Out of the closet?

theBobs · March 9, 2003 9:17AM

The GAI Registry is coming?

Zardoz, what up man? Thats a nice Maz btw...

thegemmintman · March 9, 2003 9:22AM

It's a very sad and disturbing thing. I mean he was still such a relatively young man and all to have his sanity stripped away from him like that.

dbj77 · March 9, 2003 9:26AM

lol, who cares? let him sell what he wants, truth be told, I buy mostly psa stuff, but if the other companies had a larger selection of stuff, I'd buy that too. I like the look of SCD's holder compared to anyone elses, and the fact that they list subgrades right on the back rather than having to look it up online. GAI, SGC and BVG are ok too, but what is that saying everyone always says, "buy the card, not the holder" which is true except in PRO's case....LOL

ydsotter · March 9, 2003 9:34AM

I put my supportive bid in for our pal zardoz...

Basilone · March 9, 2003 9:38AM

This is a joke...right? It will be interesting to hear Z's story. Anyone has the right to sell whatever they want....but to be an authorized GAI dealer is big surprise.

Did you go to them Zardoz...or did they make you an offer you couldnt refuse?

John

BASESAREEMPTY · March 9, 2003 10:30AM

"SAY IT AIN'T SO JOE" UH, I MEAN Z!

Treetop · March 9, 2003 11:17AM

Nice move Zzzz, Took all those high population PSA cards and cracked them out and now they are low population GAI.

Bobs…The auction you linked to was launched a little after 5:00 p.m. Your post was launched about 12 minutes later….I don’t think that card would have shown up on a search on ebay…..must have known Z was launching his GAI’s tonight….you guys are up to something

downgoesfrazier · March 9, 2003 12:18PM

You guys who are surprised haven't been listening (reading) very well the last three months...Good luck Paul.

rw2win · March 9, 2003 12:23PM

Does this spell the end of ZAG, and did he have to sign a no compete clause?

Basilone · March 9, 2003 12:35PM

He probably has Zardoz as one of his favorite sellers...

I wish he had some of those 1965's in PSA slabs....I would of bid on them.

John

BugOnTheRug · March 9, 2003 1:25PM

I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!

The knew the sun revolved around the earth, I just couldn't get the magnetic field computations to jibe....

BOTR

wolfbear · March 9, 2003 1:34PM

Does anyone know if the new GAI registry will give extra weight to "first graded" cards ?

Also, is it okay to just register the flips ?
All my ex-GAI cards now reside in PSA holders.

I just knew all the free GAI junkets to Vegas would be far too tempting for Zardoz to resist for long ...

fab4 · March 9, 2003 9:32PM

good luck paul with your new venture. he is not the last that will become gai authorized dealers. rumors has a couple big dealers converting over, how true you never know.

........fab4................

theBobs · March 9, 2003 9:35PM

Treetop,

I keep a list of favorite sellers, and check them once a week. At the time I checked Z's auctions, the Maz was the "most recent" auction posted under Z's name. For that reason, and that its a sweet card, I picked it as a link. Just checked, and he had been posting cards for at least an hour before Maz. I learned along time ago how to find auctions quicker than the search allows. It pays to be the early bird. I missed some sweet Red Man cards once as the BIN's were hit 8 hours before they showed up in the search. No more for me...

mikeschmidt · March 9, 2003 9:43PM

Interesting times in the hobby!

I applaud Paul on this new venture -- and hope it works out for him. Me -- I'm just looking for the nicest unaltered cards, independent of holder!

FB · March 9, 2003 10:06PM

I had heard rumors that GAI was looking to acquire ZAG. But, this pretty much confirms it!

My sources told me that he sold the ZAG name for an equal value of "free gradings".

aconte · March 9, 2003 10:36PM

z,

Good luck.

I too track a handful of board members auctions and bids from time to time. As well as red man
collectors. It's fun and informative. And it helps me know what's going on in the hobby and ebay.

aconte

LuxuryWines · March 10, 2003 1:57AM

Zardoz,

WOW! I hope you still continue to post because your knowledge and humor would be sorely missed ... I hope you got a sweet deal and the new move works well for you...

BOTN · March 10, 2003 2:27AM

I am not sure why Paul's decision to use GAI is a surprise to anyone. I think that he has made his views quite clear. Anyone that knows Paul knows that he is extremely bright. Any adjustment that he is making (or made) is obviously well thought out. Is there anything wrong with exploring other options? Sorry to you diehard PSA heads but GAI has a great product. Don't be surprised when you see more PSA Authorized dealers going down the road that people like Paul and Shoebox have paved.

