i was kind of looking forward to it?hey you can never have enough sports card related websites? will i participate? you bet my mix graded 76 topps hof set will be first on the list
I remember when zardoz was selling cards on ebay stating the Gai set registry was coming soon. That was about two years ago. I'm sure it will be here and I am curious too.
Guys...here's an update. My apologies. The GAI registry is up and running but for right now only internal use. Mike Baker stated the registry could be available as early as tomorrow, but will probably be up in a few days is my guess.
1) Do you have to be a member. Yes but its free. You'll have to sign up for a free membership similar to PSA and SGC.
2) GAI for the most part is going to use the honor system. However, the system admin over there will run periodic, random checks against the SGC and PSA registries from time to time to deter any would be dishonest collectors out there.
3) Initially, the registry is going to be limited to just baseball, T-206s and Topps and Bowman issues. Oddball issues won't initially be listed on the registry. GAI wants to see how the registry performs initially and get collector feedback before implementing it full scale (all sports, most issues).
4) Only PSA and SGC cards will be allowed (in addition to GAI). No PGS, TFA, etc, etc,).
Again, sorry for the initial false information and I hope this answers questions any of you may have.
<< <i> 3) Initially, the registry is going to be limited to just baseball, T-206s and Topps and Bowman issues. Oddball issues won't initially be listed on the registry. >>
With that attitude, Murcerfan, it is no wonder why GAI is trying to freeze you and your regional cards out.
Not to split hairs or anything, but what I find funny is that Jim's comments are being made on the SGC's messageboard because GAI still doesn't have one! Messageboard forum software applications are among the easiest things to set up, and the fact that GAI still hasn't put the appropriate resources towards adding one is pretty damn sad. I can say this though: what little traffic the SGC boards get will be cut in half if GAI's boards ever do go up...
GAI - Great Accomplishments Imminent? GAI - Gaining At It GAI - Guessing August Instead? GAI - Getting Awfully Inebriated GAI - Great Ambition Illusion GAI - Gone Any Influence GAI - Gum Authenticating Incorporated GAI - Gray Area Implied GAI - Giving Away Importance
It is ironic that GAI anouncements are made on its competitors' forums.
It is also funny that Jim Crandell was kicked off the CU Forums for his gossip problem. Obviously he is unable to control this compulsive disorder and has resorted to the same behavior elsewhere. Sad.
schr1st...A message board is not going to make or break a grading company. I threw in my 2 cents to GAI and I recommended that they just forget about a message board. Too much ---- to deal with, collectors at each other's throat sometimes, etc, etc. Then a moderator must be present to monitor it all.
Carol just made a post in another thread about people trying to upload porn as their icons. Besides your're right, the PSA, beckett and sgc message boards are enough. I don't see the rationale in implementing one at this point.
Edited to add: You can call Jim's comments on the SGC board tonight whatever you wish, but the portion about a major collector crossing over their collection is 100% accurate.
If you can find the GAI website, you can go to the service infomation tab and then choose Global Registry. There you can find a selection for the GAI message board. Like all good GAI products, there are two things that are certain (1) It is guaranteed to put PSA out of business and (2) It is under construction.
A messageboard isn't going to make or break a grading company, very true. One thing a messageboard does is help to foster a sense of community, albeit around a particular brand. While I hate Beckett as a grading company, pricing company, and just about everything else, I love their messageboards and have made many great collecting freinds through it. While I tend to have a love/hate relationship with PSA at times, I enjoy posting here and am quite glad that they see the value that the messageboards add to their presence in the hobby. The SGC messageboards could be interesting, if they weren't the hobby equivelant of one hand clapping. I just took a look at a couple of their forums, and the first 25 posts in the "Great Grading Debate" forum date all the way back to a last posted date of 3/6! Less than 25 new posts in 2 months? Their "Cards general" forum is a bit better, with at least 25 post since 4/4. Maybe they, like their brand, will draw more hobby attention under their new management, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
I think GAI has come pretty damn far and are in my opinion the third biggest grading force in the hobby (supplanting SGC). I'm not a big fan of the inner black frame in the holder, but I think I prefer their slab to PSA's at this point, and I wish them all the best success possible. Without competition, a marketplace becomes stale, and I like having viable options when it comes to grading cards. I just think that it's sad that they still haven't utilized the web to it's fullest potential yet, since I think that they are innovative enough to come up with some pretty good, fresh content and options.
