Future of Beckett Grading

[Brent G.]

I can say their on-site authentication process is garbage. At a local show, I had two items rejected that were 100% legit and that PSA correctly authenticated; they just kept $60 for doing a bad, rushed job.

[Lorewalker]

There is a thread on this already but my guess is that Lindberg had nothing to do with day to day operations. Beckett has been in trouble for a long time and losing market share.

[raulus]

Does seem like Beckett is sliding towards oblivion/irrelevancy, if they're not there already with this level of market share.

[BigfootIsReal]

I think J. Beckett is a shyster

[sbfinley]

They lost their primary sports card niche (Ultra Modern Baseball) during Covid by bungling the boom. While people were complaining about PSA taking 4-6 months BGS had standard subs going 12-14 months. A ton of people missed key selling windows for prospects and rookies because Beckett never adjusted to the influx of submissions. Five years ago a modern player's Bowman Chrome Auto BGS 9.5/10 was the key card to own and easily out sold PSA. Now those collectors have pivoted to PSA. I'd venture to guess the only segment of the hobby they haven't cratered in is TCG cards and I only know that because my 13-year-old collects. One top of the covid mess, they put their name on a garage grading company (BCCG) that duped green collectors with it's terrible and confusing grading scale and unveiled a "Black Pristine" grade that garnered huge premiums until evidence showed the vast majority of cards that received the grade came from industry insiders. All this just built up a ton of bad will with collectors and they turned away.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

They lost their primary sports card niche (Ultra Modern Baseball) during Covid by bungling the boom. While people were complaining about PSA taking 4-6 months BGS had standard subs going 12-14 months. A ton of people missed key selling windows for prospects and rookies because Beckett never adjusted to the influx of submissions. Five years ago a modern player's Bowman Chrome Auto BGS 9.5/10 was the key card to own and easily out sold PSA. Now those collectors have pivoted to PSA. I'd venture to guess the only segment of the hobby they haven't cratered in is TCG cards and I only know that because my 13-year-old collects. One top of the covid mess, they put their name on a garage grading company (BCCG) that duped green collectors with it's terrible and confusing grading scale and unveiled a "Black Pristine" grade that garnered huge premiums until evidence showed the vast majority of cards that received the grade came from industry insiders. All this just built up a ton of bad will with collectors and they turned away.

"Industry insiders" is a rather favorable way to say "one particular former BGS grader".

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Snowman

"Industry insiders" is a rather favorable way to say "one particular former BGS grader".

You mean you don't buy the explanation that his black label rate, which was virtually statistically impossible, was due to his unique "eagle eye"?

That thread, by the way, was one of the best I've ever read.

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by Snowman

"Industry insiders" is a rather favorable way to say "one particular former BGS grader".

It’s been a long time since I read that thread. I remembered it being 2-3 submitters getting the treatment. Either way it’s a bit absurd.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by BigfootIsReal

I think J. Beckett is a shyster

Weird take since he hasn't been involved with the company for years.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by BigfootIsReal

I think J. Beckett is a shyster

Ah, he was alright. Almost won a Cy Young, made 3 All-Star teams, and was a Postseason stud.

So what if he drank and ate fried chicken on his off-days during games.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Ah, he was alright. Almost won a Cy Young, made 3 All-Star teams, and was a Postseason stud.

So what if he drank and ate fried chicken on his off-days during games.

He also sold Beckett in January of 2005. I don't think you can pin today's problems on him

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by raulus

Does seem like Beckett is sliding towards oblivion/irrelevancy, if they're not there already with this level of market share.

Concur.

For those with cards in Beckett slabs, are you thinking about keeping as us or trying to cross? I had a few Beckett slabs, but I sold all over the last few years. Glad I did.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Concur.

For those with cards in Beckett slabs, are you thinking about keeping as us or trying to cross? I had a few Beckett slabs, but I sold all over the last few years. Glad I did.

I would crack or sell unless you have an ultra rare desirable GOAT Ruth, Wagner, Cobb, Jackson Ect.