Anyone else feeling raw is their only option these days?

[scmavl]

Originally Posted by scmavl

Agreed. I tend to look for poorly photographed cards on ebay, as lots of people scroll right by a lackluster thumbnail. I've gotten some really good deals that way.

Normally I wouldn't quote myself, but a card just arrived today that 100% illustrates this. I saw this '52 Berk Ross Jackie on eBay, but it looked like it had been in a house fire. Very dark, not presentable at all. But then I looked at the back pic and noticed a clearer shadow line and realized it was just a terrible photograph. So I made a low offer and he took it, as I'd guess he hadn't had any offers yet.

Here is the card's listing photograph vs in-hand today.

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[bobsbbcards]

Two rules for people in the card collecting/selling/investing hobby:

1) Snipe
2) Buy a scanner

[bb66]

Hey Wid--I am in total agreement with everything you described. Thanks

[Exhibitman]

Who pays attention to the seller's grade on a card? I never do. i judge from the scans and ask about any creases. If the card arrives with a wrinkle back it goes as not as described.

[ASF123]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Who pays attention to the seller's grade on a card? I never do. i judge from the scans and ask about any creases. If the card arrives with a wrinkle back it goes as not as described.

Speaking of, I bought a raw Aaron RC and just got the card in hand today, and it's obviously trimmed. No mention of that in the description, but the seller is being a d*** about a return - "It was sold as is, I described it as 'authentic,'" blah blah blah. He pretty clearly knew and was trying to be clever.

There's no way I get stuck with the card if I open a "not as described" return request, right?

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by ASF123

Speaking of, I bought a raw Aaron RC and just got the card in hand today, and it's obviously trimmed. No mention of that in the description, but the seller is being a d*** about a return - "It was sold as is, I described it as 'authentic,'" blah blah blah. He pretty clearly knew and was trying to be clever.

There's no way I get stuck with the card if I open a "not as described" return request, right?

I'd open the case for sure.

[packs]

Paypal is built to punish a seller like that. There's a 99% chance you'll be refunded for any reason you feel like. That's what's nice about being a buyer and using their service.

[Mutton Chop Yaz]

Originally Posted by jingram058

Everyone on these forums has their opinion on graded cards, why they are in the hobby, yada yada yada. Everyone also knows how I stand. No graded cards. Not why I am in the hobby. I cracked out all my graded cards. No regrets. I can handle and enjoy my cards as I did as a kid. Guarantee my wife and daughter are sitting on a goldmine when I croak, and they know it.

Originally Posted by mortimer brewster

Exactly, same here. I started collecting long before the graded card thing.I have maybe 50 graded cards in my collection. Am in the process of freeing them.

My collection also includes thousands of Game Programs, Books,yearbooks,Audio recordings. My wife never complains. IF she said "either the stuff goes or I go", I would miss her terribly.

None of my 4 kids have any interest in my collection. They don't want me to dispose my collection at some point. Just do what makes me happy and don't worry about the future. I plan on leaving instructions on how to disburse everything after I go to the Horizontal Hilton, swim with the fishes etc.

These posts have me thinking dark thoughts. My collection is small and almost entirely graded. I just picked up this Campanella with the intention of sending it to SGC, but it's so perfect and fun to hold in its natural state that I can't help but long to see my other cards this way. I just don't think I can bring myself to crack out things like my (very low grade) Goudey Ruth or Cracker Jack Wagner.

Still . . .

[mferronibc]

Originally Posted by Mutton Chop Yaz

I just picked up this Campanella with the intention of sending it to SGC, but it's so perfect and fun to hold in its natural state that I can't help but long to see my other cards this way.

I can relate. I've had a stack of cards in just top loaders "waiting" to go out to PSA for a month but haven't pulled the trigger because every night I just enjoy flipping through them and admiring them. Nothing super high grade but a few off-base (Allstar, MVP, etc.) Mantles that I just love. Yes I am very curious what they will eventually grade and will probably pull the trigger at some point (although the new prices hikes are a B*) but for now can't quite pull myself to say goodbye to them for 8-12 months and yes come back in a bulky slab that's just not as fun to flip through a stack of.

[Mutton Chop Yaz]

Originally Posted by mferronibc

I can relate. I've had a stack of cards in just top loaders "waiting" to go out to PSA for a month but haven't pulled the trigger because every night I just enjoy flipping through them and admiring them. Nothing super high grade but a few off-base (Allstar, MVP, etc.) Mantles that I just love. Yes I am very curious what they will eventually grade and will probably pull the trigger at some point (although the new prices hikes are a B*) but for now can't quite pull myself to say goodbye to them for 8-12 months and yes come back in a bulky slab that's just not as fun to flip through a stack of.

Definitely. It's hard to feel like it's worth it when the wait is so long and the cards are great as they are.