As for Jim, I don't think I've ever said it on a board before, but I have a great amount of respect for Jim, and respect his opinions on a lot of issues. My previous comments were certainly not meant as any sort of slap at him, but rather at the fact that there is no GAI board for him to be able to make his comments on. I know that some of you here have had issues with him in the past, and I respect that you may have different opinions about him, but I'd rather read 50 of his posts than 1 made by some others.
<< <i>schr1st...A message board is not going to make or break a grading company. I threw in my 2 cents to GAI and I recommended that they just forget about a message board. Too much ---- to deal with, collectors at each other's throat sometimes, etc, etc. Then a moderator must be present to monitor it all.
Carol just made a post in another thread about people trying to upload porn as their icons. Besides your're right, the PSA, beckett and sgc message boards are enough. I don't see the rationale in implementing one at this point.
Edited to add: You can call Jim's comments on the SGC board tonight whatever you wish, but the portion about a major collector crossing over their collection is 100% accurate. >>
I just read on the GAI web-site that they will be offering free authentication services at the upcoming Boston GBSCC show.
The 18th Annual Boston Sports Collectibles Show October 31st through November 2nd. Shriner's Auditorium, Wilmingotn MA. Show Hours- Friday 12pm - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm & Sunday 10am – 4pm
Have I missed something? The show dates this year are Nov, 4th through 6th........
murcer , I think you are ahead of the times I will say that there web site does not do anything to build their credibility or encourage people to use their service . It has not been updated since they had it updated last year.
The more high profile grading companies the better IMO. GAI is making great strides in the card grading marketplace and SGC is built a long time solid reputation as well. I find this good for graded card collectors. You can put whatever spin you want on it, but another major collector crossing over their collection to GAI is big news and good for GAI.
I have 3 separate submissions each pending with PSA, SGC, and GAI. Yes, I use all 3. Because of this, I may have a little bias about wanting PSA, GAI, and SGC to be competitive and highly successful, but I do feel it's best for the hobby.
hey grillo , I don't have any problem with gai and they are a viable alternative. they have the same issues as psa and sgc but they are dependable. I hope they survive as competition is good and they are the only company that brings legitamacy to packs and makes buying packs a lot easier.
I do think they lack in perception, why has the web site not been updated in 6 months? I think oversights like this leave a bad taste in collectors mouths and is a bad perception.
card grading boomed due to the fact that the majority of dealings are done online , If joe submitter goes online to get a submission form or any info on their company and sees that their sight has not been updated for 6 months , can't get info on shows they are attending this year ( last year is useless at this point if gai hasn't noticed) , and the rest is "under construction" , do you thinkhe is going to submit his cards to them? probably not
Why do people think that GAI will go under? I see more and more examples at shows and do not hear anything that would indicate a decline in submissions. If anything, I think GAI will grow to a pretty respectable size.
SGC, now that is a different story. Not looking to offend anyone but they have been around for years and it doesn't seem that have really grown that much. Am I wrong?
<< <i>SGC, now that is a different story. Not looking to offend anyone but they have been around for years and it doesn't seem that have really grown that much. Am I wrong? >>
Sgc Registered sets - 540 Gai Registered sets - 0
Of course this will change once Merkel enters his and everyone enters their Psa graded sets on their registry. Then Gai will be #2 on registered sets. Unless Sgc can piggyback Psa's registered sets then I guess they are doomed. Obviously a sound business model needs to include adding your competition's sets to show fictious demand. Crossing over sets for free is great if you think it will lead to growth. But the short term is $0 revenue with cost increases. Only time will tell I guess.
Also, what is the likelihood of entire sets crossing over without ONE "minimum grade not met!" That's got to be off the chart odds for this to happen.
