GAI or SGC for vintage cards?

koby

If PSA did not exist, what card grading company would most collectors use for vintage cards?

At shows, there are more and more GAI cards on dealers tables. I like GAI's holder because it is standard size and has the best flip of any company. From what I can tell they seem to be accurate graders for the msot part.

SGC has a following and is known as an accurate grader, but I am not too fond of their holders and the double-number grading system. Also their cards seem to be really hard to find at shows or on ebay.

halosfan

I would tend to use SGC. I have used them in the past and I happen to like their holder best of all.

MajorDanby

SGC is well known and trusted in the pre war card grading market. As one goes from pre war to post war and into modern..SGC loses touch with collectors. GAI is trying to hit the pre and post war market while ignoring modern. PSA tries to hit them all. Beckett has tried to rival PSA in that aspect....but, to no success. If PSA did not exist, i would go wtih SGC. Their holders are aesthetically more appealing and extremeley difficult to break. They have tried to be more diligent in grading centering..especially when it comes to post war cards. Plus, they have great customer service. GAI is trying to flood the market with their slabs in order to compete with PSA. SGC knows their niche and are happy to stick with it.

rainmaker

SGC....if GAI is still around in 10 years feel free to tell me I was wrong...

aro13

SGC

DaBigHurt

I'd go with PSA.

Southerncards

dabighurt - your dronelike addiction to all things PSA keeps me laughing each day, keep it up!

Now to serious business, SGC hands down. No question.

SHOOTER56

"I'd go with PSA"
The question was if PSA did not exist.

charliehustle14

SGC gets my vote.

calleocho

I wonder if PSA were to cease for whatever reason, what effect would that have on existing PSA cards out there.

I would still be pretty confortable buying PSA graded examples on ebay and with 8 mill+ in the market, my guess is that you could probably find any cards you need for your set anyways.

how many cards have SGC and GAI graded? 1 mill?

I would still buy PSA graded cards, especially if the current premium its no longer there.

I think that baseball cards are a niche hobby and we dont really need 4 major grading companies, but to each their own.

I would choose SGC before GAI.

easttexascardsandgames

GAI for their customer service.. I like how they personally call every submitter when the cards are recieved, when the grades are online and when they ship.

z2345

GAI

The holders are the best and GAI's customer service is second to none.

Griffins

GAI-
if you have PSA cards they probably graded them anyway, and the holder is the best. Plus you can actually talk to someone about a grade if you need to.

ctsoxfan

SGC - they, as mentioned, have a great reputation in pre-war cards, and I would bet on their graders to be accurate for most anything. Cards usually cross from their holders to a PSA equivalent, can't say the same about GAI or anyone else.

Knuckles

wolfbear

MOE ... My Own Eyes

A761506

SGC... I don't think GAI will be in business in a couple of years.

Knuckles

<< <i>I don't think GAI will be in business in a couple of years >>



Even with their pack grading monopoly?

A761506

At first, I questioned why PSA had not begun grading packs also, then I realized, more than likely, it's a losing proposition for GAI. How many graded packs and boxes are there really?

BigtimeBowmanfan

There seems to be a ton of graded packs out there. I don't know if this will keep up but it seems like the pack collector's have certainly taken to it.

Also i must say that even though i split my sub's pretty evenly GAI is moving higher in my estimation do to there sevice and i truly believe that there grading standered's are every bit the equal of PSA's, And of course the holder is great.

CADILLACN97

SGC-have, will, and do use them. They are always very helpful (and quick to help) and professional. With the name PSA has, plus BGS and GAI both getting started, they are still here (quietly). So they must have some sort of following. It is hard to find the cards i want in SGC slabs, and when you do, the price is outrageous, or with high starting bids.

As A761506 said, i also don't think GAI will be around much longer. Yes the slabs are out there, but how busy are you, and how many submissions are you getting that you have enough time to pickup the phone, dial the number, and chat with the submitter. Not very busy, IMO.

easttexascardsandgames

Its not a chat, it is just this is so and so with Global Authentication we are just letting you know we recieved your cards today. I for one hope they do stick around I kinda like buying GAI 6's and 7's and getting them upgraded to PSA 7s and 8s.

CADILLACN97

Even if it's not a chat, it takes ALOT more time to pickup the phone, dial 10 numbers, wait for a ring or two, talk for 30 seconds, and then do it again. Certainly alot more time than punching in 12 numbers on a computer screen that automatically emails said person. While some might feel this as great customer service, i would feel more like business must NOT be booming. Not to mention, who is calling? Would it be a conflict of interest to have certain people (graders, inventory personel, etc) from a company calling you personally? And if you are buying 6 and 7s, and flipping them to PSA for 7s and 8s, is GAI the better grader and PSA more lenient? Or is PSA the better grader, and GAI is too harsh?

Not trying to conflict with you, but what does that last statement in your post tell you about both company's? Once again, not trying to start a fight, i really am curious.

ERIC

Yzerman19C

SGC