PSA Message from the President - CU rumors, etc.
JoeOrlando
Posts: 122 mod
Hello All,
I know there have been a few questions/concerns on the boards today so I wanted to address them.
1) PSA submissions - receiving delay. Yes, there is a delay right now - not a big one - but one in any event. Here's why: The winter is usually a slower time for grading - not a lot slower - but slower in the baseball offseason. Recently, we have been swamped with submissions - an unusually large amount considering the time of year - it all seemingly came through in a short period of time. So, first of all - thanks for all the cards - we appreciate the business. Secondly, we are in no danger of missing any turnaround times as our turnaround times have been vastly improved over the past 2 years. In other words, there's no need to worry - your cards will be processed within any stated guarantee.
2) CU changes - the possible sale of Superior, etc.. Obviously many of you now know about the future plans of CU - to focus solely on authentication and grading - our core business units. First, when this does happen - we all wish Chris Porter a great deal of success. He is one of the really nice guys in the hobby - I am sure many of you know him and like working with him. We all wish him well.
On another note, the SMR is not going anywhere. It will be produced in the same format - monthly (printed and online) without a hitch. Odyssey is still a part of this CU but, when the time comes and they are no longer a part, the SMR will continue. You will not notice a difference - really.
Thanks for listening and supporting PSA,
Joe Orlando
PSA President
I know there have been a few questions/concerns on the boards today so I wanted to address them.
1) PSA submissions - receiving delay. Yes, there is a delay right now - not a big one - but one in any event. Here's why: The winter is usually a slower time for grading - not a lot slower - but slower in the baseball offseason. Recently, we have been swamped with submissions - an unusually large amount considering the time of year - it all seemingly came through in a short period of time. So, first of all - thanks for all the cards - we appreciate the business. Secondly, we are in no danger of missing any turnaround times as our turnaround times have been vastly improved over the past 2 years. In other words, there's no need to worry - your cards will be processed within any stated guarantee.
2) CU changes - the possible sale of Superior, etc.. Obviously many of you now know about the future plans of CU - to focus solely on authentication and grading - our core business units. First, when this does happen - we all wish Chris Porter a great deal of success. He is one of the really nice guys in the hobby - I am sure many of you know him and like working with him. We all wish him well.
On another note, the SMR is not going anywhere. It will be produced in the same format - monthly (printed and online) without a hitch. Odyssey is still a part of this CU but, when the time comes and they are no longer a part, the SMR will continue. You will not notice a difference - really.
Thanks for listening and supporting PSA,
Joe Orlando
PSA President
Joe Orlando
CEO, Collectors Universe, Inc.
CEO, Collectors Universe, Inc.
0
Comments
It's reassuring to know that someone in your position would take the time to address some of our concerns and questions in a personal format such as this board.
It's always a blessing when the "Pres" gets on this board, and clears the air about rumour and speculation. Two topics that never help anyone.
Clear and knowledgeable information, from PSA and it's board members, will help us all in persuit of a better hobby and a bright future.
Many thanks!!!
Larry
email....emards4457@msn.com
CHEERS!!
Thanks for the post. It is nice to hear it from the source.
I don't know if you'll read this, but I'd like to again ask about the possibility of a discounted rate on the grading fee for the new super sized holders (T3 Turkey Red size) for more recent cards. Personally, I have about 20-30 cards from 1963 to the 1980s that I would have graded, but not at $35 each when they have a book value of anywhere from $0.50 to $100. There is a market for this holder with many player set collectors, but at these prices, the cards will remain in 8x10 top loaders. Please respond or email me at jeb@virtualizard.com.
Thank you.
JEB.
MW did not post any rumor or speculation...his source was the financials of CU.
I appreciate that he did post the information across the street and the subsequent posting over here brought Joe to post a message about it.
Otherwise...many would not of had an idea of what was going on.
Thanks Joe for confirming the reports in a timely matter. Hopefully Chris will resurface soon with another auction company!
John
Keep in mind two things:
1) There was a huge cost in creating that giant holder so the price is high (mainly) for that reason. We constructed a very high-quality holder.
2) Unless the card fits exactly into the T3 size, it's best not to send the card in at this time. We do not have additional inserts to cover various sizes within the T3 holder. Currently, we would have to hand-cut an insert in order to fit the card properly which is time consuming and not cost effective for the submitter (would be an additional charge).
Take care and keep in touch,
Joe
CEO, Collectors Universe, Inc.
<< <i>Keep in mind two things:
1) There was a huge cost in creating that giant holder so the price is high (mainly) for that reason. We constructed a very high-quality holder.
2) Unless the card fits exactly into the T3 size, it's best not to send the card in at this time. We do not have additional inserts to cover various sizes within the T3 holder. Currently, we would have to hand-cut an insert in order to fit the card properly which is time consuming and not cost effective for the submitter (would be an additional charge).
Take care and keep in touch,
Joe >>
Joe, it seems that PRO has holders to fit different trimmed-down cards. I know your not jealous!!!!
<< <i>If the rumor about the release of Peter Ma is true, hopefully you will find a customer service person that is as responsive and effective as Peter. >>
What rumor? Peter is a great help with submissions and problems. What is the scoop here?
Vintage Baseball Cards
Sales and Ebay Consignment Service
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Joe,
Thanks for taking the time to get important information to us.
