Future of Grading - CSG and HGA

[Exhibitman]

That's interesting. I did an order with CSG early on and was impressed with the slabs and the service.

The slabs are the same size as PSA's, within a millimeter of thickness. I use Superior Fit Innovations sleeves for my slabs and the CSG slabs just fit into the PSA sleeves, which means they are nearly identically sized.

The cards I got back that were odd-sized were securely sealed at four points in the sleeve, like a Beckett slab, not rattling around.



I don't find the flip distracting at all.

[Beansballcardblog]

I don't have any CSG graded cards, but I've seen them in person and like them. My only gripe is the dead white space on the label. It's not as noticeable if the submitter paid for subgrades, but if the card description is short, it still can be noticeable.

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

That's interesting. I did an order with CSG early on and was impressed with the slabs and the service.

The slabs are the same size as PSA's, within a millimeter of thickness. I use Superior Fit Innovations sleeves for my slabs and the CSG slabs just fit into the PSA sleeves, which means they are nearly identically sized.

The cards I got back that were odd-sized were securely sealed at four points in the sleeve, like a Beckett slab, not rattling around.



I don't find the flip distracting at all.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

That's interesting. I did an order with CSG early on and was impressed with the slabs and the service.

The slabs are the same size as PSA's, within a millimeter of thickness. I use Superior Fit Innovations sleeves for my slabs and the CSG slabs just fit into the PSA sleeves, which means they are nearly identically sized.

The cards I got back that were odd-sized were securely sealed at four points in the sleeve, like a Beckett slab, not rattling around.



I don't find the flip distracting at all.

Same here. I had a bunch of modernish oddball sized cards done including some 1979 Venorlandus, 1982 Football stickers and various QOS cards, and they all seem pretty secure in the holders.

I also don't mind the old man, big font flips. They are certainly more aesthetically pleasing then the flips that SGC had up until very recently (I like their new flips very much), and the PSA flips, which get the job done, but let's face it........are generic as hell.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Same here. I had a bunch of modernish oddball sized cards done including some 1979 Venorlandus, 1982 Football stickers and various QOS cards, and they all seem pretty secure in the holders.

I also don't mind the old man, big font flips. They are certainly more aesthetically pleasing then the flips that SGC had up until very recently (I like their new flips very much), and the PSA flips, which get the job done, but let's face it........are generic as hell.

For me the look of the CSG is ok and the size of the casing are fine. My concern is the Gradings and how they compare to other grading companies and what the value compared to them are. Since they are newer there is no history to compare it to and no rep yet to enhance, protect, or reduce the sales value. TO unknown

[53toppscollector]

A few more random thoughts on the overall state of things.

I think the big 3 (PSA, SGC, Beckett) are all better suited right now for different things. If you have post war vintage/modern/ultra modern stuff, non-RPA/auto, PSA is the best bet. In terms of how the card will look and protecting its long term value. For pre-war, SGC is the best option, imo. For thicker cards, RPAs, jersey/patch cards and rookie autos, I think Beckett is still the king.

If you are buying cards just to keep in your PC and you don't really care about the resale value, then go with whatever slab you think looks best. I think certain cards look better in certain slabs. If you are trying to compete in the PSA set registry game, then obviously you'll want to buy PSA slabs.

PSA still has by far the best liquidity and movability in the market, IMO. If I were to get hit by a bus, the people liquidating my estate and assets would probably have an easier time (and get the highest return) moving my stuff in PSA holders.

What I think is going to be really interesting is to see what the PSA "value" and "bulk" options look like when they eventually re-open. PSA will get through their backlog, and when they do, they are going to have tons of new employees that they need to keep fully utilized. I think it is in their interest to have a reasonably priced bulk submission option. But I think the days of bulk grading at $8 per card are long gone. I'd guess the new bulk price will be $25-30, but it will be really interesting to see what they are going to say about turnaround times, which for people who grade to sell, is a really big consideration, especially for non-vintage stuff.

[BCauley]

I assume CSG will eventually evolve and develop a following. They've already got a solid reputation in coins and comics so I have no reason to think the same won't happen with CSG. The main thing I see people complain about is the size of the flip and I figure that will eventually change as well.

I'd be surprised if HGA gets any kind of market share in the vintage world. I see so many posts of people getting their cards back from them and it appears that all anybody comments on is the design on the flip and rarely on the card or supposed accuracy of the grade. To me, the flips just look like someone vomited all over them after eating five pounds of skittles. I figure they'll be a company primarily for modern and might stick around if they can get past all the silly labeling errors and keeping cards in place in the holder.

[jcmtiger]

It’’s funny to me all these posts about card grading companies instead of cards.

[Exhibitman]

Since they print the flips anyway, wouldn't it be fun to have team color flips? Send in a Lakers card and you can get it with a purple and gold flip.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Since they print the flips anyway, wouldn't it be fun to have team color flips? Send in a Lakers card and you can get it with a purple and gold flip.

If it is done right that could look really good. Maybe you should go into marketing

[scmavl]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Since they print the flips anyway, wouldn't it be fun to have team color flips? Send in a Lakers card and you can get it with a purple and gold flip.

Like exactly what HGA does? I think, while it should look okay in theory, it looks amateurish, cheap, and messy in practice. My two cents.

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Since they print the flips anyway, wouldn't it be fun to have team color flips? Send in a Lakers card and you can get it with a purple and gold flip.

I kind of felt like they did that on this Larry Bird I picked up of B/S/T from the board.