One other question. Do you think dealers like Wayne Varmer of Shoebox Cards be entering sets on the Gai registry? They seem to carry and actively bid on a variety of high $$$ Gai cards that made me wonder about this.
<<Do you think dealers like Wayne Varmer of Shoebox Cards be entering sets on the Gai registry? They seem to carry and actively bid on a variety of high $$$ Gai cards that made me wonder about this. >>>
Tony- Interesting thought, but I don't see that happening on the PSA registry much, and there are a lot more dealers with PSA inventories (or rather, bigger PSA inventories). Mastro has occasionally entered a set they are about to sell, but thats about it. Levi has a bunch of sets registered, but for the most part they are part of his (or Jim's) personal collection and not for sale. It would seem like a good marketing tool that has not been taken advantage of. It sure would be easy to have a listing of cards for sale of each particular year, but would probably be a logistical nightmare for the hosts, with certs not being delisted in time for the new buyer to enter them.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
As has been said repeatedly in this thread, verification will be the problem with GAI's new venture. Since PSA only allows their own cards in their registry it is fairly easy to police the accuracy of each registry. With GAI allowing multiple grading companies people could list unpurchased cards from ebay, PSA registries etc. which will be a nightmare for them to keep straight. If they don't the registry won't mean anything. The concept is really a good one but policing its accuracy would appear to be unmanageable.
Mike Miller Yankee Collector 1958-60 Retired complete 1960 Topps set
Hey Grillo , where did you get your info from ? the tooth fairy?
If Davalillo , posted this "rumor" on here we would be all over him as trying to cause trouble and spreading rumors.
Like I have said all along , I think GAI is respectable in their grading practices but their business practices leave a lot to be desired. If you want to be sucessful, come through with what you say you are goin to do. They don't which is a big hit to credibility in the eyes of collectors who will not be drawn to them by the names of baker and rocci
Howitallbegin/Murcerfan...I can take a wisecrack as good as anyone, but by the tone of your comments I really don't think either of you truly care to know the status of the registry, other than just "rub in" the fact that it isn't available to the public yet.
So ok, you win, murcerfan/howitallbegin =1, grillo =0.
For those who are truly interested, just send me an e-mail or PM, and I'll tell you what I know.
I am looking forward to the GAI registry, but what I do not understand is why they let their website go by the wayside. Updating the content in terms of letting customers know what is going on is a must. They do not do that at all, and that tells me something.
How hard is it to update a show schedule? Not a big deal, but it is not impressive to have the 2003 schedule still up when we are almost halfway done with 2004.
GAI needs to take care of some very simple issues.
GAI is going to have to do something to turn this boat around soon. Missed deadlines, defective holders, lost cards, weak website, no registry, slow turnaround, poor communication, preference and favors for bigger dealers......it must be something about Baker or Rocchi that does these things to grading companies.
missed deadliness/slow turnarounds...I have 9 separate submissions to GAI in in the last year...no missed deadlines.
poor communication...the communication I receive is outstanding.
preference to big dealers...I don't see it, my grades are fair. Most are right on the money, some are undergraded IMO, some are overgraded IMO. Please provide a list of what dealers are getting preferential grading.
defective holders...the GAI holder is the second most secure holder in the hobby IMO (second to beckett). The problems with the gaskets, may be associated with certain types of really, really thin cards that slip through. (I have now 2000+ GAI cards in my collection and not one card has slipped though the gasket---different types from 19th century tobacco, 20th century tobacco, pre-war to 50s, 60s, and 70s cards). I admit, the problem with fitting really thin cards needs to be addressed, but to say the holder is defective in general is incorrect IMO.
Weak website/no registry...I agree with you here...GAI needs to make improvements in this area.
