I did it for the first time today...

A761506

GAI sets up shop at a local Detroit area card show once a month, and they accept submissions on-site for $3 pre-grade and then $3 more for holdering. In the past, I've never done it, but today I decided to take a couple cards and submit them. The grader, Mike Baker, graded them as I watched, took the time to explain the grade he was giving on a couple of them as I asked.

I didn't submit too much of any value... most of the cards were modern that I had bought at a previous show in a hit or miss deal that wound up being a hit. I purchased 58 wax packs from 81F, 82D, 83D, 84F, 85D & 87D, and a couple were hockey... but almost all of the packs had been opened and were unsealed. The dealer seemed nutty and disorganized, and I counted the cards in 3 packs and all were there... so I paid $25 for all these packs, figuring he simply opened them, looked through the cards and put them right back in the packs. Sure enough, that is exactly what he did. The packs yielded quite a few nice cards, Ripken rookie, Boggs rookie, one of the hockey packs had a Francis rookie, Puckett rookie, Bonds rookie, and several Ryan's and Rose's. Some of the cards had corner wear from poor storage in the packs, but some were gradable. But, a couple cards were extremely nice, including a 81F Rose #1 that graded as a GAI 9.5.

Anyways, GAI was very professional, however, I would be hesitant to submit more valuable vintage to them because I don't think their holders command as much value, but I will use them for any modern I do in the future, as it is very convenient that they are here in MI monthly, and the pregrade allows me to save a couple bucks on the cards that aren't worth grading that have a flaw that I just didn't catch.

ldferg

what tools and techniques were used? any loupe's or other devices that helped them detect flaws?

A761506

Actually, he used only his eyes and a cheap desk light... picked up a triplet loupe exactly one time to look at one corner of one card. All the rest were graded with no loupe and no ruler at a pace of what would have been 20-30 seconds per card if I hadn't asked questions. He said the ruler is unnecessary on most cards because he can simply look at an edge and tell if it's been trimmed. I don't know how much I agree with this, but ultimately, he's considered by many as one of the best graders in the hobby, so...

wolfbear

<< <i> Actually, he used only his eyes and a cheap desk light... picked up a triplet loupe exactly one time to look at one corner of one card. All the rest were graded with no loupe and no ruler at a pace of what would have been 20-30 seconds per card ... >>

smallstocks

What does pre-grade refer to?

Mike

A761506

Pre-grade - they grade the card on the spot and tell you what the grade is... and then you decide if you want it slabbed after you know what the grade will be.

smallstocks

Is GAI the only one's who will do that?

Fabfrank

Is GAI the only one's who will do that?

No. I believe Beckett does pre-grade also at shows

Stone193

Josh
Thanx for the report - it's about what has been said before about GAI at shows. I agree, Mike Baker is a top grader and with his experience of looking at tons of cards, he probably can spot stuff easier than myself.

That service for grading and holdering without consideration to liquidation is about as good as it gets!

Since I'm having my cards buried with me, I would not hesitate to do something like that. Having said that, PSA is still Tops for me in the grading world.

To a degree it's like Coke, Pepsi, RC Cola - everyone has their favorite.

Did you ask Mike Baker if they change their approach to grading when looking at vintage cards like the 53T's which are more likely to be trimmed and recolored e.g.?

Again, Thanx for the report
your friend
Mike

easttexascardsandgames

I like the fact GAI calls you when they log your cards in and since I do use the pregrade they call when the cards are done and you can choose which ones you want to have upgraded. Then they call when your order is shipped.

Stone193

<< <i>I did it for the first time today... >>


When I read your thread, this is the first thing I thought of:

baseballcardsonly

<< <i>

<< <i>I did it for the first time today... >>


When I read your thread, this is the first thing I thought of:



>>



Wow, me too!!!

I was going to give you a pat on the back and tell you to get back up on that horse!

NickM

Stone - I've seen Mike Baker pregrade T-206s at a show at less than 45 seconds apiece using just a desk light. I don't care how good he is, that does not leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Nick