PSA/SGC grade est. - Aim high or low?

[Rhotchkiss]

Dumb question- i assume PSA will charge same price to grade an SGC or BVG card as it does to grade a raw card?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Dumb question- i assume PSA will charge same price to grade an SGC or BVG card as it does to grade a raw card?

Yes, it's considered a crossover submission. If it's the only card you're submitting, it will cost the same as if it was raw. Say the card is a BVG 6; you can have PSA only take the card out and slab it if it meets your PSA grade requested. So if you would lose money on a PSA 4.5, but make money on a PSA 5, you can set 5 as the min grade for crossover and PSA won't crack it out unless it is at least a PSA 5.

I submitted 10 cards from SGC/BVG to PSA a few months ago and 5 of 10 crossed over at the same grade, while two lost a half point. The other 3 didn't meet the min grade I requested and were returned in the original holder.

The additional cost is that you can't submit them in a group with a single return shipping. You have to pay separate return shipping if you submit a raw card along with a graded card. A card already in a PSA holder you want to try to bump would be a "review" submission.

[scooter729]

I submitted a bunch of 1986 Fleer basketball cards last month as a bulk order (under $100 per card assumed value). One was Karl Malone, which I figured was an 8-9 ($50-$75); it came back as a 10, which is $750+.

This is a good example that they grade the card blindly of the submission level. On the flip side, I've subbed cards at $500+ level and got slammed on grades.

So, give it a fair estimate - they're not going to nitpick and worry about precise values unless you're sending Mantle rookies in on bulk common orders.

[toledo_mudhen]

I've found that when I get a card that I THINK is a 7 then assume it is a 6. Never disappointed this way and sometimes pleasantly surprised. Also SGC is rock solid consistent - whether you like it or not.

[scomeau]

Lonnie,

Nice to preserve mental health!

[Rhotchkiss]

Swarmee, thanks for the detailed response. I guess it comes down to a business decision whether to cross over and pay the money (knowing you may end up keeping in old case or accepting a downgrade). I have about 10+/- "big boy" cards in SGC holders (all SCG 70+ HOFers, most of which are T206 and all of which are worth between $1,000 - $10k a piece in their current holders). Even though i am not a seller, I feel they are worth more in a PSA folder (even though I feel SGC is just as good on T206s), which means its a question of whether I want to spend $2k+ seeking one or more upgrades/straight crossovers that justify the expense. Regardless, I appreciate the insights.

[glynparson]

For as low a cost as possible for an insured value you are comfortable with. If you need to be charged more they will contact you. If you overpay you are doubtful to be refunded.

[smtjoy]

Lots of good advice, I have had thousands of cards graded and only one time got a call that my value was off. Be fair but i also usually value it 1-2 points lower than what I think it will grade (which to me is more the raw value).

I also highly recommend sending in a trial 10 card or so sub just to get a feel. Most first time subs get hammered (mine was brutal) as you over estimate the condition, estimate grades first, send them in then when returned re-examined see where they differed.

I also highly recommend getting a 10 x loupe and a black-light to help judge condition better.

I prefer SGC for my collection as I think they are more consistent and a ton easier to submit to, I use PSA for 1950's and newer cards I plan to flip/sell (SGC for all pre war).

Good luck!

[Leon]

+1 Good advice

Originally Posted by glynparson

For as low a cost as possible for an insured value you are comfortable with. If you need to be charged more they will contact you. If you overpay you are doubtful to be refunded.

[scomeau]

Scott,

I'm seeing more people with that type of result, and it's reassuring.

[scomeau]

John,

Interesting results. From a business perspective, I guess you would count that 10-card crossover as a win - but only because most feel that PSA slabs are more respected in the market? If not, I would have been disappointed.

Obviously an expensive and inconclusive stunt, but it would be interesting to crack those 10 and submit the to PSA raw to see what you would get in return.