<< <i>preference to big dealers...I don't see it, my grades are fair. Most are right on the money, some are undergraded IMO, some are overgraded IMO. Please provide a list of what dealers are getting preferential grading. >>
I think Koby may be alluding to the fact that in the past 6 months they put out an offer to many dealers to submit cards with a minimum grade wanted. If they felt the card met the grade and slabbed it they got paid , if they felt it didnt meet the grade they received nothing. How many borderline cards do you feel would receive a bump simply for the fact they are starving for money. everything may of been above board but the perception with that offer plus the reputation that Rocchi had when running PSA leads to many questions
Weak website/no registry...I agree with you here...GAI needs to make improvements in this area.
grillo , I have said this time and time again. this is killing them and how htey can not recognize it is unbelievable.
by human nature, people want to be excited. most people that buy graded cards surf the net and want to see what's happening. nothing about last years show schedule excites me . If I can't get current info on the company and what they are doing , why the hell should I submit to them. I won't be submitting cards any time soon until they get their act together. what's sad is I am one of hte people routing for them which will keep the 3 big grading companies on their toes and they are doing everything they can to turn collectors away
Howitallbegin...I would like to know how you get information that GAI is "starving for money." I don't see of rush of overgraded GAI cards on e-bay simply because they are offering a "pre-grade" service to dealers who submit in bulk, do you?. I don't see how any grading company can turn 7s into 8s, 8s into 9s on such a large scale basis without it becoming clearly evident to the collecting community.
<< <i>Howitallbegin...I would like to know how you get information that GAI is "starving for money." >>
Its the impression i get when i see a fairly new company that cannot afford to pay a high school programer to update their website more then once every 6 months
I think that gai is positioned to really make an impact in the grading business but I honestly feel they are missing the boat. You cannot consistantly over-promise and under-deliver and expect your business to grow. The have been saying for 2 years that their registry would be up and running anytime. They told me at last years national that a major psa collector (probably the same one the Davallilo referenced) was switching his entire collection to gai. Things they talk about just never seem to happen. If they are going to promise then they should beat the time frames, not fall way short.
Unfortunately, mediocrity rules in the card grading business. It would be interesting to see what would happen if either gai or sgc stepped up to the plate and ran their businesses like Ritz Carlton does it's hotels. I think if it was going to happen it already would have. I don't have problems with gai (I actually prefer their holders) except that I don't believe they are well managed. Just my 2 cents.
I especially enjoyed the GAI buying out SGC out rumor when GAI first came onto the scene. I think it was Baker or Rocchi telling this to people at a Fort Washington show a few years ago. Good times
Again, this is a PSA board where shots will be taken at the competitors...OK by me, it comes with the privilege of posting on this board.
Wayne...your comment about grading companies being mediocre I agree with for the most part, but I do feel there are times when they shine as well. I'll focus on the positives of each:
Although I realize improvements need to be made at GAI, I like submitting to them because once my cards hit the grading room I believe they are being graded by the best trained, most experienced graders in the hobby and are encapsulated with very secure holders with a nice design. Mike Baker and Danny Fisher are truly some of the nicest guys around and have gone above and beyond in helping me on several occasions. I think they are still experiencing some growing pains, but the sky's the limit for these guys and I plan on doing more business with them in the future. I use GAI in the pursuit of my c55, c56, 1951 parkhurst, and 1966 topps sets.
I like PSA and I have to be honest with everyone here, I feel they have made tremendous improvements in their customer service and grading. I don't believe all the hoopla about a "grader of death" but that's just my opinion. Joe O gets a lot of flak when mistakes happen, but it's only fair to give him credit when good things happen as well. Everyone at PSA has been super-friendly and helpful and I truly appreciate their support. Using the PSA registry is fun and I look forward to completing several 70s Topps Hockey sets in PSA holders. PSA has a solid reputation in the hobby.
In regards to SGC, how can you not like a guy like Sean Skeffington. This guy will go out of his way to make things happen for the collector. I recently had the pleasure of working with him and another collector (whose knowledge of vintage boxing surpasses mine) in putting together a T-218 boxing weighted set on the SGC registry. It took a total of 7 days to make this happen for us and he kept us informed every step of the way. SGC is definitely my number one choice for my vintage boxing collection. I have completed a T-220 and T-218 boxing sets and I am slowly pursuing all A&Gs boxers and wrestlers, e75s, e76s, and e79s.
