Grading and market perceptions

[Rich Klein]

1) They do "protect" the cards from various human mistakes. I realize, and trust me, I do, that seeing, smelling and generally appreciating a raw card is nice. However; a graded card is protected from the vagaries of everyday issues. When I was still at Beckett; we had a story of cards slabbed in BGS holders that survived Katrina where who knows how many raw cards were lost forever.

2) Since we are only temporary "Keepers" of these pieces of cardboard. Having cards graded makes it easier for any future generations to sell these cards if they have no interest in cardboard.

3) Graded cards are easier to buy/sell/trade on the internet. With the decline of shows/stores and in-person auctions; seeing a card with an SGC 40, PSA 3or BVG 3 grade gives me a good general idea of the condition. I do understand that cards can appear better than their technical grade but at least their vg is going to be closer to your vg which is closer to my vg than doing the same for a raw card.

Regards
Rich