Big22 - why don't you just get the point and bow out now. Your approach was foolish. Kudos to you if you have got yourself going in the business world already. Nobody cares. You got your responses of your "test"!
Anyone with any marketing experience knows that if you are going to engage in "test market" activity - that you do not argue with the feedback from your participants. So, indeed, if you are sincere in your position defending your approach to this whole thing...take what you have..good and bad...and go back to your corner and think about it. Deceptiveness and insinuations are BS. You will fail if you continue on the current course. And it is obvious that you have alienated a lot of folks who indeed may have helped you if you had been upfront and honest about what you were up to in the first place. To summarize.....shut up and go do your homework.
Proud of my 16x20 autographed and framed collection - all signed in person. Not big on modern - I'm stuck in the past!
while i understand what you mean by the dark side and i am sure that is hard to resist specially if you get a following for your grading service.but my plan would be a long term to actually create some type of grading service that can thrive not over psa, but beneath them either by a coming up with a different grading style or b by grading things people havent thought of
as i said because i didnt say i was the business and presented as a operation grading service i am going to get a different reaction than if i just act like i the prospective business owner and here my business, plan most people would just laugh and say an individual even with good graders etc.. doesnt even have a shot.
this is what i anticipated due to looking at the forums for the lst few months and reading older posts. i could be wrong, but thats why i thought would happen
<< <i>as i said because i didnt say i was the business and presented as a operation grading service i am going to get a different reaction than if i just act like i the prospective business owner and here my business, plan most people would just laugh and say an individual even with good graders etc.. doesnt even have a shot. >>
Gabe I recommend you hit the "Preview" button before you hit the "Reply to Thread" button - your answers are kind of cryptic - can't fully understand you.
Did you think we would laugh at you? Did you think we would tell you to hit the road...kid? Did you think we would be awful to you? Every newcomer, until proven a troll, is greeted warmly and respectfully. Check out past threads. If you truly understood the climate here, you would have realized that - yes, there would be skeptics - we get 'trolled' on a regular basis - but many would have given you their best possible ideas.
Instead you lied, got caught and made it way worse on yourself - so what have you learned? That people will respond negatively when deceived? You needed to set up an entire false model to obtain that piece of data? Let's say we didn't bust you - then what? You would have constantly harped on how great the 4.0 system may be and we would have told you what? Hey, again, know your audience - we have time and money invested in the top grading companies - if I am going to buy a Honda instead of a Toyota, I have to be convinced of a reason. You never gave this a chance because you underestimated your audience. Well, good luck dude Stone
Congratulations to the CU forum! This thread went over the century mark and each and every participator will be getting vouchers for TEN, yes I said 10 free gradings by NGS!
The usual gift for this is the traditional free steak knife set but at this time, handing out weapons would not have been a prudent thing
May I make some simple requests? Could you please post on this forum a reply to any post with correct capitalization, punctuation and proper grammar? If you truly were to create a grading company, I doubt that you would communicate with others in such a "lowcaps" format.
Also, providing some information on the people you have lined up for graders would be helpful in determining your level of seriousness. There is no such thing as a second-tier grading company. There are PSA, SGC, BGS and GAI. Then there are the fakers. If you hired anyone from any of those "in your own basement" companies, you are doing yourself a great disservice.
We would love to hear your real plans and your real accomplishments, but when you swerve away from the point, no progress is ever made.
Stone.... Glad I got in under the wire. But, I want the steak knives or the equivalent in Ron Poppiel (sp?) blades for hacking your meat and other kitchen sundries. I hope, though, that this will not include the "Pocket Fisherman." Regards.
Proud of my 16x20 autographed and framed collection - all signed in person. Not big on modern - I'm stuck in the past!
OK Harry Never want to disappoint a fellow forum buddy! So tonite we are giving you the genuine, not be mistaken by the imitation, Vegomatic!
It Slices, it dices, it quarters, it cubes....it really does the job....slice up french fries in seconds for the entire family, slice a tomato SO thin that one tomato will last an entire week! And never mind what it costs, never mind what it's worth...we are throwing in the genuine 'Pocketttttttt fisherman!' So handy, so dandy, go fishin any time you please....just stick that thing in your back pocket...head on to work and bingo!...it's lunchtime and you too can bring home a fresh fish for dinner anytime you choose!
I finally opened and read this thread, and I must say that reading it was better than getting your head crushed in a vise, any day of the week.
I'm not as offended as some of you by the kidlet. I find his explanations and his claims more funny than anything. Everything has pretty much been said. Except that if I had "grossed $1.5 million" at age 15, I wouldn't be trying to run yet another kitchen-table grading scam from a student apartment in Indiana. And my collection would be much better than it is.
Well, this post has been entertaining for the past couple days, probably one of the quickest threads to reach 100 replies.
