Future of Grading - CSG and HGA

[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.