O/T (but not really) - do you care about scratches on your slabs?

[BioCRN]

Lot more people are bothered by scratches than I would have anticipated. As it stands right now about 2/3rd are, 1/3 are not. I would have guessed it would be going in the opposite direction.

Technically, I am bothered, but realistically I'll take even a majorly scratched up slab (or one scratched in an annoying place) and polish the slab. I'm yet to have to reholder any card in my collection.

A scratched up slab has never gotten in the way of any that I've ever bought. I kinda expect it on older slabs, or at least I'm not surprised.

[BobbyStrawberry]

I voted yes, but really my answer is "sometimes yes, sometimes no." Depends on the scratch, depends on the slab, depends on the card.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

I voted yes, but really my answer is "sometimes yes, sometimes no." Depends on the scratch, depends on the slab, depends on the card.

I voted no for the same reason. If it's a small scratch then no big deal to me, I'm not looking to sell. Now, if the card is a 52T graded 7 Mantle and it had a scratch, then that might bother me because everyone knows a buyer is probably paying for the slab/flip rather than the card.

How many people keep their slabs in a protective clear sleeve that is made to protect the plastic from getting scratched?

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by BioCRN

Lot more people are bothered by scratches than I would have anticipated. As it stands right now about 2/3rd are, 1/3 are not.

Hmmmm. It's sad but there seem to be about twice as many slab collectors as card collectors these days.

[UKCardGuy]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

Hmmmm. It's sad but there seem to be about twice as many slab collectors as card collectors these days.

I think that's an unfair characterization.

I'm guessing that most collectors just want the card whether it's raw or graded. For me, raw is preferred but if I find a graded card at a similar price to raw then I'm happy with that too.

Of the 27,413 cards in my collection, just 547 are graded across all the major TPGs. Sometimes there are scarce cards that are just easier to find as a graded card. Other times, a graded card reduces the risk when buying online.

Whatever the rationale for graded or raw, I want to be able to look and my cards and enjoy them. I enjoy looking at my cards. Given the choice, why would I want a gorgeous card stuck behind a scratched/dirty/unappealing slab?

[sonnyu2]

I selected "Yes" because as a seller on eBay and at shows, I have been asked hundreds of times "Does the slab have any scratches or other issues?".

There are many buyers who are very particular about the condition of the slab. Some will complain about the most inconsequential tiniest wear / hairline scratch on a slab.

My scanner has a maybe 1/4" long hairline scratch on it that was faintly showing up in the upper left corner of graded card slabs (no where near the actual card in the slab). I must have had 20 people inquire if that little 1/4" hairline scratch was on the slab or the scanner. So, I quickly learned not to use that part of the scanner.

As for slabbed cards I buy for my personal collection, I am not too concerned with the slab - the card within is way more relevant to me.

[LEHR]

I voted yes. scratched up slabs drive the gremlins in my head absolutely nuts.

These same gremlins are probably also why I try to buy the best condition I can find/afford of any collectible.

Hell, if I'm buying macaroni at the store I'm the guy reaching in and grabbing the fourth box back because it's pristine and the first three have dents.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by LEHR

I voted yes. scratched up slabs drive the gremlins in my head absolutely nuts.

These same gremlins are probably also why I try to buy the best condition I can find/afford of any collectible.

Hell, if I'm buying macaroni at the store I'm the guy reaching in and grabbing the fourth box back because it's pristine and the first three have dents.

Haha, I am exactly the same!

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Haha, I am exactly the same!

LOL!

Glad I'm not the only crazy one.

My wife used to laugh at me for this when we first got married; now 18 years later she does the same thing.