Can we say something positive about PSA or is it always terrible?

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Posted By: bruce Dorskind

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As of the 10:45 PM PST on Saturday September 30, 2006
in the three vintage categories

pre 1930
1930-1939
1940-1949

there is a total of 1763 cards graded by PSA and SGC.

Nearly 73% of these cards have been graded by PSA.

In the pre-1930 category PSA has 69% share

In the 1930's and 1940's periords PSA's share is well
over 83%


Therefore, it is evident that PSA is far and away the market leader.

Graded cards probably account for 75% of the value of baseball cards.
Whilst some would like to think of this a gentlemen's hobby where
boys quietly trade pictures, it a big business and one which, with
the proper marketing, regulartory authority and innovative sales
strategy will grow at an impressive rate.

The hobby ony exploded because of grading. Grading enabled collectors
to buy a high end parody product with a reaon degree of confidence.
It has enabled dealers to trade cards like stocks and it has fostered
the birth of the $10 million auction

PSA, whilst far from perfect deserves much of the credit.

Success in buisnes is all about the ability to read the market; anticipate
change and create a killer brand which dominates and eventually
destrous the competition.

PSA has to make certain adjustments in order to enhance its service.

Clearly it is the leader and it should focus its efforts on brand extention,
product enhancement and on destroying its weaker competitors.

At best there is room for two grading services in this business.

Any high end PSA cards that we have aquired within the past year-
particularly PSA 7 and PSA 8 e cards have grown appreciated in
value by at least 22.%

Those of you who attempt to play down the importance of PSA,
whilst free to do so, are fighting the market. That strategy has
rarely worked in any collectibles market which we are familiar.

Bruce Dorskind
America' Toughest Want List