PRO GOES TO GAI
Slabbed
Posts: 306
Jodi mo alias PSA Card takes all his pro holdered cards and gets them crossed over to GAI, plus cuts a deal with Rocchi and Baker on his grading fees. Any thought on this subject? And does it bother you to know that when purchasing a card in a GAI holder that it was formally residing in a pro holder.
0
Comments
Would you happen to have images of the cards before they went into GA holders? If he is selling the stuff I would just assume that the stuff is crap.
I've also seen a few posts where people have noticed this dealer buy
a card in a low grade PSA holder one week, only to see it a few weeks
later in a PRO 9 or 10 holder up on eBay. Can you give at least one
specific example of a card now residing in a GAI holder that was once
in a PRO slab? I'm not denying that this guy is crooked, but where are
you getting the info that this guy got a deal on his grading fees??
Also, you keep saying that all of his inventory is in GAI slabs, yet
when I checked right now I noticed that a significant amount of the cards
he has for sale are also in PSA holders. Did he cut a deal with PSA,
too?
To answer your specific question, no, I would not buy cards from this
guy, mainly because of his bad reputation. I never buy GAI graded cards.
Chuck
is being used to get the website up and running...
aconte
In GAI's defense, I recently submitted a batch of 400 cards (1965-1966 Topps cards) for their pregrade service. They did a very conscientious job, and to my surprise, they culled out about 5 miscust and/or trimmed cards that had skipped by my review.
Of course mistakes can be made, and you have to be careful, even with PSA. I recently returned a 1966 Kaline PSA 8 and a 1966 Mays PSA 7, both of which were obviously trimmed - being about 1/8 inch short from top to bottom. The nice thing about PSA is that they refund at SMR value without a hassle.
No, I'm not a GAI representative, but I do know Steve Rocchi through numerous business dealings, and it just doesn't make sense to me that he would jeopardize his Company's entire business reputation by knowingly encapsulating trimmed cards.
Out of every 15 PRO 9 or 10's, would it be safe to say that 2 or 3 would cross to PSA grading at least a 7?
<< <i>Garry Mosher formally head of pro grading has all his inventory in gai holders. Same cards that were in pro holders. >>
You likely have No Proof or you
would have provided it by now.
As hard as Baker and GAI are working
to be the Leader in this industry, I don't think
that you can possibly believe that this is true.
IF you have proof..............and I highly doubt you do....
then please provide it.
All this really begs for one thing--A new grading company. I know it sounds crazy with all the companies currently in the marketplace, but we've all learned enough to know what's needed. I think most of us purists would like one thing--Fair grading. I never look for my cards to be graded above what they legitimately are. I want correctly slabbed cards so I can trade and purchase cards without disappointment.
I think we all agree on the following:
1) Tamper proof holders
2) Up to date population report
3) Precise centering included on card slab. This is not subjective. A definite centering ratio can be measured with a ruler.
4) Same treatment for all submitters
5) Clearly defined grading standards
6) A 100 point system so a 60 pt. card and a 69 pt. card are indistinguishable in grade
7) Prompt turn around time as promised
8) Fair pricing
9) A small grading summary exposing flaws we might no see
10) No possible conflicts of interest
11) Guaranteed review by more than one grader
12) No enforced membership
13) A cheaper service for pure authentification without grading
14) A website that explains card grades with pictures instead of vague terms
15) An effective want list service
16) An initial trial crossover period for a very reduced rate
17) Customer service. Customer service. Customer service.
I truly believe the above is possible. The idea of grading cards w/authentification is brilliant. It's man that ruins it with greed and backroom deals. I'm not interested in pursuing this because my business interests are already solidified. However, a few bright kids/collectors out of college could really build something given patience and hardwork.
I'm sure there are other suggestions that I'm leaving out. It would just be great to have the majority of my cards in the proper slabs. I don't think true collectors want anything more than that. Why should a hobby that's supposed to be a form of relaxation cause so much anxiety?
Thoughts obviously welcome,
Satan
I agree with your post 100%. I don't know if we need a "new" company or if one of the bid 3 should step up and clean house?
Braves
you maka me laugh Pisan !
<< <i>one of the bid 3 should step up and clean house >>
I assume that you meant "BIG 3"
but WHO do You think are the Big Three?
PSA, BGS, SGC?
PSA, SGC, GAI?
PSA, BGS, GAI?
BGS, SGC, GAI?
and based on what?
Lovely list of wants, but will you or anybody else be willing to pay for these additional features?
You should email your list to Joe Orlando.
John
I'm gonna take my marbles and go home.
Always looking for 1957 Topps BB in PSA 9!
I think the new company could operate with very comparable prices. The key is to really stay pure and strive for consistency. It's tough for graders to look at cards for eight hours a day, but if you're hungry enough it would pay off financially. Keeping the pop report up to date can't be difficult. Design your software to handle it. It shouldn't even be expensive.
A hundred point system could break down like this:
Centering - 20% - This is mathematical so it's not a problem
Corners - 20% - Four corners each with a scale
Edges - 20% - Again, four edges with a scale
Surface - This would be the most subjective. Gloss, print quality and creases are the concern here.
Back of card - 20% - based on centering, surface and creases
PSA is the best grading company right now. That's why their cards command the most money. However, they are far from perfect in about twenty areas. They know what those areas are per this board and refuse to make changes. The one thing I've learned in business is if you can offer a superior service at comparable prices, people will eventually switch. If we could cut out the frustration of misgrades, poor customer service, etc... the hobby would grow too. This would make the cards surge in value. Also, if we knew the rationale behind a grade, it would be easier to accept. Plus, we'd know exactly what to look for when purchasing raw.
I think grading is definitely here to stay, but corporate evolution has occurred in every business sector. If some unknown made a cell phone that actually worked, wouldn't you buy it? Name brands have a huge advantage, but ambition and the willingness to go the extra mile have marked the major improvements in all services and goods.
Obviously, something will give in the future. The small oligarchy controlling the card grading industry is grossly inbred. They've all worked together, competed against each other, made backroom deals and have committed errors that are not easily erased. I think a fresh group of hungry, intelligent kids could make an impact if they stay afloat the first few years.
Be well all,
S.