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[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by AJR

Thanks for the comment about the card grading. The specifics of the Low, Mid and High are listed in the auction rules. I have put them below for those who did not read the rules.

At this time the lack of images on some card lots does make the Low, Mid, High challenging but as stated we are working to get all the images updated ASAP.

I hope this helps clarify.

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11. Grading, Authentication and Measurements: Grading and authentication are subjective. We make every attempt to point out significant flaws or markings on items within the auction. All measurements given in the descriptions are approximate.

The grades provided to items by Crazy Uncle Auctions are simply opinions provided as a result of our commercially reasonable efforts to provide as accurate a grading as possible. We do not guarantee that our grades will conform to the standards of 3rd party authenticators (TPA's). Furthermore, we are not bound by the opinions of any authenticators, grading services, or "experts". In addition, Crazy Uncle Auctions shall be free from any and all liability, as well as free from any and all legal claims whatsoever related in any way to our gradings.

A general overview of our current grading system is below.


Graded Cards and Autographs

Crazy Uncle recognizes the Grading Standards of PSA, SGC and Beckett as the only acceptable third-party for grading the cards in our inventory. Crazy Uncle recognizes the authentication (and grading) standards of PSA, JSA and Beckett as the only acceptable third-party for authentication of autographs in our inventory.

Ungraded Cards

In addition to graded cards, we have inventory of ungraded cards, which are classified by Crazy Uncle using a general classification system.

High – Mid – Low

As collectors ourselves, we understand the need to have a basic understanding of a card’s condition when purchasing card’s other than those encapsulated by the professional grading companies.

Our website shows the actual scans of each of the cards that are listed in any particular auction. However, even with an enlarged image of the cards’ scans can occasionally be unreliable. By using a general classification system, it is our goal to provide cards that meet, and exceed expectations.

High

This is the top classification for ungraded cards. Only a minor blemish is acceptable. Corners may exhibit very light fraying. Slight surface wear may be evident and most of the original gloss is retained. There are possible small wax stains on reverse and the card may have a minor printing imperfection. The picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. The card must be reasonably centered on the front and back.

Mid

Corners may have light fraying or show minor rounding. Surface wear is ordinary and somewhat noticeable. The card may have light scuffing or light scratches. A light crease may be visible. The card may have light marks on the surface.

Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. The card may have wax stains on reverse, and it may exhibit slight notching on edges. Focus of the picture may be slightly out-of-register. Card boarders can be off-white and the printing may be off-center.


Low

Corners will show rounding, possibly with extreme wear, perhaps disturbing the framing of the picture. The surface of the card will show wear, including scuffing, scratching, pitting, chipping and staining. The picture might be out-of-register and the card may be off-center. The card may have writing or marks on the surface.

The card may have one or more light creases and may also have heavy creases. A card may be missing small pieces, it may show near breaks through the cardboard or it may have severe discoloration throughout on either the front or back. A card of this nature may also show noticeable warping or another type of defects.

Why reinvent grading? I have to say that's an astounding amount of Babe Ruth autographs. Good Luck!

[AJR]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Why reinvent grading?

Thanks for the question - we have not reinvented grading - the reason for the scale is just to try and help bidders - conversely we could say nothing about the condition of the cards but we wanted to try give some guidance for those who participate in the sale.

Because we are not graders, we created a simple classification system which breaks the cards down into three easily understood categories for those who wish to use the labels as reference.

Using our Low, Mid, High classifications is a choice and - each person should use their own judgement when purchasing as each person has their own opinion of condition - thats why the TPGs always tell you "It's an opinion business".

We at Crazy Uncle Auctions are just trying to be helpful to the bidders.

[keithsky]

Nice grouping of stuff. Good luck with it, I also like the Ruth items.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by AJR

Thanks for the question - we have not reinvented grading - the reason for the scale is just to try and help bidders - conversely we could say nothing about the condition of the cards but we wanted to try give some guidance for those who participate in the sale.

Because we are not graders, we created a simple classification system which breaks the cards down into three easily understood categories for those who wish to use the labels as reference.

Using our Low, Mid, High classifications is a choice and - each person should use their own judgement when purchasing as each person has their own opinion of condition - thats why the TPGs always tell you "It's an opinion business".

We at Crazy Uncle Auctions are just trying to be helpful to the bidders.

I try to be positive with other auction companies. I think competition and cooperation are good. But I have to say the bolded statement above is one of the biggest cop-outs in the hobby and a huge pet peeve of mine. If you're not a grader maybe selling raw cards isn't for you?

You've got lots of incredible autographs, and some amazing graded items. Some of it far beyond the kind of stuff I've had consigned, but to say you are being helpful to bidders by giving them LESS useful information about exactly the kinds of items for which MORE information is warranted for bidders to make an intelligent decision, seems a little disingenuous at best.

Why not use the accepted grading nomenclature and give a range, especially on the sets? "Cards range from VG to EX/MT with a majority approx VG/EX with few creases" and then listing specific grades on key cards will go a LONG way towards making bidders feel comfortable on large raw purchases. Put yourself in the bidder's shoes, what kind of information would encourage you to bid?

Sorry, I really do wish you the best, and take the constructive criticism for what it's worth considering the source, but I pride myself on my honesty and ethics and I really believe you are doing your consignors and ultimately yourself a disservice. If you think this is uncalled for let me know and I'll remove it. But since you addressed my question publicly I feel it's OK to answer in the same fashion.

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I try to be positive with other auction companies. I think competition and cooperation are good. But I have to say the bolded statement above is one of the biggest cop-outs in the hobby and a huge pet peeve of mine. If you're not a grader maybe selling raw cards isn't for you?

You've got lots of incredible autographs, and some amazing graded items. Some of it far beyond the kind of stuff I've had consigned, but to say you are being helpful to bidders by giving them LESS useful information about exactly the kinds of items for which MORE information is warranted for bidders to make an intelligent decision, seems a little disingenuous at best.

Why not use the accepted grading nomenclature and give a range, especially on the sets? "Cards range from VG to EX/MT with a majority approx VG/EX with few creases" and then listing specific grades on key cards will go a LONG way towards making bidders feel comfortable on large raw purchases. Put yourself in the bidder's shoes, what kind of information would encourage you to bid?

Sorry, I really do wish you the best, and take the constructive criticism for what it's worth considering the source, but I pride myself on my honesty and ethics and I really believe you are doing your consignors and ultimately yourself a disservice. If you think this is uncalled for let me know and I'll remove it. But since you addressed my question publicly I feel it's OK to answer in the same fashion.

Truth. I’ve written several thousand vintage sets and always 1.) give an approximate condition breakdown; 2.) detail conditions of high numbers (if warranted) and 3.) give individual key grades. Since going this route 12+ years ago I’ve maybe had 5-10 returns? Bidders certainly appreciate it!