Anyways, you said the Computer Fever grossed $1.5M at age 15, and a 15% margin, so you claimed income of $225,000 that year. What happened to that business, sounds like a gold mine to me, especially if a 15 year old could run it? So, now, a few years later, assuming you are in college, we go from that to a cheap grading company that you obviously have done no research on. Never mind graders, you have no idea of start up costs, as you said you don't have holders. Hmmm, I would imagine there are significant upfront costs involved in purchasing multiple sized holders as well as machinery to seal them. And you'll recoup those costs how? By offering a cheaper service than the competition. I believe that practice has been tried and failed many times, the greatest example of that was Yugo. A Yugo could be had for a fraction of the cost of a Ford Taurus, which was the top selling sedan at the time when they came out with Yugo's. Both had an engine, 4 wheels, and they could both get someone from point A to point B. But no one bought the Yugo because it's not always about the price. People want recognizable quality, and in nearly every case where a cheaper but inferior alternative has been offered, the vast majority of people are willing to pay a little more for the higher quality. And what happened to Yugo...?
well, if you would look back at 15, i ran it for 2 yrs, made some very good money,bought some cars, and it got too much running as i relalized i was only 16 years old.
plus i was in the right time at the right place, ebay and the internet were just starting to blow up, obviously now, that would be harder to do, tighter margins, more advertising needed etc.....
i dont have have the grading company started, it was just an idea, and i have done some research on start up costs etc..., but maybe just maybe there is a way to minimize the startup costs, when i first looked the idea, it looked like to try and be a legitmate player in the business you would need a minimum of 100k startup capital
i know of the machine factories that do the sealing for other grading services and its a 5k deposit just to start, plus you need graders,website with database functions,advertising etc... i was thinkin 100k.
but it think theres a way to cut the costs of entry, one being the only reason i started looking into this again is because of my connection with graders already that are willing to work cheap but yet still bring the experience.
I think i can setup a nice high quality grading service for much less than 100k. the question here is, how do you differentiate yourself from the other 2nd tier grading services, i mean if could get your service up to just as respected as pgs, i think you could be profitable.but the problem here is obviously if somebody has a card that is good enough to grade, are they are a. going to send it to psa because they know its worth more in a psa holder or b. give a 2nd tier grading service a chance because their faster and cheaper?
and there lies the problem obvioulsy most sane individuals are going to submit to psa no matter what the cost, because of the resell value
how you overcome that quandry is the real question.
<< <i>I think i can setup a nice high quality grading service for much less than 100k. >>
Flash How much for advertising and promotional items to stimulate the influx of material to grade? That would cost you way more than the 100K to start up IMO. What is your tag-line going to be? When I was in college I had a 'work study' job and had only one thing on my mind. I gotta give you credit! Then again, they had just invented the calculator!?
Well, it's obvious that you can't take out a spot in the SMR! LOL SCD is about 750$ a week for full page ad; Tuff Stuff 1300-2100$ per issue and so on....master list mailing with any kind of decent brochure would start in the 1-1.50 range per unit depending on how many - if in the 10's of thouands would probably drop - not sure - have only done letters and light paper brochures - a cd-rom thing like AOL does would capture some imagination - use something to attract the kids like "all I want is...." Seriously, this gets expensive just for set-ups - some guys want hefty commissions for setting up the type/graphics/tagline/promotions etc.
Stoneman - you're killing me with those links. My sides are aching!
Big22- I suggest this, because at his point....anything you are putting up here is redundant. How about putting together the outline of your < $100k business plan, and then posting it up here for feedback. I'd like to see how it works.
Proud of my 16x20 autographed and framed collection - all signed in person. Not big on modern - I'm stuck in the past!
Molds for various holders, 25-40K each, 3 sizes figure 90K
Initial order for plastic holders (you'll need a minimum order of 10k ea. to be cost effective) 13K
Ancilliary label making "stuff" etc. 1K providing you have your own decent printer
Stereo mircroscope, 3 band ultraviolet light, and other equipment 3K
Kitchen table, Walmart 79.99
$127,079.99
and that's before you've slabbed card one!
Now I can get cards pregraded and slabbed for two bucks a card when I submit in serious quantity to one of the first tier grading companies (not PSA unfortunately!) but still a big name brand. I can also go to one of the back alley boys and get the stuff cranked at substantially under a buck a card (I don't when I can pay more for a "name" brand that will actually sell!), so tell me, seriously
Who is actually going to avail themselves of your service? You do realize that there are over 50 "grading" companies out there?
If there was any money to be made in this racket by slabbing, and not by reaming people's rectums in the process, I'd have been doing it long ago........and I also know how to grade and what to watch for!