1420sports · March 10, 2003 2:36AM

BOTN is 100%. Paul has basically let everyone know he is going to do that w/o ever saying it. I have never met Z, but I have conversed with him on many occasions over the past few months - Klass act.

Good luck to him but not bon voyage, as he is not leaving the boards ....

will he be forced to now?

zardoz51 · March 10, 2003 5:20AM

Well, I looked out of my house and down the street, and did not see a lynch mob waiting (yet), so perhaps I'll have time to post this.

This was purely a business decision for me, and is not to infer an anti-psa sentiment on my part. Yes, I am well aware that, in many cases, I might not get the same price as I would were certain cards encapsulated in PSA holders, but that attitude has not stopped the SGC guys from utilizing that service, and if there is one thing you can be sure of, is that things never remain constant in this industry. I have never been, nor hope I ever become an individual who is interested in whoring out the last possible dollar on a card. It is more of what the long term benefits are to the hobby that are of greater interest to me. There is more to GAI than just slabbing your card, taking the money, and going on down the road.

I am not going to elaborate as to why I went with GAI for the majority of my grading needs. This is not the forum in which to do it. I thank those of you who sent the good wishes.

(PS. I also deal in PSA cards)

uniship · March 10, 2003 5:25AM

I am very eager to learn why you made this decision. If this is not the appropriate forum, where can I find out these reasons (if you would be so kind to share)?

Basilone · March 10, 2003 5:33AM

<< <i>I might not get the same price as I would were certain cards encapsulated in PSA holders. >>

huh?...why do it then (as a business decision)?

Best of Luck..I hope it works out. Please let us know the forum to find out the reasons for the change in grading companies.

John

BOTN · March 10, 2003 5:55AM

<< <i>huh?...why do it then (as a business decision)? >>

Some business decisions are not measured by the bottom line. I think that Paul has already answered the question you pose.

<< <i>I have never been, nor hope I ever become an individual who is interested in whoring out the last possible dollar on a card >>

Few will say the words and really mean it. If you know Paul then you need not second guess him.

boggs301012 · March 10, 2003 9:35AM

Paul

Goodluck I wish you the very best. I am curious as to why you went with GAI. Your not alone I too will be giving them a try . If not for other bills that appeared I would have already. Share if you will as to why .

James

BugOnTheRug · March 10, 2003 1:03PM

I don't want to know why-why-why................

because frankly, my friend, I don't give a danm.

BOTR

wolfbear · March 10, 2003 1:31PM

Zardoz's good nature, basic honesty, and sharp wit, as exhibited on these boards,
was probably the greatest factor in my joining the ranks of graded card enthusiasts.

Though I've never met Paul in person, I consider him a respected friend,
and that won't change regardless of the path he chooses.

Good luck with your GAI venture, but stick around here too, Paul, you CAN'T be replaced !

waittilitstartstosmell · March 10, 2003 11:24PM

There is more to GAI than just slabbing your card, taking the money, and going on down the road.

Are they offering extra services? Wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean?, know what I mean?

At GAI are they into photography eh? Candid Photography? Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more, say no more.

I would certainly like to know what you mean by this. I think you can do this without slamming anyone.

zardoz51 · March 11, 2003 3:24AM

Say no more, say no more!

Ah, nothing like a Monty Python skit to bring a smile to one's face.

In order that I am allowed to remain on these boards, I feel that it would be prudent of me to neither praise GAI, nor criticize PSA.

Pretty smart, huh?

So a little legwork on your part, and perhaps your questions will be answered.

Besides, it's only a flesh wound.

Anyway, it was ZAG grading that offered the "extras", ie. A twenty minute "one on one" with our special "graders", Tiffany and Star, at $250 per session, behind closed drapes at the shows.

braves72078 · March 11, 2003 3:34AM

Good luck with the new venture, I hope all works well. I to have tryed GAI, but am not ready to go with them in the same manner you are.

Tipem · March 11, 2003 3:39AM

Now that ZAG grading has "upgraded"does that mean that we will get "two on one" or,dare I say,"three on one", behind closed drapes at the introductory "show special"price?

I can't wait to get to the nationals!!!

Get there early Boys!!!There might be a line at Z's table err, booth err, drapes!!!

Z,

Good Luck with your present endeavor!!