I am no high roller by any stretch of the imagination. All these sets I have mentioned are mid to low grade, with the exception of my 1970s PSA sets as I like to collect them in as high a grade as possible. It's going to take me several years to complete all my endeavors but I am not going anywhere soon so look forward to using all 3 services in the years to come.
Koby...it is a lot, when i first started submitting to them I also submitted a lot of 70s basketball (all years), and 1959 and 1972 baseball, and various football as well (buying GAI graded in these issues as well). Let's just say I bit off more then I could chew, became overwhelmed, so I am strictly sticking to boxing and hockey from now on.
I should probably have clarified my previous statement. From a service standpoint I believe the grading companies are mediocre. I believe all three of the primary companies to offer consistent and overall accurate grading. None are perfect but they all do a very good job.
<< <i>Howitallbegin...I would like to know how you get information that GAI is "starving for money." I don't see of rush of overgraded GAI cards on e-bay simply because they are offering a "pre-grade" service to dealers who submit in bulk, do you?. I don't see how any grading company can turn 7s into 8s, 8s into 9s on such a large scale basis without it becoming clearly evident to the collecting community. >>
Grillo,
Offering a pre grade service is different than not charging if a card doesn't get the grade a dealer wants. On a pre grade, you pay either way, so there is no incentive for the grading company to grade higher than perhaps they otherwise would. Now I have no knowledge of whether GAI ever offered this service, other than the posts on this board. However, if they did, or do, then I don't see how you could defend the practice. It is patently unethical, and leads to incentives that are not in alignment with collector interests. It would be similar to a sports team only paying the refs if the home team wins.
Interestingly, a couple days ago I spotted the first GAI graded vintage COMMON baseball cards -- at least that I've seen. A few 1960 PSA "low pop" numbers residing in GAI holders are out there. But why in the world would anybody submit vintage commons to GAI? OK, if you want to build your own all-GAI set, or if you don't care whose holders they're in. But I can't imagine that ever being a significant number of collectors. And given that, who cares if there's EVER a GAI Set Registry?
Comments
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
ago. I'm sure it will be here and I am curious too.
aconte
1) Do you have to be a member. Yes but its free. You'll have to sign up for a free membership similar to PSA and SGC.
2) GAI for the most part is going to use the honor system. However, the system admin over there will run periodic, random checks against the SGC and PSA registries from time to time to deter any would be dishonest collectors out there.
3) Initially, the registry is going to be limited to just baseball, T-206s and Topps and Bowman issues. Oddball issues won't initially be listed on the registry. GAI wants to see how the registry performs initially and get collector feedback before implementing it full scale (all sports, most issues).
4) Only PSA and SGC cards will be allowed (in addition to GAI). No PGS, TFA, etc, etc,).
Again, sorry for the initial false information and I hope this answers questions any of you may have.
Regards,
JG
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
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drop
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again.
<< <i>
3) Initially, the registry is going to be limited to just baseball, T-206s and Topps and Bowman issues. Oddball issues won't initially be listed on the registry. >>
With that attitude, Murcerfan, it is no wonder why GAI is trying to freeze you and your regional cards out.
Oh wait,
let me guess !
They are coming out with a new tall-boy holder next Monday ?
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
Jim "The Gossip Queen" Crandell is at it again.
GAI - Gaining At It
GAI - Guessing August Instead?
GAI - Getting Awfully Inebriated
GAI - Great Ambition Illusion
GAI - Gone Any Influence
GAI - Gum Authenticating Incorporated
GAI - Gray Area Implied
GAI - Giving Away Importance
Anyone?
It is also funny that Jim Crandell was kicked off the CU Forums for his gossip problem. Obviously he is unable to control this compulsive disorder and has resorted to the same behavior elsewhere. Sad.
Carol just made a post in another thread about people trying to upload porn as their icons. Besides your're right, the PSA, beckett and sgc message boards are enough. I don't see the rationale in implementing one at this point.