If you think that you can do it, then go for it, but you'd better have built some credibility first, and judging by your grand entrance into our world with your deceptive first posts, and inability to grasp the basic fundamentals of the English language, I'd say you would be far better off staying with the pizza delivery job.
<< <i>no this thread should never die. it should be allowed to flourish. >>
Winpitcher What ever you say boss! Mr. Zardoz put it pretty eloquently how difficult it would be to enter this very difficult market. Heck I was very lucky with PSG...got this puppy up and running under the wire! In fact, we are so busy I have had to add on another grader! Let me introduce you to grader number 3.
The guy says he has his professional graders "lined up." Great. A couple of college kids who can't spell and don't personally own anything older than a Miguel Cabrera rookie, printing out flips and "grading" cards. I don't think he actually expects anyone to be dumb enough to send him their cards. This is really about selling his own cards in his own "graded" slabs. The business plan for this enterprise:
1) Cherry-pick some packs in Wal-Mart. 2) Take them back to the dorm, put the best cards in slabs already labeled "NGS Gem Mint." Trim if necessary. 3) Sell the filler cards to college buddies or to 12-year-olds back home 4) Sell the NGS "graded" cards on eBay for 15-20% of PSA prices. 5) Realize the whole proposition is losing money (those dang packs are expensive, even at Wal-Mart) and bag it after 2 months. 6) Dream up a new scheme to make money on eBay, rinse and repeat.
<< <i>Dream up a new scheme to make money on eBay, rinse and repeat. >>
JR Or stick to what works like a Rave! Between the drugs and watered down booze and cover charge....hell one weekend could fund a really great registry set!
but to jrdolan , give me a break you have no clue who i am, what i intend on doing or what kind of graders i have available so dont just pull stuff out of your ass acting like you know what your talking about when you really no jack.
its not a scheme its a legitmate busines idea, and just because of my age doesnt mean it cant be, i have done it before and i will do it again.
so unless you have facts or actual information to back up your opinion it doesnt mean anything.
If you were proposing this idea or another idea, i wouldn't shoot it down or say you were trying to scam people and atleast give u a credit for trying so why dont you do the same.
How did I miss this one? This definitely settles it - I am moving back to "regular" status on the boards ASAP. A few tips for you, possibly better ways to focus your attentions to increase your profit margins:
1) Consider dropping the grading idea and move to a "coming up with screen names for people on message boards" business. Your gimmick (and you will definitely need one) can be that when a person no longer feels welcome, or has been exposed as a jackass, you can advise them which numbers to place after their original name so as to make it unrecognizable upon it's inevitable return.
2) Seriously - work on your grammar. Not just on your posts, but on your website as well. It's just offensive.
3) Stop bringing my icon down. Even Don West himself would make fun of you. He told me he would.
4) If you do settle on the grading business, a more appealing system would be the 1-11 point system often alluded to in hushed tones on these boards when we think Joe or BJ isn't looking. Anytime someone points out a flaw in your system, just look at them incredulously, and calmly explain that this one "goes to eleven." Repeat until both parties achieve understanding of said system.
OK, now for the serious part. I don't understand anything about your approach to this whole situation from post one. Someone with as much business savvy as you (Are you paying attention Marc? You're sitting over there at ITT Business School reading books and calling people names when there are important lessons to be learned) would have done a little more homework before jumping in headfirst into a 6 inch pool like you did. There are regular posters on these boards who are probably 5-7 years younger than you whose opinions are valued the same way as those of people who bought Mantles off the shelf. If you had been up front, I think the results would have been a little cleaner.
I'm a college student myself, and I'm going to share my little money making secret with you. Everybody else - Ear Muffs. I seek out cards that I like, and I know other people like as well (in my case, Nolan Ryan cards). I know that there are better ways to make money, but that's not what attracts me to the hobby, it's just an aside. I look around on ebay, and try to buy some decent stuff at a fair price. Then I eat ramen noodles and mac and cheese for a couple of months, and send a submission off to PSA, with mainly stuff that I want to keep for myself, but with a few extra thrown in that I think will grade high and that I know my fellow collectors would be interested in. Sometimes I make a few bucks, sometimes I lose my @$s. I don't care - it makes me happy, and total cash outlay for my little venture is a couple hundred bucks, plus I have some shiny pieces of plastic with old pieces of cardboard inside to show for it. If something like this has no appeal for you, then you probably won't get a whole lot out of these boards.
I guess as some final words a quote from the Big Lebowski springs to mind:
<< <i>Malibu Police Chief : Mr. Treehorn draws a lot of water in this town. You don't draw sh!t, Lebowski. Now we got a nice, quiet little beach community here, and I aim to keep it nice and quiet. So let me make something plain. I don't like you sucking around, bothering our citizens, Lebowski. I don't like your jerk-off name. I don't like your jerk-off face. I don't like your jerk-off behavior, and I don't like you, jerk-off. Do I make myself clear? >>
Then I eat ramen noodles and mac and cheese for a couple of months, and send a submission off to PSA
These are my favorite meals anyway! Also I was wondering what kind of bulk deal you have....I have about 100 cards I would like you and your graders to evaluate, including a T206 Wagner and 10 1952 Mantles. Let me know please.
