Wabbitwax - I slightly disagree. If PSA pulled out of every show, I think the old "out of sight, out of mind" theory applies. GAI and others would most likely pick up the slack. I go to the Fort along with a host of others and the table has a steady flow of business. GAI offers some unique business, and if PSA was not there the GAI submissions would increase. They are gaining slowly.
PSA is the leader no question. There are grading alternatives however.
They have always been right next to psa and I think psa's view was that people were reluctant to be seen at psa's booth by Rocchi and Baker and thus would not venture over there. Rocchi and Baker still have lots of collector and dealer friends.
And come on I spent at least 30 seconds talking to you at Ft. W.
If I remember correctly at The Sportsfest GAI and PSA were within 10 feet of eachother.The PSA table had a moderate amount of activity and every now and then you might have seen a customer or two at the GAI table.
Another thing I recall and I don't remember if they were Reps or customers but I think I saw someone from The GAI table chatting with someone from the PSA table.I'm pretty sure it was someone from PSA and another from GAI.
My first thought was these people and these companies get along and don't mind sharing the market place and it seems the feud or disagreement is strictly between the patrons of either company.
Isn't competition in any business healthy in regard to keeping up standards? Personally, I would rather see other grading companies striving for a share of the market to keep PSA on their toes. Whilst I use only PSA for my own submissions I am not averse to purchasing the odd card on ebay in another company's holder for the purpose of crossover/crack out speculation. I reckon other "reputable" grading companies such as SGC, GAI etc have earned some respect and also their place in the collecting community. Just my 2 cents (pence) or whatever. Nick
UK based card nut currently working on several sports & non sports sets on the psa registry. ebay id: bongobell
seems to me psa should grade unopened material given the prices some lunatics are paying on ebay. grading this stuff will definitely create a healthy competitive environment in that arena.it will also provide psa with a new source of revenue and if there is any animosity between the officers of these two companies then what is psa waiting for?. as to the fort washington show for those that haven't attended it seems to me to have the feel of a club for dealers rather than a must attend event for any collectors.where the hell is ft washington anyway?!?.
Actually GAI was in the middle back of the room for the first couple of Ft. Washington shows. It appears that PSA wants them back there again. Maybe they can get them a spot over with SGC.
And what is up with SGC's location? These guys must be short a few brain cells. That part of the room seems to be a high profile area! Great exposure to all the knuckleheads that line up 5 hours early for the free autograph guest.
What I found interesting at the Fort Washington show is that the PSA booth had big curtains hung up that the graders were all behind. You can't really see anything going on back there and only the check-in area is fully visable. It all seemed a little Wizard of Oz-ish. Also, the "teenage girl" that was counting in my cards for submission was just slapping my cards down on the table, quickly counting them (paying absolutely no attention to what she was doing) and laughing with a friend about where they were all going after the show. I wanted to reach out and slap her hand and say, "Hey! show a little respect, these cards are going to be worth more than your car is." The whole process kind of equaled the feeling of ordering a Big Mac and fries and having the mop guy splash dirty water on your shoes.
GAI's booth, on the other hand, was wide open and you could watch the whole operation take place. My buddy was getting some packs graded and we ended up staying at their booth for about an hour; watching how they grade cards, verify autographs, seal the card holders, grade bats, etc. They had showcases set up with some vintage cards and tickets in them, and even the GAI big dogs were out front talking with everyone and helping out. Now that I think about it, it was probably one of the most interesting parts of the show for us. People seemed to be truly enjoying the whole process a lot more at the GAI table.
Now, I'm not sure if any of this means anything .... as I did end up submitting my cards to PSA, and I still haven't submitted any cards to GAI. But I do know that customer service is key, and PSA might want to keep an eye on what the little guy next to them is doing.
Comments
PSA is the leader no question. There are grading alternatives however.
They have always been right next to psa and I think psa's view was that people were reluctant to be seen at psa's booth by Rocchi and Baker and thus would not venture over there. Rocchi and Baker still have lots of collector and dealer friends.
And come on I spent at least 30 seconds talking to you at Ft. W.
Davalillo
Another thing I recall and I don't remember if they were Reps or customers but I think I saw someone from The GAI table chatting with someone from the PSA table.I'm pretty sure it was someone from PSA and another from GAI.
My first thought was these people and these companies get along and don't mind sharing the market place and it seems the feud or disagreement is strictly between the patrons of either company.
My Auctions
Whilst I use only PSA for my own submissions I am not averse to purchasing the odd card on ebay in another company's holder for the purpose of crossover/crack out speculation.
I reckon other "reputable" grading companies such as SGC, GAI etc have earned some respect and also their place in the collecting community.
Just my 2 cents (pence) or whatever.
Nick
ebay id: bongobell
given the prices some lunatics are paying on ebay.
grading this stuff will definitely create a healthy
competitive environment in that arena.it will also
provide psa with a new source of revenue and if
there is any animosity between the officers of these
two companies then what is psa waiting for?.
as to the fort washington show for those that haven't
attended it seems to me to have the feel of a club
for dealers rather than a must attend event for any
collectors.where the hell is ft washington anyway?!?.
<< <i>where the hell is ft washington anyway?!?. >>
Its also know as the Philadelphia show...jay
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
And what is up with SGC's location? These guys must be short a few brain cells. That part of the room seems to be a high profile area! Great exposure to all the knuckleheads that line up 5 hours early for the free autograph guest.
What I found interesting at the Fort Washington show is that the PSA booth had big curtains hung up that the graders were all behind. You can't really see anything going on back there and only the check-in area is fully visable. It all seemed a little Wizard of Oz-ish. Also, the "teenage girl" that was counting in my cards for submission was just slapping my cards down on the table, quickly counting them (paying absolutely no attention to what she was doing) and laughing with a friend about where they were all going after the show. I wanted to reach out and slap her hand and say, "Hey! show a little respect, these cards are going to be worth more than your car is." The whole process kind of equaled the feeling of ordering a Big Mac and fries and having the mop guy splash dirty water on your shoes.
GAI's booth, on the other hand, was wide open and you could watch the whole operation take place. My buddy was getting some packs graded and we ended up staying at their booth for about an hour; watching how they grade cards, verify autographs, seal the card holders, grade bats, etc. They had showcases set up with some vintage cards and tickets in them, and even the GAI big dogs were out front talking with everyone and helping out. Now that I think about it, it was probably one of the most interesting parts of the show for us. People seemed to be truly enjoying the whole process a lot more at the GAI table.
Now, I'm not sure if any of this means anything .... as I did end up submitting my cards to PSA, and I still haven't submitted any cards to GAI. But I do know that customer service is key, and PSA might want to keep an eye on what the little guy next to them is doing.