Vic

waittilitstartstosmell · March 11, 2003 3:58AM

In order that I am allowed to remain on these boards, I feel that it would be prudent of me to neither praise GAI, nor criticize PSA.

This approach has never worked for Mike Wentz, why do you feel that it will work for you?

Seriously though, the benefit would have to be pretty friggin dramatic to make up for the loss in price realized. I will look at their website, but I can't promise that I will "get it" because I am not as smart as everyone else.

Getting back to Python

That bird has ceased to be, it is no more!

No it's not: It's just sleeping!

ROCKDJRW · March 11, 2003 3:58AM

Good luck Paul! Any truth to the rumor that you went with GAI because of an offer to cross-over all of your Jose Canseco cards at a steep discount?

I think having other companies that even the advanced collector/dealer find to be quality can only make the hobby better. LOL I am still bitter because of the unpleasent ladies at the GAI booth at the National so if I get over that I will have to make a submission. (or better yet buy from Paul)

zardoz51 · March 11, 2003 4:19AM

It's a Norwegian Blue, pining for the fjiords

This approach has never worked for Mike Wentz, why do you feel that it will work for you?

I do not believe that Mr. Wentz has ever taken that approach.

waittilitstartstosmell · March 11, 2003 5:00AM

This membership is designed for the collector desiring all of the Global Authentication Value-Added Services:

3 Free grading services on initial membership Show Service submissions at $25.00 per card
"Vintage Baseball Book" written by Dave Bushing and Joe Philips Your Global grading history on demand
"Unopened Pack Wrapper and Display Box Price Guide" by Mark Murphy 1 year subscription to My Portfolio
"Baseball Bat Price Guide" written by Dave Bushing and Joe Philips Access to the Global Collector/Mentor Program
"Vintage Baseball Glove Price Guide" by Dave Bushing and Joe Philips Consultation with a Grading Consultant
Free Vintage Super Bowl Program Newsletters, Updates on New Programs

Show Service submissions at $25.00 per card
Your Global grading history on demand
1 year subscription to My Portfolio
Access to the Global Collector/Mentor Program
Consultation with a Grading Consultant
Newsletters, Updates on New Programs

Now i get it! You have access to them Global Mentor program so that you can learn how to collect! You're right! That's definitely worth the 25% that I am going to eat on every sale! When you also consider that you get Consultation with a grading consultant, it becomes a no brainer!

Is the consultation like going to the doctors? Maybe it would go something like this?

Nurse Goodbody: Mr Smelly, the consultant will see you now. Come with me.

Smelly: Gee thanks Nurse Goodbody.

Nurse Goodbody: Mr Smelly, the last time you were here you complained of painful grades. We administered a dose of GAI 9's and I thought we had you cured?

Smelly: Yeah, but when they were broken out and resubmitted to PSA they got 7's.

Nurse Goodbody: I am going to let the consultant take care of this.

Doctor Gradefixer: Smelly, it's good to see you again.

Smelly: Doc, I just can't seem to sell my GAI cards for what I was getting with PSA.

Doctor Gradefixer: (puts his arm around Smelly) Well Smelly, there is more to GAI than just slabbing your card, taking the money, and going on down the road. How would you like to talk with one of our mentors.

Smelly: Gee doc! Could I?

Doctor Gradefixer: Smelly, I think that would be just swell. Why don't you speak with two mentors and call me in the morning? If you're not feeling better after that, just come back and see me. At GAI, we feel consultations are a part of the added value that our customers get

zardoz51 · March 11, 2003 5:08AM

LOL

Very Clever

It could have been a lot worse. At least it was a regular doctor and not a specialist, ie: a proctologist.

Better to suffer a little and have a healthy prostate than the consequences

waittilitstartstosmell · March 11, 2003 5:16AM

It probably would have been a proctologist, but he was too busy with "the Bobs".

calleocho · March 11, 2003 5:57AM

Z is one of the nicest guys to deal with ..and a damn funny guy too.

i looked at the cards and they look very sharp.

if i was building a set in GAI holders then i would go for it.

however im only building PSA graded sets and since i dont have a large budget i cant afford to take a cracking gamble.

sadly i wont be buying any of his PSA graded cards neither ...i just always try to stick w/ this passive agressive tactic w/ sellers.

i dont buy enough to make a dent in anyone's bottom line but still....the way i see it more PSA graded cards will make my sets easier to complete and increase populations, driving prices lower.

but regardless the big Z is a great seller and there is no reason to insult him in anyway.

my two cents Ethan

Out of the closet?

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