BGS Turnaround Time: Up to One Year

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Just looked on PWCC's pricing website at recent 2011 Trout Update PSA 10s and BGS 9.5s. Good barometer because there are lots of both. PSA outselling BGS by 20 percent or so across the board from a quick look. Disparity probably higher on the variations.

I would compare prices on BGS 10 to PSA 10, not sure BGS 9.5 to PSA 10 is an apples to apples comparison. In your Trout comparison BGS 10 VCP avg is $1457 vs. PSA 10 $572 (almost 3x). I was referring more to the overall total numbers of modern in BGS holders and the desirability. From everything I've seen BGS holds substantial leads in both. Which probably has something to do with the long wait times for their lowest tier service.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

I would compare prices on BGS 10 to PSA 10, not sure BGS 9.5 to PSA 10 is an apples to apples comparison. In your Trout comparison BGS 10 VCP avg is $1457 vs. PSA 10 $572 (almost 3x). I was referring more to the overall total numbers of modern in BGS holders and the desirability. From everything I've seen BGS holds substantial leads in both. Which probably has something to do with the long wait times for their lowest tier service.

9.5 to 10 is apples to apples. Gem Mint to Gem Mint. No question. BGS 10 is to one side a very unusual grade, kinda like having one of those HE stickers. 10 to 10 is definitely NOT apples to apples. If PSA prices are higher then by definition that means PSA is more desirable so I really don't get your point. BGS probably has graded more because earlier and for a number of years it was the biggest player in the space so got off to a substantial lead. Not any longer. Just look at PWCC which is probably the biggest seller of this stuff.

PS I have some Beckett cards so I am not biased or a PSA fanboy. I think generally they do a good job on modern, even if the subgrades can be a little arbitrary and are frequently just off on Star basketball for reasons beyond me. But the money guys chasing the big Trout variations, the Jeters, etc. etc., are buying PSA.

[Dpeck100]

2017 same search

PSA 24,240

BGS 14,909


2016 same search

PSA 15,845

BGS 12,632


2015 same search

PSA 12,567

BGS 11,500

2014 same search

PSA 14,119

BGS 12,940


I see a trend here.

[Throttlesteer]

Keep in mind, PSA 10 cards encompass 3 different BGS grades by definition. In many cases, it's difficult to discern the difference between a PSA 9 and 10. Somehow BGS has banked its grading success on finding enough subtle difference in Gem Mint, Pristine, and Super Pristine to artificially create scarcity. I wonder how many PSA 10s could qualify as Pristine or Super Pristine? Again, if BGS had only a gem mint 10 grade, they would be out of business.

[rats60]

BGS has found their niche in PSA's world. BGS10>PSA10>BGS9.5>PSA9>BGS9>etc. With their delays ~1 year for bulk and discontinuing 10 day service, they are losing market share to PSA. People were trying to slot their cards to maximize value. As Peter said crossing BGS 9.5 to PSA 10 or BGS 9 to PSA 9 to make money or trying for BGS 10s on pristine cards. Now it isn't worth the wait unless it is an expensive card and you do the 5 day service. Now just send it to PSA and move it when the time is right. By the time it comes back from BGS, the time to sell may have past.