Edited to add: You can call Jim's comments on the SGC board tonight whatever you wish, but the portion about a major collector crossing over their collection is 100% accurate.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
I think GAI has come pretty damn far and are in my opinion the third biggest grading force in the hobby (supplanting SGC). I'm not a big fan of the inner black frame in the holder, but I think I prefer their slab to PSA's at this point, and I wish them all the best success possible. Without competition, a marketplace becomes stale, and I like having viable options when it comes to grading cards. I just think that it's sad that they still haven't utilized the web to it's fullest potential yet, since I think that they are innovative enough to come up with some pretty good, fresh content and options.
As for Jim, I don't think I've ever said it on a board before, but I have a great amount of respect for Jim, and respect his opinions on a lot of issues. My previous comments were certainly not meant as any sort of slap at him, but rather at the fact that there is no GAI board for him to be able to make his comments on. I know that some of you here have had issues with him in the past, and I respect that you may have different opinions about him, but I'd rather read 50 of his posts than 1 made by some others.
<< <i>schr1st...A message board is not going to make or break a grading company. I threw in my 2 cents to GAI and I recommended that they just forget about a message board. Too much ---- to deal with, collectors at each other's throat sometimes, etc, etc. Then a moderator must be present to monitor it all.
Carol just made a post in another thread about people trying to upload porn as their icons. Besides your're right, the PSA, beckett and sgc message boards are enough. I don't see the rationale in implementing one at this point.
Edited to add: You can call Jim's comments on the SGC board tonight whatever you wish, but the portion about a major collector crossing over their collection is 100% accurate. >>
Your points are well taken in regards to GAI having a message board...you make several strong arguments for having one.
JG
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
I hope they get a message board.....95% of the people on it would be guys from this board...would be a great read.
at the upcoming Boston GBSCC show.
The 18th Annual Boston Sports Collectibles Show
October 31st through November 2nd.
Shriner's Auditorium, Wilmingotn MA.
Show Hours- Friday 12pm - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm
& Sunday 10am – 4pm
Have I missed something?
The show dates this year are Nov, 4th through 6th........
.........Am I behind the times again?
a timely offer
I have 3 separate submissions each pending with PSA, SGC, and GAI. Yes, I use all 3. Because of this, I may have a little bias about wanting PSA, GAI, and SGC to be competitive and highly successful, but I do feel it's best for the hobby.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
I do think they lack in perception, why has the web site not been updated in 6 months? I think oversights like this leave a bad taste in collectors mouths and is a bad perception.
card grading boomed due to the fact that the majority of dealings are done online , If joe submitter goes online to get a submission form or any info on their company and sees that their sight has not been updated for 6 months , can't get info on shows they are attending this year ( last year is useless at this point if gai hasn't noticed) , and the rest is "under construction" , do you thinkhe is going to submit his cards to them? probably not
SGC, now that is a different story. Not looking to offend anyone but they have been around for years and it doesn't seem that have really grown that much. Am I wrong?
<< <i>SGC, now that is a different story. Not looking to offend anyone but they have been around for years and it doesn't seem that have really grown that much. Am I wrong? >>
Sgc Registered sets - 540
Gai Registered sets - 0
Of course this will change once Merkel enters his and everyone enters their Psa graded sets
on their registry. Then Gai will be #2 on registered sets. Unless Sgc can piggyback Psa's
registered sets then I guess they are doomed. Obviously a sound business model needs
to include adding your competition's sets to show fictious demand. Crossing over sets for
free is great if you think it will lead to growth. But the short term is $0 revenue with cost
increases. Only time will tell I guess.
Also, what is the likelihood of entire sets crossing over without ONE "minimum grade not met!"
That's got to be off the chart odds for this to happen.
One other question. Do you think dealers like Wayne Varmer of Shoebox Cards be entering sets on
the Gai registry? They seem to carry and actively bid on a variety of high $$$ Gai cards that
made me wonder about this.
aconte
It is now TUESDAY and it is still under construction.
the Gai registry? They seem to carry and actively bid on a variety of high $$$ Gai cards that
made me wonder about this.