Vic
I think I remember the same sentiments being posted when Charlie left.
Regards,
Alan
<< <i>If the rumor about the release of Peter Ma is true, hopefully you will find a customer service person that is as responsive and effective as Peter >>
And one that fits within the budget.
aconte
As a stockholder, I am thrilled to here your volumes are up. Keep up the fantastic work, Jeremy
Chris Porter is one of the great guys in the sport, and I think that Superior can probably do better seperately from PSA. It seemed to me that auction prices were somewhat lower in Superior auctions than Mastro, Sportscards Plus, etc. Perhaps some dealers were intentionally staying away.
It will be interesting to see Wall Streets reaction to the news and numbers.
Rob
<< <i>Keep in mind two things:
1) There was a huge cost in creating that giant holder so the price is high (mainly) for that reason. We constructed a very high-quality holder.
2) Unless the card fits exactly into the T3 size, it's best not to send the card in at this time. We do not have additional inserts to cover various sizes within the T3 holder. Currently, we would have to hand-cut an insert in order to fit the card properly which is time consuming and not cost effective for the submitter (would be an additional charge).
Take care and keep in touch,
Joe >>
Does that mean that you wouldn't put the card in a mylar insert if it is short of the T3 dimensions? I have many cards in tall boy holders that are nowhere near the exact size of the holder, but are holdered nonetheless. Ideally, a unique holder for any and all cards submitted would be nice, but I understand that it is not feasible. Isn't there some way to accomodate these cards in the new supersized holder? I have spoken with many collectors who would love to submit cards larger than the capacity of the current "tall boy".
Thanks again for the response.
JEB.
<< <i>Peter Ma has left the company >>
any more details on this please? I just sent him a huge pile of cards with issues we were interfacing on that needed resolving?
<< <i>almost all stockholder communication are made through the financial statements >>
I love PSA as much as the next guy...but the possibility of Superior discontinuing operations, merged, or sold and the possibility that Mr. Porter may no longer be involved is of pretty big importance in my opinion to serious collectors on this board. Sure the cards will still be auctioned but the trust one has in the management of the auction house, many times, plays a part in ones bidding process.
In addition, such activity is major news to potential consignors who are thinking about which auction house to use this year.
Just my thoughts...
John
<< <i>almost all stockholder communication are made through the financial statements >> >>
I guess what I am saying above is that it is highly unusual for a president, outside of Joe, to post messages pertaining to financials beyond official statements and employees. It just goes to show that PSA (CU) recognizes the passion each collector here has for this company, and that Joe has shown extraordinary care in making a special communication to the residents of this board - the core audience, silent and vocal.
I, myself, was somewhat concerned for the fate of the SMR, but after reading Mr. Orlando's post this evening he has cleared my mind. That is not to say that I didn't have the faith that the right decision would be made, as Joe has never done anything to jeopardize his creditability in my mind.
I am guessing now it is possible Joe will be separated from direct involvement in the SMR, and if that is the case, I will need to know where to send my monthly information when that change occurs. In any case, if a change in reporting is indeed necessary, and if I find out ahead of the class, I will make a separate posting.
Good night to all! And thank you John, Jeremy
<< <i>2) Unless the card fits exactly into the T3 size, it's best not to send the card in at this time. We do not have additional inserts to cover various sizes within the T3 holder. Currently, we would have to hand-cut an insert in order to fit the card properly which is time consuming and not cost effective for the submitter (would be an additional charge). >>
Hmmmmm. I have 16 cards that are 5" x 7" that I paid $35 a card to have encapsulated. My agreement with customer service was that my cards are put in 5" x 7" top loaders and then encapsulated.
Last I heard...that was the deal.
Click on this LINK to listen to the Collectors Universe Inc. Earnings Conference Call (Q2 2004).
Old Vintage Baseball Cards
eBay Auctions
I've got a pile of Gem large notes that need a quality grading company holder around them...(I did say quality....)..
Larry
email....emards4457@msn.com
CHEERS!!
At least, I hope it would.
<fingers crossed>
Collecting Bowman Chrome Phillies Rookie Cards and Mike Schmidt certified auto cards.
On the T3/Mylar question:
We are working on possible inserts or mylar sleeves - the general problem is that the holder is thicker than normal...because T3's are thick cards. So, even with Mylar, cards (other than T3's or thick cards) could slide around the holder way too much. It's just too dangerous for the thinner cards.
We will keep everyone posted as we develop the holder. The T3's do look very nice though and more people have been submitting that issue in virtually all grades.
In addition, many of you guys now know that Superior has been sold. Once again, I just want to wish Chris Porter well. The change just made sense for all involved and it will probably have a positive impact (in terms of perception) on both companies.
Take care,
Joe Orlando
PSA President
CEO, Collectors Universe, Inc.
Thanks again for the response regarding the T3 holder. Honestly, I had never even considered the card thickness - I only wanted to get some of my "thin stock" 1960s and 1970s oversized cards graded. Is there any chance that this will ever happen? I have many cards that would require at least a 5" x 7" holder, and a few larger. It just has to be affordable. I just can't justify spending $35 to get a card graded that is worth less than the cost of grading, even in Mint condition. Hopefully you can come up with a solution that is beneficial to PSA as well as to the collectors of these super-sized cards.
Thanks.
JEB.