Converting GAIs to PSAs: Lessons Learned

[swarmee]

On the original topic, back when I used to submit to PSA, I had a thread in the post-war section that showed my conversions from other slabs to PSA. None from GAI specifically, but it may be interesting to those reading this thread.
https://www.net54baseball.com/showth...ighlight=crack

Here's the sister thread over on Blowout:
https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpo...7&postcount=45
The 1968 Mantle was graded on a second round as a PSA 6, IIRC.

"Some will argue PSA has a taint to it", huh? That's one way to minimize the issue of their INCOMPETENCE or FRAUD.

IMO, you should have bought a 6-card or 15-card PSA membership in order to save on your Regular submission costs for cards valued up to $499. Surely you could have found 1 or 10 more in your collection you wanted graded. You should have also evaluated the cards in your GAI slabs before you cracked them out (or even after) and tried to predict what PSA would grade them. Did any have surface wrinkles? Were any trimmed or recolored, and PSA didn't catch it? How would you calculate the centering?
People just starting out grading cards should be training themselves on how to grade to PSA standards, so they can save money or be more selective when buying raw cards. What flaws did these cards have that PSA noticed but GAI did not? Why no side by side pictures?

Your advice reads that if you just send any old card into PSA and *poof* it becomes more valuable when you go to sell. But on some of your cards, they would sell for more raw than graded a PSA 5.

I have read quite a few of your blog entries, but I think you can add even more information to them and make them even more useful for your target audience.

[marzoumanian]

Points well taken. I appreciate it. I continue to learn lessons by posting my blogs! Always open to constructive criticism.
To be honest, I didn't even think to take photos and don't have expertise when it comes to posting them here. My two 1954 Williams cards made it tough to get PSA group rates because value of each was over $499 IMO. Also, it was the first time filling out the form on the internet versus the old multi-colored paper forms.
At this point in my life it's all about sharing and trying to help others in the hobby. Otherwise known as giving back. I will use a cliche, "If I helped one person here on Net54baseball, it was worth the effort." Warts and all.
Peace and stay healthy.

[puckpaul]

thanks, Mark and all, the advice is helpful.