card grading services?

[Kco]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Why 3D printing? Since the originals are really not that old and the same technology still exists we are just lucky more are not making perfect "copies" that get by the graders.

I am going with AI grading being the norm as it would truly be fair. I see a lot of resistance from those making a ton off PSA or have a ton of cash into PSA cards but the time will come when the dumpster fire that is PSA will be gone or reinvented to an all AI grading company.

We had nearly a dozen "AI" model and small type grading operations startup and fail within 2 years during peak hobby boom of the early 2020s. Unfortunately the cost and reality to get into that side of the business is massively expensive and grabbing market share from established giants would be incredibly difficult.

People are entrenched with PSA/SGC. Hell, look at the CGC/JSA combo, while its incrementally gaining some market share, it will be very, very difficult to take a meaningful chunk of PSA business. The reality of the pure capital outlay, THEN winning hobbyist trust, THEN taking away business while somehow turning a profit is a monumental mountain to climb for any new company.

Also, AI, like most things, will evolve and may be used as a tool vs a replacement. If it heads that route I'd expect PSA/CGC to implement a sort of AI Pre-grading phase, then validate initial scores with actual humans. It would in theory speed up the process and make it a bit more standardized.

I think the up-charge portion of the business is where there may be a chance if any meaningful contraction in submissions happen.

[ullmandds]

At this time...PSA is the 800lb gorilla sitting slumped over in the corner. There is no beating PSA at this time.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

At this time...PSA is the 800lb gorilla sitting slumped over in the corner. There is no beating PSA at this time.

Yes, there is...

If collectors of vintage sportscards would just have the balls to stop their incessant complaining and actually boycott them, it would eventually turn them into a Pokeman Grading Company. That's where the vast majority of PSA's business is right now, anyway.

Boycotting PSA would open the door for a better/cheaper TPG alternative to enter the market for vintage cards. Perhaps one that offers UV slabs, actual customer service and no crumpled baggies in their arsenal.

Most collectors that have given CGC a try seem very satisfied. But the flipper/dealer side of the business (not hobby) have no sanctity for vintage cards and only have PSA dollar signs in their eyes.

"Greed may be good" in some cases, but in this hobby it's a cancer.

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Yes, there is...

If collectors of vintage sportscards would just have the balls to stop their incessant complaining and actually boycott them, it would eventually turn them into a Pokeman Grading Company. That's where the vast majority of PSA's business is right now, anyway.

Boycotting PSA would open the door for a better/cheaper TPG alternative to enter the market for vintage cards. Perhaps one that offers UV slabs, actual customer service and no crumpled baggies in their arsenal.

Most collectors that have given CGC a try seem very satisfied. But the flipper/dealer side of the business (not hobby) have no sanctity for vintage cards and only have PSA dollar signs in their eyes.

"Greed may be good" in some cases, but in this hobby it's a cancer.

Ok, I appreciate the suggestion. It may be time for me to give CCG a chance.

Thx for the push!

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Yes, there is...

If collectors of vintage sportscards would just have the balls to stop their incessant complaining and actually boycott them, it would eventually turn them into a Pokeman Grading Company. That's where the vast majority of PSA's business is right now, anyway.

Boycotting PSA would open the door for a better/cheaper TPG alternative to enter the market for vintage cards. Perhaps one that offers UV slabs, actual customer service and no crumpled baggies in their arsenal.

Most collectors that have given CGC a try seem very satisfied. But the flipper/dealer side of the business (not hobby) have no sanctity for vintage cards and only have PSA dollar signs in their eyes.

"Greed may be good" in some cases, but in this hobby it's a cancer.

This, in my simple-minded, humble opinion is the answer, combined with the AI that is most definitely coming. And as I have stated twice above, this would change even a die-hard like me into authentication and grading, and break up the monopoly that exists now. I believe in the end, the cost would come way down. The folks who are getting very rich at your expense will obviously fight tooth and nail to prevent this.

[Johnny630]

PSA is the beast because they have monetize the business of Grading in two major ways with their POP and Registry. If you ask me they own the two most important money making drivers in the business.

[jbsports33]

Hey Jeff! In my own opinion there are too many smaller shows popping up everywhere, not to mention shops. The hobby is flooding the market with game cards and other non-sports and next month PSA will start grading mags and comics. I see less and less vintage at these shows, we need enough vintage dealers out there to keep the interest. Yes – AI is changing everything including the full time work I do for a living. I just have a love for the hobby and do it on the side when I can – wish it could be more. Grading will change as well with AI and some companies will open up shop and just do it that way. I think it will be a completely different company that has the power and money to use the tech. On the other had PSA and SGC need to combine something for grading just vintage cards as it's taking way too long to get your pre – 1979 stuff back including pre war! Thanks for reaching out to all of us!

(Jeff - Dedham is this Sunday) Jimmy