SGC Response concerning new labels

[Leon]

This is from Sean Skeffington at SGC.

Thu 5/22/2014 3:49 PM

Hi Guys,

I have read the feedback concerning the recent changes at SGC, specifically the new label design. There were several factors that went in to the decision to change the label. Most of the factors were internal and tied to the fact that our old computer system could no longer be technically supported and there was no flexibility or control as to what information we could put on the label. As we decided to make a change to our computer system, a change to a new label was inevitable. It should be noted that the old label was not immune to criticism. If you look at your collection of SGC cards you will probably notice that the way in which the text appears on the label is inconsistent with important information often drifting into the lower green border. The old label was far from perfect or ideal, in many respects.

With that said, in the planning and designing of the new label we were quite mindful that some collectors are not comfortable with change of any kind. However there are times when change is necessary. Internally we needed a label
that could contain more information (we now have 4 lines of text area, instead of 3 lines). Having 4 lines of available space is necessary for our business going forward. Having a colored border would have made this difficult and cluttered.

In no way do we want to minimize the concerns of our customers, but after 15 years, any change would have prompted some criticism. We made the change with the best of intentions in mind and for a label that we feel is clean, versatile, consistent and provides another level of security.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sean Skeffington
SGC




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[calvindog]

Sean manned up. I like.

[GregMitch34]

Thanks for reply but as others have shown--the new line of info would not preclude the green border and the heading in general. Simply claiming some people never like change and the old flip had its critics is weak and does not explain why full re-design was needed or desired, or why these particular choices were made, especially since they make SGC look cheap--when one of its main draws was it looked kind of "classy." Odd move when 1) you're already #2 in the field and 2) your main advantage over #1 has been your looks and 3) there are financial reasons, in most cases, to prefer PSA.

[Orioles1954]

I am curious if the flips will have any impact on resale value.

[pawpawdiv9]

i was just browsing the site, i typically visit often.
I could not find the 'SGC forums'
and i was looking at my Registry...and it list it, but when i click on 'my registered sets'.....its says nothing.

[kmac32]

I entered my email to reset my password and it says e-mail unknown. Called and they said they are still working on site. What a fiasco.

[queencitysportscards]

Originally Posted by kmac32

I entered my email to reset my password and it says e-mail unknown. Called and they said they are still working on site. What a fiasco.

I had no problem today re-setting my password. I also did an online submission and sent in a card today. Wonder if it will come back in a new flip?

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by GregMitch34

Thanks for reply but as others have shown--the new line of info would not preclude the green border and the heading in general. Simply claiming some people never like change and the old flip had its critics is weak and does not explain why full re-design was needed or desired, or why these particular choices were made, especially since they make SGC look cheap--when one of its main draws was it looked kind of "classy." Odd move when 1) you're already #2 in the field and 2) your main advantage over #1 has been your looks and 3) there are financial reasons, in most cases, to prefer PSA.

Valid points!

[The Nasty Nati]

If there is no turning back with the new label (which I really hope that's not the case) at least give your loyal customers a discount on re-holdering fees---especially since there was zero heads up about this.

[Vol]

Originally Posted by The Nasty Nati

If there is no turning back with the new label (which I really hope that's not the case) at least give your loyal customers a discount on re-holdering fees---especially since there was zero heads up about this.

One can hope, but this feels like a means to implement
a new revenue stream.

Classy of SGC at the minimum to at least try to provide all
here some form of clarification, instead of just a complete ignore.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Vol

One can hope, but this feels like a means to implement
a new revenue stream.

Classy of SGC at the minimum to at least try to provide all
here some form of clarification, instead of just a complete ignore.

The new half-grade could arguably be a means to generate new revenue -- but don't they have to keep up with PSA on half-grades? However, creating new holders and flips to prevent fraud and to protect the cards can hardly be seen as a money grab.

[mrvster]

I have not looked at the new labels yet.....and granted,. there have been some issues with their gaskets....but, I would not think of sending my precious cards/scraps anywhere else....they are a 100% class act no matter what the label "looks" like.....if it includes more information, then they have really been listening to their customers.......information is the "key"....im not trying to bash PSA or anything, but SGC ROCKS.....more info on the SGC flip means more knowledge/value .....info is the key(besides protection/verification).....


PSA had trouble slabbing T206 Blank Backs as "NO VOUCHER" or "FACTORY MISPRINT" "NO HOLDER" ect.....where as SGC graders know the difference of recognizing a T206 printer's scrap....and slab them accordingly.....PSA misses the mark A TON of times on T206 rarities/ misprints......as one of my friends picks up a BROWN OLD MILL(from Ebay), and it is not even differentiated on the PSA flip! and, possibly the card was busted out of a SGC holder previously and relabeled as PSA AUTH to add value???HA!! what a joke!


PSA is clueless when it comes to the T206 rarities...and labeling them accordingly(sorry David)..

PSA
they just don't have the capacity to recognize/grade them appropriately....all my collector friends know where to take a true rare card....


SGC customer service is second to none.....of course mistakes happen ocassionally, but it's all how you handle the problem or concern, and SGC is untouchable there...I never believed in "GRADING" my cards for years, I eat and breathe T206 and know a scrap from a production card... but its almost a necessity now a days....I always look for the second opinion, and SGC has always been there for me....


I will check out the new flip/ design......as long as the cards are evaluated by those graders, they could write it in crayon for all I care.......