It's ALIVE!!! Oh and I think this guy is full of sh*t.
Collecting Minnie Minoso Master and Basic 1967 Topps PSA 8+ 1960's Topps run Mega Set "For me, playing baseball has been like a war and I was defending the uniform I wore, Every time I put on the uniform I respected it like the American flag. I wore it like I was representing every Latin country."--Minnie Minoso
did i say ever , that i would be the one grading cards, ugh noactually i said i already knew graders in the business, and i was just trying to help somebody out on the other thread.
so my qualifications about grading have nothing to do with it, i have good business sense and saw a possible opportunity at entering into the market in some way, since i already have experienced graders lined up.
think before you speak, because you just posted another worthless post that makes no sense what so ever.
and as i said if this isnt going tobe a worthwhile thread with information on the grading business it should end, as its a waste of not only my but yours as well.And for your own information, i use my own computer to run my business's not the schools.
thanks >>
Welp originally you said that you knew guys in the collectibles/hobby industry; now you already have experienced graders lined up. Suuurreee ya do. Kinda of like that NGS BS you were trying to pull.
Now I understand trying to get into the grading industry, it's very lucrative. I've also had thoughts of opening a grading/authenticating service when I get older. But the fact is, You approached this forum all wrong. I've been collecting for years(I'm only 20, so I am younger than you in age, but apparently not in knowledge) and still don't know a lot compared to the older guys on this board. But, I know that sometimes you can get lucky in what you've got and make a good buck. I'm not in it for the money, but I won't buy something that A-I will keep for quite a few years or B-I know I can trade for something I will.
I collect Topps rookies, vintage bowman and Topps, as well as Gem Mint rookies(BGS, PSA, or SGC). Now, I won't pay a premium for a card thats graded by a service I wouldn't send my own cards to. It's that simple. In fact I'd rather buy a substantially lower graded card from one of the Big 3 than the same card in a higher grade from other grading companies.
Collecting; Mark Mulder rookies Chipper Jones rookies Orlando Cabrera rookies Lawrence Taylor Sam Huff Lavar Arrington NY Giants NY Yankees NJ Nets NJ Devils 1950s-1960s Topps NY Giants Team cards
<< <i>Welcome to the forum. You should learn a lot here, as a matter of fact, you're about to learn your first lesson about grading companies.
Those slabs you had your cards put into are completely worthless and you could never resell the cards for more than a small fraction of their actual value, especially since it sounds like you submitted unaltered cards. Most of those basement operations only get their hands on altered material, especially if it's vintage, because it gets rejected by the reputible companies (PSA & SGC). Just because it's in a "graded" holder, there is nobody mediating this industry, so therefore, anyone could open their own grading company. The market is determined by the buyers of graded material, and most will only deal with PSA, SGC (or BGS & GAI, but I personally avoid both of them as well). >>
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz >>
Beckett -No problems
GAI-Told me "send your 15 Bill Ripken FF versions you listed, we can properly grade them all". Well I got a credit slip for around 5 back. I emailed wanting some $$ back instead and didn't receive a answer. I emailed repeatily to two people and I am still holding my breath. I received 3 versions back labeled as white scribble. They are definately not. I asked for info, they never responded. I cracked one sent to BGS came back whiteout-a $100 difference. One I sold as possible fake and other possible fake or real whiteout I am still deciding as its kinda neat to have a fake in a GAI holder. I would never sell a fake as present it as real BTW. Oh and they said they would label the differences correctly. Wrong. Didnt note differences. I still plan on sending some racks with different versions to them so I eventually got over it. Just wish I was told upfront what they really knew/could handle.
Still waiting to meet a GEM employee in a dark alley.
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz >>
Beckett -No problems
GAI-Told me "send your 15 Bill Ripken FF versions you listed, we can properly grade them all". Well I got a credit slip for around 5 back. I emailed wanting some $$ back instead and didn't receive a answer. I emailed repeatily to two people and I am still holding my breath. I received 3 versions back labeled as white scribble. They are definately not. I asked for info, they never responded. I cracked one sent to BGS came back whiteout-a $100 difference. One I sold as possible fake and other possible fake or real whiteout I am still deciding as its kinda neat to have a fake in a GAI holder. I would never sell a fake as present it as real BTW. Oh and they said they would label the differences correctly. Wrong. Didnt note differences. I still plan on sending some racks with different versions to them so I eventually got over it. Just wish I was told upfront what they really knew/could handle.
