SGC Grading Turnarounds

[ClementeFanOh]

PeterSpaeth- yesterday I got 2 cool cards in the mail, bought a third, and
traded for 2 more. THAT is the fun part of the hobby, and I'll continue it
today. So, my reply here will be succinct...

I have consistently held that quick turnaround times (still 3+ weeks) are
a boon to the seller/hobbyist, and I'm stunned it gets so much backlash. The
devil I'm choosing currently includes inexplicably harsh grades on vintage.
I find it odd that those collectors who pay (outrageously in many cases) for
a service, are so quick to forgive molasses-like return of cards by PSA.
Conversely, there are people who think I'm in the wrong. The point? The topic
has legs, which is why people keep coming back to it! We are all in search of
a magic grader who grades every card fairly, gets them back while we are
still alive, and doesn't extort us in the meantime. Until that time, there WILL
be debate. Trent King

[Tyruscobb]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

PeterSpaeth- yesterday I got 2 cool cards in the mail, bought a third, and
traded for 2 more. THAT is the fun part of the hobby, and I'll continue it
today. So, my reply here will be succinct...

I have consistently held that quick turnaround times (still 3+ weeks) are
a boon to the seller/hobbyist, and I'm stunned it gets so much backlash. The
devil I'm choosing currently includes inexplicably harsh grades on vintage.
I find it odd that those collectors who pay (outrageously in many cases) for
a service, are so quick to forgive molasses-like return of cards by PSA.
Conversely, there are people who think I'm in the wrong. The point? The topic
has legs, which is why people keep coming back to it! We are all in search of
a magic grader who grades every card fairly, gets them back while we are
still alive, and doesn't extort us in the meantime. Until that time, there WILL
be debate. Trent King

Sometimes it seems like Peter likes to argue just to argue. I bet he’d argue with a stump.

[Yoda]

What I wonder is what with the huge number of new graders hired by the TPG's, how are they trained, how are the work flows organized and perhaps how are remunerated? Consistency is the benchmark of grading and there seems to be a paradigm shift towards much tougher grading by SGC. If so, I believe their whole business model becomes flawed.
And I agree with Peter, I would rather be patient to receive my T206 Brown, knowing it has been properly graded and receives a fair 4 rather than a 2.5 with an expeditious return.

[Lorewalker]

Originally Posted by Yoda

What I wonder is what with the huge number of new graders hired by the TPG's, how are they trained, how are the work flows organized and perhaps how are remunerated? Consistency is the benchmark of grading and there seems to be a paradigm shift towards much tougher grading by SGC. If so, I believe their whole business model becomes flawed.
And I agree with Peter, I would rather be patient to receive my T206 Brown, knowing it has been properly graded and receives a fair 4 rather than a 2.5 with an expeditious return.

The harsh grading is not just at SGC but PSA as well. PSA has 2 to 3 times as many graders as SGC has. Tricky to get everyone up to speed and be on the same exact page with regards to grading. SGC has always been the more reliable and consistent grader between the two. And they still are.

No clue what their training is but it is easy to conclude that the harsh assessments coming out of both companies is indicative of a management decision to error on the side of conservatism. Good for business too since there is a much better chance a 7 in a 5 holder is coming back for another look as opposed to a 5 in a 7 holder.

Whatever the case is both are denying it and doing absolutely nothing to address it internally. Why should they? Most are submitting anyway knowing the outcome.

[Peter_Spaeth]

The good news about the harsh grading is, if you're mostly a buyer, there are some great undergraded cards out there. 6 is the new 7 in many cases or even the new 8.

[cammb]

Originally Posted by Yoda

What I wonder is what with the huge number of new graders hired by the TPG's, how are they trained, how are the work flows organized and perhaps how are remunerated? Consistency is the benchmark of grading and there seems to be a paradigm shift towards much tougher grading by SGC. If so, I believe their whole business model becomes flawed.
And I agree with Peter, I would rather be patient to receive my T206 Brown, knowing it has been properly graded and receives a fair 4 rather than a 2.5 with an expeditious return.

You mean if you wait longer you will get the grade you want?

[Yoda]

Not at all, the grader will grade the card as he sees it or has been instructed to see it. My point was I am willing to wait for my card within reason rather than have my expensive pre-war item rushed through the grading cycle to meet management expectations about turnaround times.

[cammb]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Not at all, the grader will grade the card as he sees it or has been instructed to see it. My point was I am willing to wait for my card within reason rather than have my expensive pre-war item rushed through the grading cycle to meet management expectations about turnaround times.

You are assuming that the card graded in two days is rushed and not the proper grade where as the card graded in two weeks was properly graded because the grader had plenty of time to render his opinion. I would rather have my cards back sooner than later

[Peter_Spaeth]

I don't think there is a relationship necessarily between turnaround time and harshness of grading. I think the recent harshness of grading is an independent phenomenon.