If anyone had customer service like PSA, we would be

[Delray Vintage]

No matter how frustrated we get we have no alternative to third party graders. If 99% of ungraded 1952 Mantles are not authentic, then we need authentication for high value cards. I don’t like being forced into using them but that is the reality. I buy some expensive vintage cards and in the old days I learned the hard lesson. About half bought in the early 90’s would not grade fully, either trimmed, altered.

The scary thing now is the number of fake graded cards. So grading is even suspect. Makes me want to just sell everything and find a new hobby.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Delray Vintage

No matter how frustrated we get we have no alternative to third party graders. If 99% of ungraded 1952 Mantles are not authentic, then we need authentication for high value cards. I don’t like being forced into using them but that is the reality. I buy some expensive vintage cards and in the old days I learned the hard lesson. About half bought in the early 90’s would not grade fully, either trimmed, altered.

The scary thing now is the number of fake graded cards. So grading is even suspect. Makes me want to just sell everything and find a new hobby.

I sold 99% of my graded cards and now collect vintage lower grade cards I honestly don't care if they are altered or not. I just stay away from major creases or paper loss on the players face if possible. It seriously brought the joy back into collecting for me.

[Jewish-collector]

What do you expect from an unregulated industry ? Maybe you should try collecting autographs on cards, then it doesn't really matter if the card is fake, trimmed, altered, etc,... right ?

[ALBB]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I sold 99% of my graded cards and now collect vintage lower grade cards I honestly don't care if they are altered or not. I just stay away from major creases or paper loss on the players face if possible. It seriously brought the joy back into collecting for me.

+1