Still waiting to meet a GEM employee in a dark alley. >>
Okay, but I rate these 4 grading companies as the ones to use: PSA, Beckett, SGC and GAI. I checked them out and have done business with all of them for years and have had no real problems. And I tip my hat to the people of Collectors Universe (PSA) that allow me to come on this board and say so. chaz
Comments
Anyone with any marketing experience knows that if you are going to engage in "test market" activity - that you do not argue with the feedback from your participants. So, indeed, if you are sincere in your position defending your approach to this whole thing...take what you have..good and bad...and go back to your corner and think about it. Deceptiveness and insinuations are BS. You will fail if you continue on the current course. And it is obvious that you have alienated a lot of folks who indeed may have helped you if you had been upfront and honest about what you were up to in the first place. To summarize.....shut up and go do your homework.
as i said because i didnt say i was the business and presented as a operation grading service i am going to get a different reaction than if i just act like i the prospective business owner and here my business, plan most people would just laugh and say an individual even with good graders etc.. doesnt even have a shot.
this is what i anticipated due to looking at the forums for the lst few months and reading older posts.
i could be wrong, but thats why i thought would happen
<< <i>as i said because i didnt say i was the business and presented as a operation grading service i am going to get a different reaction than if i just act like i the prospective business owner and here my business, plan most people would just laugh and say an individual even with good graders etc.. doesnt even have a shot. >>
Gabe
I recommend you hit the "Preview" button before you hit the "Reply to Thread" button - your answers are kind of cryptic - can't fully understand you.
Did you think we would laugh at you? Did you think we would tell you to hit the road...kid? Did you think we would be awful to you? Every newcomer, until proven a troll, is greeted warmly and respectfully.
Check out past threads. If you truly understood the climate here, you would have realized that - yes, there would be skeptics - we get 'trolled' on a regular basis - but many would have given you their best possible ideas.
Instead you lied, got caught and made it way worse on yourself - so what have you learned? That people will respond negatively when deceived? You needed to set up an entire false model to obtain that piece of data?
Let's say we didn't bust you - then what? You would have constantly harped on how great the 4.0 system may be and we would have told you what?
Hey, again, know your audience - we have time and money invested in the top grading companies - if I am going to buy a Honda instead of a Toyota, I have to be convinced of a reason. You never gave this a chance because you underestimated your audience.
Well, good luck dude
Stone
This thread went over the century mark and each and every participator will be getting vouchers for
TEN, yes I said 10 free gradings by NGS!
The usual gift for this is the traditional free steak knife set but at this time, handing out weapons would not have been a prudent thing
May I make some simple requests? Could you please post on this forum a reply to any post with correct capitalization, punctuation and proper grammar? If you truly were to create a grading company, I doubt that you would communicate with others in such a "lowcaps" format.
Also, providing some information on the people you have lined up for graders would be helpful in determining your level of seriousness. There is no such thing as a second-tier grading company. There are PSA, SGC, BGS and GAI. Then there are the fakers. If you hired anyone from any of those "in your own basement" companies, you are doing yourself a great disservice.
We would love to hear your real plans and your real accomplishments, but when you swerve away from the point, no progress is ever made.
jmpkcp
Never want to disappoint a fellow forum buddy!
So tonite we are giving you the genuine, not be mistaken by the imitation, Vegomatic!
It Slices, it dices, it quarters, it cubes....it really does the job....slice up french fries in seconds for the entire family, slice a tomato SO thin that one tomato will last an entire week! And never mind what it costs, never mind what it's worth...we are throwing in the genuine 'Pocketttttttt fisherman!' So handy, so dandy, go fishin any time you please....just stick that thing in your back pocket...head on to work and bingo!...it's lunchtime and you too can bring home a fresh fish for dinner anytime you choose!
I'm not as offended as some of you by the kidlet. I find his explanations and his claims more funny than anything. Everything has pretty much been said. Except that if I had "grossed $1.5 million" at age 15, I wouldn't be trying to run yet another kitchen-table grading scam from a student apartment in Indiana. And my collection would be much better than it is.
Anyways, you said the Computer Fever grossed $1.5M at age 15, and a 15% margin, so you claimed income of $225,000 that year. What happened to that business, sounds like a gold mine to me, especially if a 15 year old could run it? So, now, a few years later, assuming you are in college, we go from that to a cheap grading company that you obviously have done no research on. Never mind graders, you have no idea of start up costs, as you said you don't have holders. Hmmm, I would imagine there are significant upfront costs involved in purchasing multiple sized holders as well as machinery to seal them. And you'll recoup those costs how? By offering a cheaper service than the competition. I believe that practice has been tried and failed many times, the greatest example of that was Yugo. A Yugo could be had for a fraction of the cost of a Ford Taurus, which was the top selling sedan at the time when they came out with Yugo's. Both had an engine, 4 wheels, and they could both get someone from point A to point B. But no one bought the Yugo because it's not always about the price. People want recognizable quality, and in nearly every case where a cheaper but inferior alternative has been offered, the vast majority of people are willing to pay a little more for the higher quality. And what happened to Yugo...?
