CSG status

[Peter_Spaeth]

I know they've been at it for a while now, I know they have a deal with PWCC, I know they are authenticating for ebay, and I know the head grader had a mostly favorable reputation from his Beckett days. But I have to say, when their cards come up in searches, I don't even look still. What are others doing and if people are buying them what are your opinions?

[Snapolit1]

I’m not either. I have no history with them and feel more comfortable assessing a PSA or SGC where I want a certain graded card.

[hcv123]

in terms of the quality and consistency of their grading. I will not buy their cards nor sell their cards for the time being.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I’m not either. I have no history with them and feel more comfortable assessing a PSA or SGC where I want a certain graded card.

+1 agree. Once more time passes and they prove themselves then I would consider it.

[ullmandds]

I would have no reservations buying a card in these slabs but I am not a high-grade collector. I also am planning to send a few oddball items that only they will grade.

[Lorewalker]

Yet to buy a CSG graded card and it is not in my future to do so any more than I would buy a BVG card. I see the two companies as the same not just because the head grader association. Neither BVG nor CSG are used regularly, if at all, by any of the auction houses which should say something. I feel both companies fill a niche in the hobby but it is at the collector and flipper levels.

As far as the well documented consistent problems with SGC and PSA both grading large volumes of altered cards and alleged favors to higher profile submitters my gut tells me there is a better chance a CSG card is graded more accurately. At the end of the day it is about the hobby's demand and the prices for CSG material is still below SGC which means the prices are well below PSA.

[Peter_Spaeth]

It might be an interesting case study to analyze why, even with major issues affecting the reputations of and satisfaction with the largest industry players and even more so the past couple of years with the "scandal," it apparently remains so difficult for new entrants to join their ranks. I mean look at PSA, massive scandal over altered cards, major crisis with backlog, huge issues with grading fees, but it just cruises right along.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It might be an interesting case study to analyze why, even with major issues affecting the reputations of and satisfaction with the largest industry players and even more so the past couple of years with the "scandal," it apparently remains so difficult for new entrants to join their ranks. I mean look at PSA, massive scandal over altered cards, major crisis with backlog, huge issues with grading fees, but it just cruises right along.

i honestly thought the BODA findings would have a devastating affect on the hobby...NOPE! Too many people who don't know or just don't care.

[Lorewalker]

Everyone wants what everyone else wants. The scandal did not impact the demand for PSA and I doubt it influenced collectors' opinion that SGC or another company was a better choice. People doubled down and then some on PSA in spite of the information that was circulating.

My guess is that CSG is probably doing a much better job at grading than both SGC and PSA but the masses want PSA and if not some are willing to take SGC.

The disparity in the demand for PSA is multiple times that of SGC. SGC is probably the more consistent of the graders too.

[JimC]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It might be an interesting case study to analyze why, even with major issues affecting the reputations of and satisfaction with the largest industry players and even more so the past couple of years with the "scandal," it apparently remains so difficult for new entrants to join their ranks. I mean look at PSA, massive scandal over altered cards, major crisis with backlog, huge issues with grading fees, but it just cruises right along.

Why do people still use big banks?

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I know they've been at it for a while now, I know they have a deal with PWCC, I know they are authenticating for ebay, and I know the head grader had a mostly favorable reputation from his Beckett days. But I have to say, when their cards come up in searches, I don't even look still. What are others doing and if people are buying them what are your opinions?

I don't have a 1. Wouldn't mind breaking my Cherry

[jakebeckleyoldeagleeye]

The same guys that ditz CSG also said Amazon will never compete with Walmart.

[BobbyStrawberry]

I'd love to see them learn how to properly set a tobacco card in their slab. PSA also is inconsistent about this...

[Lorewalker]

While it is only one man's opinion, happened to stumble upon this https://www.blowoutforums.com/showth...507423&page=24, the other day. See the short discussion from post 587 and on midway down the page.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I don't know for sure who that poster is, but there is no question from his body of work on Blowout that he is knowledgeable. That of course doesn't make him right on this matter of opinion, but it's concerning particularly as it relates to vintage.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Lorewalker

While it is only one man's opinion, happened to stumble upon this https://www.blowoutforums.com/showth...507423&page=24, the other day. See the short discussion from post 587 and on midway down the page.

I have known Andy B for around 25 yrs and have spent many hours with him talking about grading. He is the best I have seen though I think there are a few senior graders at PSA that are really good too. Andy, while at BVG, did the scientific homework on my Yum Yum when SGC couldn't. OF course PSA agreed with Andy and put it in a 1 holder too. And there are more instances like this. I definitely would trust PSA and CSG over SGC for vintage, but that is just me.
.

[Jcfowler6]

I like them. I have one card so far graded by CSG. I don’t care if auction houses use them.

Are the cards real? Are there hidden blemishes or alterations. I trust CSG to help me with that.

PSA grading trimmed cards since day one, slow turn time, and expense turns me away from them.


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[glchen]

I don't have any cards currently holdered by CSG, but I wouldn't have any problems buying cards in that holder (preferably the newer black label). I trust the graders there.

Saying that, I think that they need to expand beyond just the standard card size to at least go into the larger postcard sized holders. They should also partner with ebay to add to the Authentication Guarantee program. Something like if they authenticate the card for ebay, while they still have the card, they can also holder it for you for an extra fee (tier depending on the ebay sale price of the card). I think a lot of people would go for that, especially if this saves on the shipping price to/from for the card. Personally, I would definitely do that if the fee/turnaround time were reasonable. (e.g., $20-30 per card for a 2-3 week turnaround)