PSA completely unethical

[Kutcher55]

They are a small business that is experiencing severe growing pains and is struggling to scale up. This is a common theme in any number of industries. I feel slightly bad for those whose cards are stuck with them but they aren’t the only option. Their competition has mobilized and seems to be outflanking them these days but for many collectors it remains PSA or bust. It’s important to keep in mind that situation will evolve. They are going through an ownership change and are washing their hands of Orlando who will get a nice golden parachute. New ownership needs to be nimble and respond to the market or they risk falling behind. Despite all their missteps they still retain a good degree of brand equity in what still appears to be a growing market.

As for the original assertion that they have “some nerve” as my granny used to say doing quick grading in the National I think it’s debatable. Not sure if I’d say it’s flat out unethical but it’s hard to feel that bad for anyone whose cards are stuck with them month after month. This company has had issues for years now but their cards still get a premium. Whether that remains the case 5 years from now will be interesting to see. Those who submitted should have been well aware of the risks & upsides of their decision to patronize them.

[Johnny630]

PSA is what it is because it brings the most money for their slab. That’s it. They could be the most unethical company in the world but it doesn’t matter when it comes down to what sells for the most, that’s why they make the most. Morals Ethics Ha it's all about profits.

[Kutcher55]

Ethics matter to a lot of people and if they don’t watch out their brand equity can further erode and their cards will lose value relative to other TPG’s. That’s how competition is supposed to work anyways and I think we could see that play out if PSG’s new ownership doesn’t play their cards right and get it together.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Kutcher55

Ethics matter to a lot of people and if they don’t watch out their brand equity can further erode and their cards will lose value relative to other TPG’s. That’s how competition is supposed to work anyways and I think we could see that play out if PSG’s new ownership doesn’t play their cards right and get it together.

Jason I agree with Johnny M. Above and we hope you are right about their new management

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Jason I agree with Johnny M. Above and we hope you are right about their new management

I hope so too. I will keep the board informed on how they handle my situation.

[fkm_bky]

Taking a slight tangent here, which seems to be a common occurrence in this thread so please bear with me

I want to primarily have my cards in SGC holders for consistency and I simply like the looks better. I am less concerned about the premium a PSA case carries with it since most of my cards are lower grade anyway.

Anywho...to the question. Do you suggest I send my cards that are in non-SGC holders as is and cross-over, or break them out and send them over "raw" and take a bit of a risk?

I just don't want to get into the game of having a PSA or other sent back to me again and then breaking out and resubmitting

I'm less concerned with my PSA holdered cards, but more thinking of my GAI/BVG cards. I know a 1 or a 2 when I see it so it's not so much looking to try and get a upgrade from a different service and just have a consistent look to all of them. I like the protection the holders provide and they just show better.

Thanks for any insight. It's been at least 15 years since I've sent cards in to TPG services so I know a lot has changed.

Regards,

Bill

[glchen]

There's nothing unethical about PSA offering onsite grading at National. The OP is comparing apples to oranges here. PSA is still offering walkthrough service online, so it's not as if they shut down everything. In addition, PSA and the other TPGs have always offered certain services and discounts at National that were not available to other customers. It's one of the perks of going to National. As others have said, if you don't like PSA, don't use them. You can use SGC or CGC. (Beckett's service delays are comparable to PSA, I believe.) No one's forcing anyone to use PSA. PSA's issues have been repeated ad nauseum on this board and other boards for YEARS. If folks are surprised by anything PSA does, they're living under a rock.

For myself, I still use PSA, and I'm happy with them. They've had one of my submissions since January. No biggie. I have patience. I still have my 15 card Collector's Club voucher that I need to use before it expires, so I'm planning another submission to them soon. As long as they don't lose my cards (sorry, Bobby and the other submitters there!), I'm good. I also use SGC and Beckett regularly.

This thread obviously needs some PSA cards. Here are some of my favorites.