plus i was in the right time at the right place, ebay and the internet were just starting to blow up, obviously now, that would be harder to do, tighter margins, more advertising needed etc.....
i dont have have the grading company started, it was just an idea, and i have done some research on start up costs etc..., but maybe just maybe there is a way to minimize the startup costs, when i first looked the idea, it looked like to try and be a legitmate player in the business you would need a minimum of 100k startup capital
i know of the machine factories that do the sealing for other grading services and its a 5k deposit just to start, plus you need graders,website with database functions,advertising etc... i was thinkin 100k.
but it think theres a way to cut the costs of entry, one being the only reason i started looking into this again is because of my connection with graders already that are willing to work cheap but yet still bring the experience.
I think i can setup a nice high quality grading service for much less than 100k.
the question here is, how do you differentiate yourself from the other 2nd tier grading services, i mean if could get your service up to just as respected as pgs, i think you could be profitable.but the problem here is obviously if somebody has a card that is good enough to grade, are they are a. going to send it to psa because they know its worth more in a psa holder or b. give a 2nd tier grading service a chance because their faster and cheaper?
and there lies the problem obvioulsy most sane individuals are going to submit to psa no matter what the cost, because of the resell value
how you overcome that quandry is the real question.
any opinions are welcome, what do you guys think?
scott
<< <i>i think your full of sh!t
Skip
ANGEL OF HOPE
Skip
TUSTIN CA
<< <i>I think i can setup a nice high quality grading service for much less than 100k. >>
Flash
How much for advertising and promotional items to stimulate the influx of material to grade? That would cost you way more than the 100K to start up IMO.
What is your tag-line going to be? When I was in college I had a 'work study' job and had only one thing on my mind. I gotta give you credit! Then again, they had just invented the calculator!?
right well advertising is the question mark of course, and where and if it would do any good
i dont know, what do u think stone.
yes i think about girls alot.
but money brings better girls so,i think about money alot as well
<< <i>i dont know, what do u think stone. >>
Well, it's obvious that you can't take out a spot in the SMR! LOL
SCD is about 750$ a week for full page ad; Tuff Stuff 1300-2100$ per issue and so on....master list mailing with any kind of decent brochure would start in the 1-1.50 range per unit depending on how many - if in the 10's of thouands would probably drop - not sure - have only done letters and light paper brochures - a cd-rom thing like AOL does would capture some imagination - use something to attract the kids like "all I want is...."
Seriously, this gets expensive just for set-ups - some guys want hefty commissions for setting up the type/graphics/tagline/promotions etc.
Or you could send everyone is subliminal message?
Stone
edit: you have inspired me! My PGS is up and running and I'm already kicking the crap outa Pro and Gem!
Big22- I suggest this, because at his point....anything you are putting up here is redundant. How about putting together the outline of your < $100k business plan, and then posting it up here for feedback. I'd like to see how it works.
I believe this thread is on it's death bed.
QUALITY sonic sealer 20K
Molds for various holders, 25-40K each, 3 sizes figure 90K
Initial order for plastic holders (you'll need a minimum order of 10k ea. to be cost effective) 13K
Ancilliary label making "stuff" etc. 1K providing you have your own decent printer
Stereo mircroscope, 3 band ultraviolet light, and other equipment 3K
Kitchen table, Walmart 79.99
$127,079.99
and that's before you've slabbed card one!
Now I can get cards pregraded and slabbed for two bucks a card when I submit in serious quantity to one of the first tier grading companies (not PSA unfortunately!) but still a big name brand. I can also go to one of the back alley boys and get the stuff cranked at substantially under a buck a card (I don't when I can pay more for a "name" brand that will actually sell!), so tell me, seriously
Who is actually going to avail themselves of your service? You do realize that there are over 50 "grading" companies out there?
If there was any money to be made in this racket by slabbing, and not by reaming people's rectums in the process, I'd have been doing it long ago........and I also know how to grade and what to watch for!
If you think that you can do it, then go for it, but you'd better have built some credibility first, and judging by your grand entrance into our world with your deceptive first posts, and inability to grasp the basic fundamentals of the English language, I'd say you would be far better off staying with the pizza delivery job.
<< <i>no this thread should never die. it should be allowed to flourish. >>
Winpitcher
What ever you say boss! Mr. Zardoz put it pretty eloquently how difficult it would be to enter this very difficult market. Heck I was very lucky with PSG...got this puppy up and running under the wire! In fact, we are so busy I have had to add on another grader! Let me introduce you to grader number 3.