[Blackie]

It trust Sean and he is a man of his Word. That I know first hand through many submissions, phone calls etc. Though it's a bit frustrating, I must concur that they have the collectors interests in mind. Just my honest opinion.

[kamikidEFFL]

I understand where Sean is coming from. Computers have to be upgraded and things change it just stinks. I really just think it looks a bit lower end but maybe it will grow on me

[EvilKing00]

Interesting... I hope since they have more space they can add more info, specifically about the T205 backs, id like to see, ie piedmont 42 back, or hassan 30, etc. t206's im sure most here would like the same

Originally Posted by Leon

This is from Sean Skeffington at SGC.

Thu 5/22/2014 3:49 PM

Hi Guys,

I have read the feedback concerning the recent changes at SGC, specifically the new label design. There were several factors that went in to the decision to change the label. Most of the factors were internal and tied to the fact that our old computer system could no longer be technically supported and there was no flexibility or control as to what information we could put on the label. As we decided to make a change to our computer system, a change to a new label was inevitable. It should be noted that the old label was not immune to criticism. If you look at your collection of SGC cards you will probably notice that the way in which the text appears on the label is inconsistent with important information often drifting into the lower green border. The old label was far from perfect or ideal, in many respects.

With that said, in the planning and designing of the new label we were quite mindful that some collectors are not comfortable with change of any kind. However there are times when change is necessary. Internally we needed a label
that could contain more information (we now have 4 lines of text area, instead of 3 lines). Having 4 lines of available space is necessary for our business going forward. Having a colored border would have made this difficult and cluttered.

In no way do we want to minimize the concerns of our customers, but after 15 years, any change would have prompted some criticism. We made the change with the best of intentions in mind and for a label that we feel is clean, versatile, consistent and provides another level of security.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sean Skeffington
SGC




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[Gradedcardman]

Think I will only buy the old style...damn the new ones (really ? it matters that much)

[frankbmd]

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Then SGC changed their flip this way
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Suddenly, my cards seem half of what they used to be
No green borders on the flips I see
Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Why the flip had to go I don't know they wouldn't say
Did I say something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, TPG was such an easy game to play
I liked S G C, not P S A
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Why the flip had to change I don't know they wouldn't say
Did I say something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, TPG was such an easy game to play
I liked S G C, not P S A
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Mm mm mm mm mm mm mm


Back in the day every record had a "flip" side.

[RGold]

Frank, you think that you can just waltz back in here with some silly song, with all your charm and wit, after calling us a bunch of lemons.

I think not!

[Rich Klein]

My point has been, and will continue to be, in terms of trying to retail with the new flip, it does not look right.

I'm more concerned about the retail aspects then the inforrmation because if the flip does not stand out, then these flips might be passed by because the appear to be similar to those of 2nd rank grading services

Rich

[Blackie]

updated.........was able to get ahold of SGC concerning the Sub...........all is Good!

[sebie43]

When you pay money for something you want to like the way it looks, and that applies to slabs/flips too. In my opinion

[frankbmd]

Not too long ago there was a vocal contingent on the board who were adamant about cracking their cards out of the slabs so they could feel their cards. After this discussion methinks perhaps they just wanted to have their flips bronzed.

Leon, I think we really need a moat.

[LuckyLarry]

Why are the paper labels on slabbed cards called flips?

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

Why are the paper labels on slabbed cards called flips?

Because if you get a low grade then you may flip out?

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

Why are the paper labels on slabbed cards called flips?

So that if the buyer gets a grade that he knows he can sell for more than he paid for it, he flips it.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I turn on the tube and what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin' "Blame SGC"
They point their crooked little fingers at Skeffington
Spend all their time demandin' that somethin' be done
Victim of this, victim of that
The new flip's not green, it's gone over flat

Get over it
It's just a flip
All this whinin' and cryin' and pitchin' a fit
Get over it, get over it

[RGold]

Your avatar sucks.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by RGold

Your avatar sucks.

At least it has no rouge.

[RGold]

"Weird Frank" Yankovic, M.D.

[frankbmd]

Yes, this whole "flip" flap seems a bit overblown, but I fully realize that some consider it a call to arms. It just seems a tad ridiculous that a gaggle of grown men can get so worked up over a slip of paper. But then again spending big bucks on old card board probably would not be considered saner by the general public. I certainly consider myself among the insane and my "moat" post this morning implied that we are all in the asylum. The "moat" was to protect the public from us and not vice versa.

With that I will pick up my fife and ask Peter to pound the drum as we all sing together ............

The Battle Hymn of the Forum

Mine eyes have seen the horror
Of the coming of the flip
That’s trampling on the vintage
Of our trusty battleship
Green borders have been whitened
How bland doth look the slip
The Forum marches on

I have seen the raging brush fires
On this and other threads.
We are not without our losses
Several members lost their heads
Our courage is ne’er questioned
We are truly leather heads
The Forum marches on

I have read the fiery gospel
In the threads of 54
Where the flip has been condemned
Before getting out the door
The echoes from the rafters
Shout “SGC No More”
The Forum marches on

Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Our Forum marches on

The enemy is quivering
In their sequestered fort
Joe G has made his own flip
Demanding they resort
To employing his design
Whilst the new flip must abort
The Forum marches on

Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Our Forum marches on

The pundits are uncertain
‘Bout the outcome of this war
Battle lines are established
Our flip we must implore
But our bravery’s now affirmed
For now and evermore
The Forum marches on

Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Our Forum marches on