Why do we even need TPGs?

[CardboardCollector]

I believe I know all the usual reasons, but when trying to sell cards why not scan at a hi-resolution and show the card in all it's detail? especially higher end or rare cards. All I have are raw cards and do not collect graded or get my cards graded.

I have scans of my cards that even show the slight creases, paper fibers and edge chipping in detail. I know it takes time scan at hi-res and storage is much larger, but when you use a TPG as a trust mechanism wouldn't a good hi-res scan give you a better idea of the card itself.

[glynparson]

the card itself will always tell me what the card itself looks like more than a scan of the card itself.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by glynparson

the card itself will always tell me what the card itself looks like more than a scan of the card itself.

I think Yoda said that.

[Snapolit1]

If I am going to spend real bucks on a card I want a TPG opinion that it's authentic. As counterfeiting and just plain old copying gets more and more sophisticated, I just don't trust myself eyeballing something. Particularly scans of something. People on this board who know a lot more than I do debate all the time whether a scan looks authentic.
Like the kid in the deli doing the quick swipe of the $100 bill . . . . .
And, yes, I realize they make mistakes too.

[Prof_Plum]

I've only had cards graded twice in the last 5-6 years. This most recent submission was for insurance purposes and for whomever inherits the cards. It might be worth their while if they stopped for a moment and had second thoughts before trashing a card of some guy they've never heard of, if it's encased in plastic.

[Cozumeleno]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

If I am going to spend real bucks on a card I want a TPG opinion that it's authentic. As counterfeiting and just plain old copying gets more and more sophisticated, I just don't trust myself eyeballing something. Particularly scans of something. People on this board who know a lot more than I do debate all the time whether a scan looks authentic.
Like the kid in the deli doing the quick swipe of the $100 bill . . . . .
And, yes, I realize they make mistakes too.

Same - and I'd add that I also like the protection of slabs on expensive cards. They certainly are not foolproof when it comes to authentication but if I'm buying a card over $500 or so, there's an added level of assurance for me.

Not to mention that high-dollar slabbed cards are much easier to sell.

I'm mostly a raw collector myself but there are advantages to TPG-gradedx cards.

[Snapolit1]

If someone is trying to sell a rare card and hasn't gone to the trouble of slabbing it, but wants to tell me how great it is, I suspect strongly something is amiss.

[ajquigs]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

If I am going to spend real bucks on a card I want a TPG opinion that it's authentic. As counterfeiting and just plain old copying gets more and more sophisticated, I just don't trust myself eyeballing something. Particularly scans of something. People on this board who know a lot more than I do debate all the time whether a scan looks authentic.
Like the kid in the deli doing the quick swipe of the $100 bill . . . . .
And, yes, I realize they make mistakes too.

I agree with Steve. I generally collect mid-grade or lower and I'm pretty good about buying the card and not the holder in that respect. Still, when I'm spending $100 or more I like having someone more knowledgeable than I say it's authentic. Even though they're not perfect, their eye is vastly better than mine.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by ajquigs

I agree with Steve. I generally collect mid-grade or lower and I'm pretty good about buying the card and not the holder in that respect. Still, when I'm spending $100 or more I like having someone more knowledgeable than I say it's authentic. Even though they're not perfect, their eye is vastly better than mine.

eventually any cards of any real value will get a third party on it like an insurance company to value the cards in case they are lost etc.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by glynparson

the card itself will always tell me what the card itself looks like more than a scan of the card itself.

me too