>>>
Tony-
Interesting thought, but I don't see that happening on the PSA registry much, and there are a lot more dealers with PSA inventories (or rather, bigger PSA inventories). Mastro has occasionally entered a set they are about to sell, but thats about it. Levi has a bunch of sets registered, but for the most part they are part of his (or Jim's) personal collection and not for sale. It would seem like a good marketing tool that has not been taken advantage of. It sure would be easy to have a listing of cards for sale of each particular year, but would probably be a logistical nightmare for the hosts, with certs not being delisted in time for the new buyer to enter them.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>getting back to the original topic , where is the registry?
It is now TUESDAY and it is still under construction. >>
Based on many previous experiences....
If GAI said it would be up on Monday, May 10th....
then it is a very good change that it will not be up
until 5/10/2006
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
Yankee Collector 1958-60
Retired complete 1960 Topps set
If Davalillo , posted this "rumor" on here we would be all over him as trying to cause trouble and spreading rumors.
Like I have said all along , I think GAI is respectable in their grading practices but their business practices leave a lot to be desired. If you want to be sucessful, come through with what you say you are goin to do. They don't which is a big hit to credibility in the eyes of collectors who will not be drawn to them by the names of baker and rocci
<< <i>Hey Grillo , where did you get your info from ? the tooth fairy? >>
In his first post he stated Danny Fisher. and in his defense he didnt say which Monday
The GAI registry is up and running but for right now only internal use.
So ok, you win, murcerfan/howitallbegin =1, grillo =0.
For those who are truly interested, just send me an e-mail or PM, and I'll tell you what I know.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
How hard is it to update a show schedule? Not a big deal, but it is not impressive to have the 2003 schedule still up when we are almost halfway done with 2004.
GAI needs to take care of some very simple issues.
missed deadliness/slow turnarounds...I have 9 separate submissions to GAI in in the last year...no missed deadlines.
poor communication...the communication I receive is outstanding.
preference to big dealers...I don't see it, my grades are fair. Most are right on the money, some are undergraded IMO, some are overgraded IMO. Please provide a list of what dealers are getting preferential grading.
defective holders...the GAI holder is the second most secure holder in the hobby IMO (second to beckett). The problems with the gaskets, may be associated with certain types of really, really thin cards that slip through. (I have now 2000+ GAI cards in my collection and not one card has slipped though the gasket---different types from 19th century tobacco, 20th century tobacco, pre-war to 50s, 60s, and 70s cards). I admit, the problem with fitting really thin cards needs to be addressed, but to say the holder is defective in general is incorrect IMO.
Weak website/no registry...I agree with you here...GAI needs to make improvements in this area.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
<< <i>preference to big dealers...I don't see it, my grades are fair. Most are right on the money, some are undergraded IMO, some are overgraded IMO. Please provide a list of what dealers are getting preferential grading. >>
I think Koby may be alluding to the fact that in the past 6 months they put out an offer to many dealers to submit cards with a minimum grade wanted. If they felt the card met the grade and slabbed it they got paid , if they felt it didnt meet the grade they received nothing.
How many borderline cards do you feel would receive a bump simply for the fact they are starving for money. everything may of been above board but the perception with that offer plus the reputation that Rocchi had when running PSA leads to many questions
grillo , I have said this time and time again. this is killing them and how htey can not recognize it is unbelievable.
by human nature, people want to be excited. most people that buy graded cards surf the net and want to see what's happening. nothing about last years show schedule excites me . If I can't get current info on the company and what they are doing , why the hell should I submit to them. I won't be submitting cards any time soon until they get their act together. what's sad is I am one of hte people routing for them which will keep the 3 big grading companies on their toes and they are doing everything they can to turn collectors away
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
<< <i>Howitallbegin...I would like to know how you get information that GAI is "starving for money." >>
Its the impression i get when i see a fairly new company that cannot afford to pay a high school programer to update their website more then once every 6 months
Oh, but such nostalgic memories
I think that gai is positioned to really make an impact in the grading business but I honestly feel they are missing the boat. You cannot consistantly over-promise and under-deliver and expect your business to grow. The have been saying for 2 years that their registry would be up and running anytime. They told me at last years national that a major psa collector (probably the same one the Davallilo referenced) was switching his entire collection to gai. Things they talk about just never seem to happen. If they are going to promise then they should beat the time frames, not fall way short.