1) Cherry-pick some packs in Wal-Mart.
2) Take them back to the dorm, put the best cards in slabs already labeled "NGS Gem Mint." Trim if necessary.
3) Sell the filler cards to college buddies or to 12-year-olds back home
4) Sell the NGS "graded" cards on eBay for 15-20% of PSA prices.
5) Realize the whole proposition is losing money (those dang packs are expensive, even at Wal-Mart) and bag it after 2 months.
6) Dream up a new scheme to make money on eBay, rinse and repeat.
<< <i>Dream up a new scheme to make money on eBay, rinse and repeat. >>
JR
Or stick to what works like a Rave! Between the drugs and watered down booze and cover charge....hell one weekend could fund a really great registry set!
Stone
but to jrdolan , give me a break you have no clue who i am, what i intend on doing or what kind of graders i have available so dont just pull stuff out of your ass acting like you know what your talking about when you really no jack.
its not a scheme its a legitmate busines idea, and just because of my age doesnt mean it cant be, i have done it before and i will do it again.
so unless you have facts or actual information to back up your opinion it doesnt mean anything.
If you were proposing this idea or another idea, i wouldn't shoot it down or say you were trying to scam people and atleast give u a credit for trying so why dont you do the same.
thanks
i wonder how the keg party went last nite.....
How did I miss this one? This definitely settles it - I am moving back to "regular" status on the boards ASAP. A few tips for you, possibly better ways to focus your attentions to increase your profit margins:
1) Consider dropping the grading idea and move to a "coming up with screen names for people on message boards" business. Your gimmick (and you will definitely need one) can be that when a person no longer feels welcome, or has been exposed as a jackass, you can advise them which numbers to place after their original name so as to make it unrecognizable upon it's inevitable return.
2) Seriously - work on your grammar. Not just on your posts, but on your website as well. It's just offensive.
3) Stop bringing my icon down. Even Don West himself would make fun of you. He told me he would.
4) If you do settle on the grading business, a more appealing system would be the 1-11 point system often alluded to in hushed tones on these boards when we think Joe or BJ isn't looking. Anytime someone points out a flaw in your system, just look at them incredulously, and calmly explain that this one "goes to eleven." Repeat until both parties achieve understanding of said system.
OK, now for the serious part. I don't understand anything about your approach to this whole situation from post one. Someone with as much business savvy as you (Are you paying attention Marc? You're sitting over there at ITT Business School reading books and calling people names when there are important lessons to be learned) would have done a little more homework before jumping in headfirst into a 6 inch pool like you did. There are regular posters on these boards who are probably 5-7 years younger than you whose opinions are valued the same way as those of people who bought Mantles off the shelf. If you had been up front, I think the results would have been a little cleaner.
I'm a college student myself, and I'm going to share my little money making secret with you. Everybody else - Ear Muffs. I seek out cards that I like, and I know other people like as well (in my case, Nolan Ryan cards). I know that there are better ways to make money, but that's not what attracts me to the hobby, it's just an aside. I look around on ebay, and try to buy some decent stuff at a fair price. Then I eat ramen noodles and mac and cheese for a couple of months, and send a submission off to PSA, with mainly stuff that I want to keep for myself, but with a few extra thrown in that I think will grade high and that I know my fellow collectors would be interested in. Sometimes I make a few bucks, sometimes I lose my @$s. I don't care - it makes me happy, and total cash outlay for my little venture is a couple hundred bucks, plus I have some shiny pieces of plastic with old pieces of cardboard inside to show for it. If something like this has no appeal for you, then you probably won't get a whole lot out of these boards.
I guess as some final words a quote from the Big Lebowski springs to mind:
<< <i>Malibu Police Chief : Mr. Treehorn draws a lot of water in this town. You don't draw sh!t, Lebowski. Now we got a nice, quiet little beach community here, and I aim to keep it nice and quiet. So let me make something plain. I don't like you sucking around, bothering our citizens, Lebowski. I don't like your jerk-off name. I don't like your jerk-off face. I don't like your jerk-off behavior, and I don't like you, jerk-off. Do I make myself clear? >>
These are my favorite meals anyway! Also I was wondering what kind of bulk deal you have....I have about 100 cards I would like you and your graders to evaluate, including a T206 Wagner and 10 1952 Mantles. Let me know please.
<< <i>Can we just let this one die? >>
no..
<< <i>
<< <i>Can we just let this one die? >>
no..
uh-uh
1. My dad is bigger than your dad.
2. Berk Ross........
Collector of Vintage Golf cards! Let me know what you might have.
