CGC Grading at the National

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

The thing is, there is no absolute reason for the difference - stricter grading standards, more consistent grading, more secure slabs, etc. It is only because people think they are worth more, so they pay more. That could change tomorrow, and for some silly reason. But for today, PSA carries a premium.

People pay more because they think they're worth more. I hear you, but if you push on that statement, isn't it just a truism? Or said another way, doesn't it just beg the question why people think they're worth more?

As to that question, I think Lorewalker is right that part of the answer lies in the set registry, and part in the superb marketing job PSA has done. Part also lies in the outstanding ancillary services like the pop report, and the ability to look up auction prices. Also, cert lookup is an invaluable tool for people who are trying to avoid altered cards.

[JamesGallo]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People pay more because they think they're worth more. I hear you, but if you push on that statement, isn't it just a truism? Or said another way, doesn't it just beg the question why people think they're worth more?

As to that question, I think Lorewalker is right that part of the answer lies in the set registry, and part in the superb marketing job PSA has done. Part also lies in the outstanding ancillary services like the pop report, and the ability to look up auction prices. Also, cert lookup is an invaluable tool for people who are trying to avoid altered cards.

And this is why SGC fails and IMO will continue to lose people. More concerned about quickly turning modern crap then they are about building the company. Ever since the registry vanished the company has gone down hill. I was a long time SGC man and am no longer.

As to the original question i do not think CSG values are there yet. They have changed they labels 2-3 times which is not good but i think has finally settled as they merge the non sport and sport divisions.

James G

[CardPadre]

One angle that doesn't seem to be considered as much when comparing values of CSG/CGC to PSA is that, for vintage cards (in my opinion and limited experience), you are more likely to get a higher numeric grade from CGC.

So, to buy or sell an identical quality card you should maybe compare the price of a PSA 6 versus a CGC 7...etc. Then you might see some more favorable/equivalent sales comparisons.

And I don't have indisputable evidence that CGC generally grades vintage easier, just a lazy conclusion that I've drawn from casual observation.

[JamesGallo]

Originally Posted by CardPadre

One angle that doesn't seem to be considered as much when comparing values of CSG/CGC to PSA is that, for vintage cards (in my opinion and limited experience), you are more likely to get a higher numeric grade from CGC.

So, to buy or sell an identical quality card you should maybe compare the price of a PSA 6 versus a CGC 7...etc. Then you might see some more favorable/equivalent sales comparisons.

And I don't have indisputable evidence that CGC generally grades vintage easier, just a lazy conclusion that I've drawn from casual observation.

Not sure about the. The Head graders at CSG are from Beckett and are well known graders, so I would be surprised if there is that type of a grade disparity. I think the grades are generally find, just the holders and flips that are the problem.

People use SGC cause they are quick and cheap and they can't or won't tie up inventory waiting for PSA. CSG is also quick and cheap atm so at least it's another option.

[MikeGarcia]

.. I haven't read any complaints lately about waiting for submissions to be returned from all the big grading companies ?
Are there still unreasonable backlogs at P S A and B G S ? --- S G C seems to be praised here a lot for " fast turnarounds" Has anyone in here recently done any normal old-fashioned submissions from their local P.O. to California and Texas ? Thanks

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