Unfortunately, mediocrity rules in the card grading business. It would be interesting to see what would happen if either gai or sgc stepped up to the plate and ran their businesses like Ritz Carlton does it's hotels. I think if it was going to happen it already would have. I don't have problems with gai (I actually prefer their holders) except that I don't believe they are well managed. Just my 2 cents.
Wayne
Wayne...your comment about grading companies being mediocre I agree with for the most part, but I do feel there are times when they shine as well. I'll focus on the positives of each:
Although I realize improvements need to be made at GAI, I like submitting to them because once my cards hit the grading room I believe they are being graded by the best trained, most experienced graders in the hobby and are encapsulated with very secure holders with a nice design. Mike Baker and Danny Fisher are truly some of the nicest guys around and have gone above and beyond in helping me on several occasions. I think they are still experiencing some growing pains, but the sky's the limit for these guys and I plan on doing more business with them in the future. I use GAI in the pursuit of my c55, c56, 1951 parkhurst, and 1966 topps sets.
I like PSA and I have to be honest with everyone here, I feel they have made tremendous improvements in their customer service and grading. I don't believe all the hoopla about a "grader of death" but that's just my opinion. Joe O gets a lot of flak when mistakes happen, but it's only fair to give him credit when good things happen as well. Everyone at PSA has been super-friendly and helpful and I truly appreciate their support. Using the PSA registry is fun and I look forward to completing several 70s Topps Hockey sets in PSA holders. PSA has a solid reputation in the hobby.
In regards to SGC, how can you not like a guy like Sean Skeffington. This guy will go out of his way to make things happen for the collector. I recently had the pleasure of working with him and another collector (whose knowledge of vintage boxing surpasses mine) in putting together a T-218 boxing weighted set on the SGC registry. It took a total of 7 days to make this happen for us and he kept us informed every step of the way. SGC is definitely my number one choice for my vintage boxing collection. I have completed a T-220 and T-218 boxing sets and I am slowly pursuing all A&Gs boxers and wrestlers, e75s, e76s, and e79s.
I am no high roller by any stretch of the imagination. All these sets I have mentioned are mid to low grade, with the exception of my 1970s PSA sets as I like to collect them in as high a grade as possible. It's going to take me several years to complete all my endeavors but I am not going anywhere soon so look forward to using all 3 services in the years to come.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
<< <i>I have now 2000+ GAI cards in my collection >>
That is a lot of GAI cards, Grillo.
Silver Coins
e-bay ID: grilloj39
e-mail: grilloj39@gmail.com
I should probably have clarified my previous statement. From a service standpoint I believe the grading companies are mediocre. I believe all three of the primary companies to offer consistent and overall accurate grading. None are perfect but they all do a very good job.
Wayne
<< <i>Howitallbegin...I would like to know how you get information that GAI is "starving for money." I don't see of rush of overgraded GAI cards on e-bay simply because they are offering a "pre-grade" service to dealers who submit in bulk, do you?. I don't see how any grading company can turn 7s into 8s, 8s into 9s on such a large scale basis without it becoming clearly evident to the collecting community. >>
Grillo,
Offering a pre grade service is different than not charging if a card doesn't get the grade a dealer wants. On a pre grade, you pay either way, so there is no incentive for the grading company to grade higher than perhaps they otherwise would. Now I have no knowledge of whether GAI ever offered this service, other than the posts on this board. However, if they did, or do, then I don't see how you could defend the practice. It is patently unethical, and leads to incentives that are not in alignment with collector interests. It would be similar to a sports team only paying the refs if the home team wins.
Scott
You hit it right on the head Rob. Financial pressure is a powerful force. It will turn borderline 7's and 8's into 8's and 9's everytime.
Always looking for 1957 Topps BB in PSA 9!
btw: I don't care if Grillo or anyone else has two thousand EX-MT cards residing in Baker 8 holders.