SD
Minnie Minoso Master and Basic
1967 Topps PSA 8+
1960's Topps run Mega Set
"For me, playing baseball has been like a war and I was defending the uniform I wore, Every time I put on the uniform I respected it like the American flag. I wore it like I was representing every Latin country."--Minnie Minoso
<< <i>you just keep at it dont you
did i say ever , that i would be the one grading cards, ugh no
so my qualifications about grading have nothing to do with it, i have good business sense and saw a possible opportunity at entering into the market in some way, since i already have experienced graders lined up.
think before you speak, because you just posted another worthless post that makes no sense what so ever.
and as i said if this isnt going tobe a worthwhile thread with information on the grading business it should end, as its a waste of not only my but yours as well.And for your own information, i use my own computer to run my business's not the schools.
thanks >>
Welp originally you said that you knew guys in the collectibles/hobby industry; now you already have experienced graders lined up. Suuurreee ya do. Kinda of like that NGS BS you were trying to pull.
Now I understand trying to get into the grading industry, it's very lucrative. I've also had thoughts of opening a grading/authenticating service when I get older. But the fact is, You approached this forum all wrong. I've been collecting for years(I'm only 20, so I am younger than you in age, but apparently not in knowledge) and still don't know a lot compared to the older guys on this board. But, I know that sometimes you can get lucky in what you've got and make a good buck. I'm not in it for the money, but I won't buy something that A-I will keep for quite a few years or B-I know I can trade for something I will.
I collect Topps rookies, vintage bowman and Topps, as well as Gem Mint rookies(BGS, PSA, or SGC). Now, I won't pay a premium for a card thats graded by a service I wouldn't send my own cards to. It's that simple. In fact I'd rather buy a substantially lower graded card from one of the Big 3 than the same card in a higher grade from other grading companies.
Mark Mulder rookies
Chipper Jones rookies
Orlando Cabrera rookies
Lawrence Taylor
Sam Huff
Lavar Arrington
NY Giants
NY Yankees
NJ Nets
NJ Devils
1950s-1960s Topps NY Giants Team cards
Looking for Topps rookies as well.
References:
GregM13
VintageJeff
<< <i>Welcome to the forum. You should learn a lot here, as a matter of fact, you're about to learn your first lesson about grading companies.
Those slabs you had your cards put into are completely worthless and you could never resell the cards for more than a small fraction of their actual value, especially since it sounds like you submitted unaltered cards. Most of those basement operations only get their hands on altered material, especially if it's vintage, because it gets rejected by the reputible companies (PSA & SGC). Just because it's in a "graded" holder, there is nobody mediating this industry, so therefore, anyone could open their own grading company. The market is determined by the buyers of graded material, and most will only deal with PSA, SGC (or BGS & GAI, but I personally avoid both of them as well). >>
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz >>
Beckett -No problems
GAI-Told me "send your 15 Bill Ripken FF versions you listed, we can properly grade them all". Well I got a credit slip for around 5 back. I emailed wanting some $$ back instead and didn't receive a answer. I emailed repeatily to two people and I am still holding my breath.
I received 3 versions back labeled as white scribble. They are definately not. I asked for info, they never responded. I cracked one sent to BGS came back whiteout-a $100 difference. One I sold as possible fake and other possible fake or real whiteout I am still deciding as its kinda neat to have a fake in a GAI holder. I would never sell a fake as present it as real BTW. Oh and they said they would label the differences correctly. Wrong. Didnt note differences. I still plan on sending some racks with different versions to them so I eventually got over it. Just wish I was told upfront what they really knew/could handle.
Still waiting to meet a GEM employee in a dark alley.
<< <i>and while they may not grade as hard as psa, the value is still quite a bit more than having them ungraded. >>
I would rather buy them raw instead of submitting to some fly by night company.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
Please give your reasons for avoiding GAI and Beckett as I have had cards rejected by them also. chaz >>
Beckett -No problems
GAI-Told me "send your 15 Bill Ripken FF versions you listed, we can properly grade them all". Well I got a credit slip for around 5 back. I emailed wanting some $$ back instead and didn't receive a answer. I emailed repeatily to two people and I am still holding my breath.
I received 3 versions back labeled as white scribble. They are definately not. I asked for info, they never responded. I cracked one sent to BGS came back whiteout-a $100 difference. One I sold as possible fake and other possible fake or real whiteout I am still deciding as its kinda neat to have a fake in a GAI holder. I would never sell a fake as present it as real BTW. Oh and they said they would label the differences correctly. Wrong. Didnt note differences. I still plan on sending some racks with different versions to them so I eventually got over it. Just wish I was told upfront what they really knew/could handle.
Still waiting to meet a GEM employee in a dark alley. >>
Okay, but I rate these 4 grading companies as the ones to use: PSA, Beckett, SGC and GAI. I checked them out and have done business with all of them for years and have had no real problems. And I tip my hat to the people of Collectors Universe (PSA) that allow me to come on this board and say so. chaz