Advice Appreciated
 

As a very long time collector I am naive when it comes to the whole grading phenomenen having never submitted anything to any of the various servers. I have some of my early '50's cards that I am considering taking a flyer on but would like to hear what some of the board members think.

While not accusing any of the companies of doing anything untoward I am nervous about shipping these cards off to people I do not know and who do not know me.

I imagine that those who have cards graded regularly and are well known might get a little more benefit that a newby and what guarantee is there that the cards that come back are the same ones submitted?

I am sure that I am being a little bit paranoid and hope the members can overlook that as I am relatively certain and trust that the grading companies are 100% professional in every way.

If I proceed can you suggest who you have had success with?

Thanks a lot,

Sealmark

I am a little confused on what you are asking, but I will try to respond. I think it really depends on why you want to have the cards graded. I think in most cases, people have cards graded for 3 main reasons(although I'm sure there are lots more)

1) Sell....the truth is, graded cards sell for more money!
2) Preserve...lots of collectors want that security of knowing the card is safe!
3) Building sets or set registry...either for personal hobby or possible re-sale!

I know these are very vague answers, but I hope it helps. Before you spend money on grading cards, be honest with why you are doing it. Good luck!!! :)

Advice
 

In terms of the "why", I agree with K-dog. Be sure you have a reason before investing any money. In terms of safety, I believe the "big 3" have great reputations - PSA, SGC and Beckett. I have submitted to PSA and SGC multiple times and have never had a lost or switched card. All of the companies mentioned above have graded multiple cards worth into the 6 figure range. If you are grading for resale, PSA graded cards in general seem to more consistently generate higher prices. If you want to "compete" with your collection - PSA has the greatest participation in its registry. If you just want to keep your cards safe - I actually like the holder and service better at SGC. Unfortunately, I am either competing or selling - so with very rare exception I go with PSA. I have purchased graded cards from all 3 companies. Hope that helps. I'm sure others will weigh in with their own experiences. One last note on something you didn't mention - none of the companies has great grading consistency (imo) - you will often be surprised at how low and occasionaly how high a card you sent in graded. Be well.

-Howard

I see no reason for any concern with any of the big three, I have sent to all three of them numerous times without issue. Good luck.

Thanks Guys
 

Thank you very much for you input. I really appreciate it as this is all very new to me - IF I decide to try it. I am a collector not a seller so I just thought I would try it for the first time and see what happens.

My grandson might appreciated it one day.

Mark

keep in mind, grading can get pricey and you may want to check (ebay is a good place to start) whether what you're going to spend getting the card graded is reflected in it's resale value, because I've found that this is not always the case. That's why when I build sets from the 50s, I often buy graded commons in the mid to high range: they don't cost significantly more than their raw brethren. I'd hate to be the guy who shelled out 10-15 bucks to get a card graded that only sold for 5.

I buy graded cards to presurve them and to keep