SGC Up-charges

[puckpaul]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Here's the breakdown... But to preface it, an SGC Rep at the show walked me through the process and told me what to value each card at, and what the corresponding grading cost would be. It was a 13 card submission, of which the following 3 cards were hit with a second up-charge...

'33 Ruth:
Valued at $7,499 / Paid $250 to grade at show and was assessed additional $250 post-grading

'33 Gehrig:
Valued at $3,499 / Paid $85 to grade, and was assessed additional $415 post-grading

Colgan Chips Wagner:
Valued at $1,499 / Paid $15 to grade and was assessed additional $70 post-grading

The Wagner (which looks near-perfect, with no creases, wrinkles or surface wear) was given a 4.5 grade, which seems absurd (but is an entirely different matter I plan to address).

Anyway, I understand their upcharges are based on perceived value, but was told by many reliable sources that SGC would not hold the cards hostage after the initial submission. Just trying to determine whether this is a typical occurrence, as it may impact my future decisions on which cards to grade.

Many thanks!

With those new upcharges PSA would have been a better option.

[jethrod3]

A third party grading company that is willing to charge a flat reasonable rate, regardless of card value, plus actual rates for insurance and shipping, will be able to build a grading site in almost every state because of demand, and still make money hand over first at every site they build. There would be zero bias, since there would be no incentive to charge more money if the grade is higher and no incentive to grade higher to make more money.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by jethrod3

A third party grading company that is willing to charge a flat reasonable rate, regardless of card value, plus actual rates for insurance and shipping, will be able to build a grading site in almost every state because of demand, and still make money hand over first at every site they build. There would be zero bias, since there would be no incentive to charge more money if the grade is higher and no incentive to grade higher to make more money.

Ah yes. You mean like Beckett? I hear they're crushing it!

[jethrod3]

I typically don't send in cards or any material for grading unless they are autographed, so I don't keep tabs on who is "crushing it" and who is not, and why, but wasn't that grading company also swamped during COVID and the increased interest in cards and memorabilia needing grading/authentication? It seems there is an upcharge at least for autographs at some of the third party graders grading autographs on the materials they will slab, but I can tell you that if there was a company that was reputable and charged a flat rate, I would be sending a lot more of my collectibles to that company.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by jethrod3

I typically don't send in cards or any material for grading unless they are autographed, so I don't keep tabs on who is "crushing it" and who is not, and why, but wasn't that grading company also swamped during COVID and the increased interest in cards and memorabilia needing grading/authentication? It seems there is an upcharge at least for autographs at some of the third party graders grading autographs on the materials they will slab, but I can tell you that if there was a company that was reputable and charged a flat rate, I would be sending a lot more of my collectibles to that company.

Beckett charges a flat rate. The only differences in pricing they offer are with respect to turnaround times, not valuations of the cards themselves.

The hobby has nearly abandoned them. Their slabs sell for much less than PSA and SGC, and the pop report data shows them getting less and less market share every month. They are now in 4th place and appear to be destined for extinction.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by puckpaul

With those new upcharges PSA would have been a better option.

Agree, and I have seriously considered cracking and submitting the Colgan Chips Wagner to PSA. The only thing holding me back is... well, check out these FUGLY pics.

[661fish]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Agree, and I have seriously considered cracking and submitting the Colgan Chips Wagner to PSA. The only thing holding me back is... well, check out these FUGLY pics.

Unfortunately Mark, I feel the grading companies have determined they are done giving high grades on Colgan Chips. In a way, it seems like they have conspired together to hammer and undergrade vintage these days. That's just my opinion but I'm sure others will agree.

[perezfan]

So let's see.... much steeper upcharges accompanied by much worse grades. And the sheeple continue to flock to them in record numbers. I'll take it as a sign to stick with rare memorabilia (the type that cannot be slabbed )

[perezfan]

BTW, still no return email from anyone at SGC... 6 attempts with no reply after more than a week. Awesome customer service.

[prestigecollectibles]

Originally Posted by perezfan

BTW, still no return email from anyone at SGC... 6 attempts with no reply after more than a week. Awesome customer service.

I have a 13 card Japanese baseball submission there for more than a month. Most of the cards have been graded before and all are in the guide. I was told by Brent that "Your submission has some obscure cards that require a deep dive into the research." They have no Japanese card experts so I don't know where they are diving.

I've messaged them a few times and I only get a canned response. I'm fed up with them.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by prestigecollectibles

I have a 13 card Japanese baseball submission there for more than a month. Most of the cards have been graded before and all are in the guide. I was told by Brent that "Your submission has some obscure cards that require a deep dive into the research." They have no Japanese card experts so I don't know where they are diving.

I've messaged them a few times and I only get a canned response. I'm fed up with them.

I don't know exactly where they're diving either, but sure feels like it's up the creek without a paddle.