Why I Hate the Whole Card Grading Thing...

[LeftHandedDane]

I, too, buy almost exclusively raw cards. I don't have the space to store the oversized holders, and I find that the label takes away from the beauty of the card.

I pay no attention to the "grade" that the seller gives to a raw card - I judge it myself and bid accordingly.

I also wonder why people get cards graded that are not worth as much as it costs to grade them.

The only value I see to grading is protection against counterfeiting, alterations, and the like. However, I have bought some cards that have been trimmed, and as long as it was done well that doesn't really bother me. If a card is worth more than, say, $300 or so, I am more likely to seek a graded version - or at least be very careful when buying a raw card at an apparent "steal".