PSA Vs BGS

80sToyguy

Hey guys.
I have only posted on this entire site maybe 3 or 4 times before when I was trying to sell my cards. I'm still selling them, but now I have some questions about the whole BGS and PSA thing. Please, I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just want some answers if anyone can help me out.
First off, isn't BGS a much strickter grader--if that's the case, than why does everyone here go to PSA?
Wasn't there some sort of a problem with PSA graded cards about a year back when everyone was getting under-graded cards, or was that just a rumour?
Is a BGS 10 = to a PSA 10, or are there differences?
Sorry about being the rookie, I stopped collecting cards back in 99 and although I do have a few graded cards (that I bought graded), I really no nothing about the services. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason

helionaut

If it's a modern (1981-later) card, especially a UD card printed on their stiff white card stock or a Chrome/Finest type card, I'd go with BGS as they consistently do get a higher price at auction at the BGS 9.5 vs. PSA 10 level. At lower levels, it's usually not a great difference, and the higher grading fee for BGS usually isn't worth it. A BGS 8.5 modern card is generally not going to bring any premium at all, nor will a PSA 8.

For anything older than 1981, PSA is the way to go. But even for mid-80s cards like 84D, the PSA Set Registry is popular enough that it could be worth going with PSA. But again, if you've got a real screamer Mattingly RC or 84Fup Clemens, a BGS 9.5 would probably outsell a PSA 10.

Wabittwax

The last time I sent to BGS, I received a ton of 8.5's, a couple 8's and a couple 9's. I basically wasted my money on grading fees since the 8.5's don't increase the resell price. I did ok reselling the 9's. I feel that they are way to eager to hand out 8.5's (which are worthless) instead of 9's and 9.5's are way too hard to get. I've sent a few thousand cards to PSA so I know what I'm looking at. Sending to BGS was a complete waste of time and money and I'd never send them anything again.

80sToyguy

Thanks alot guys, but don't you have to join a club or something for PSA? Is there a way to get cards graded by them without joining the club?
Thanks again for the insight,
Jason

1954

If you want cards graded by PSA then you have to join "the club". PSA will give you six free grades for signing up and also give you a monthly price guide unlike BGS. If you buy a Beckett each month, that cost is $5/12=$60. The cost to have six cards graded in a five day period is basically $60. So there is some value to joining.

1954