PSA has now had my June Special 104 days...grades popped!!!

jeff8877 · October 3, 2007 12:30PM

Hi everyone...just venting here as I am pretty disgusted with this.

My cards were dropped off to PSA headquarters on June 29th during one of their Fridays that you can submit in person. I knew it could be around 45 business days and was OK with something around that, but this is absolutely a joke. I called customer service a couple of weeks ago and they said that they would likely be done during the week...still nothing. My credit card was charged for over $500 for this order.

Jeff

glossycrazy · October 3, 2007 1:21PM

Hi Jeff!
The waiting game really gets frustrating. I have had many subs run over the 45 day limit... Do you check about a skillion times a day to see if your grades are posted? I sure do once I reach the 45 day limit. The one thing I've noticed over the years is that when my grades are overdue like yours are I always get a couple of outstanding grades to make up for the wait and the pain I have endured!! Hang in there!! I feel for you but you will be rewarded!
Paul

ElectricPrune · October 3, 2007 1:22PM

That is really horrible. I'm still waiting for one of mine to get here too.

Can anyone tell me of another industry that makes you pay in full up front, then offers not even an expectation as to when the service will be completed? I can't think of a single one. The closest thing I can think of is fast food. You pay up front with no promises as to how long it will take to get your food. However, if it takes more than a few minutes, you're going to complain. At that point, they would probably appease you with a free item, and at least communicate to you as to why it took so long.

Other services I thught of randomly:

Taxes/Accounting
Lawn Care
Medical Services
Legal Services
Construction
Auto Work

Can anyone think of a single service?

No promises up front should not mean zero expectations. Especially when you consider they ran another $5 special even before MANY subs had been graded! from June! PSA's business plan is going to cost them alot of business.

jeff8877 · October 3, 2007 1:54PM

Glossy Crazy and Electric Prune,

Thanks guys for the support...hope all turns out well.

I along with everyone else, just don't understand how you can run a business this way...I too believe this will eventually catch up with them.

Jeff

psafan · October 3, 2007 1:55PM

Are you telling me you've never waited 97 days for your fast food to be served? C'mon, I've heard some restaurants take as long as 200 business days to serve up a burger.

Carew29 · October 3, 2007 2:28PM

I'm just hoping to get my 3 TALLBOY subs before Christmas. After the last two months of consistent posts like these-- I'm not calling,i'm not checking, I'll just wait until they show up at my door one day. I'll call after January 1st,2008.

lawnmowerman · October 3, 2007 2:31PM

Jeff here is what I would do. Call customer service and ask to speak to the operations manager. I'm 99% sure his name is Ivan Lopez. Explain to him the situation. I once had a sub, not quite as long as this one and did the same thing. My grades were available the next day. Just be sure to be polite (even though you want to send them a pipe bomb) have your customer # and sub # ready and tell him the deal.

I bet you will have your grades by Friday.

Matt

jamesryanbell · October 3, 2007 4:11PM

everything should be guaranteed in 30 days or less, or it's free.

Seriously.

That's freaking ridiculous.

-- Ryan

jmbkb4 · October 3, 2007 4:20PM

<< everything should be guaranteed in 30 days or less, or it's free.

Seriously.

That's freaking ridiculous.

-- Ryan >>

When people stop submitting 75% of the market to PSA, I can *guarantee* you they will speed things up.

stown · October 3, 2007 11:09PM

<< everything should be guaranteed in 30 days or less, or it's free.

Seriously.

That's freaking ridiculous.

-- Ryan >>

You know, they have a service for cards made in 1972 and later. If you want it within 35 business days, pay the $10 and it will be guaranteed.

MODERN
$10 per card
Cards dated 1972 and later. Any card with a declared value under $500. Excludes autographed cards. All thick, modern patch cards must be submitted under this service level or higher and placed on a separate submission form. These are not eligible for bulk services. 35 BUSINESS DAYS Guaranteed*

Or for only $5 more, you can get them within 10 business days.

REGULAR
$15 per card
Any card with a declared value under $500 may be submitted at this service level or higher. Excludes autographed cards. 10 BUSINESS DAYS Guaranteed*

Publius · October 4, 2007 12:16AM

<< 
I bet you will have your grades by Friday.

Matt >>

And they will all be one grade lower than you thought.

I would be patient, your within sight of the finish line now

lawnmowerman · October 4, 2007 12:18AM

<< 

<< 
I bet you will have your grades by Friday.

Matt >>

And they will all be one grade lower than you thought.

I would be patient, your within sight of the finish line now >>

Actually it was one of my better subs as far as 10's go.

30 something 10's out of 40 something cards

Carew29 · October 4, 2007 2:51AM

Apparently stown did not see the current thread of the 5 day guarantee that is now going on day 15. A Chris Farley line comes to mind on the word guarantee.

Stingray · October 4, 2007 3:00AM

<< Apparently stown did not see the current thread of the 5 day guarantee that is now going on day 15. A Chris Farley line comes to mind on the word guarantee. >>

Clemaz · October 4, 2007 3:05AM

I am glad I already ate lunch.

clydecoolidge · October 4, 2007 3:18AM

I here ya man. My June special was received at psa on 7/11 (not so lucky of a number in this case, lol) and no ship date yet. It is a bummer, especially when they charged my cc 4 days after getting my cards. Feels like a rip-off, but hopefully I'll have some nice grades, and hopefully soon.

clydecoolidge · October 4, 2007 3:24AM

I don't know why they don't hire more graders to keep up with demand. If they're gonna run these "specials" they really should get the support needed to satisfy the demand. It's been so long I don't even remember what I sent in anymore.

lawnmowerman · October 4, 2007 4:31AM

<< Apparently stown did not see the current thread of the 5 day guarantee that is now going on day 15. A Chris Farley line comes to mind on the word guarantee. >>

Apparently you didnt see that the thread with the "5 day guarantee" in fact that service has no guarantee at all.

The abbreviated word, approx.(which is used in the details of the special) stands for approximately which means:nearly correct or exact and / or located close together.

I'll post it again just like I did in the "5 day guarantee thread"

<< 13 per card

No Minimum Quantity Required
Turnaround time is approx. 5 Business Days
This special excludes T-3’s and Autographed Cards
For Gold & Platinum members only
Click here for full details >>

Nothing is said anywhere in this special about it being quaranteed.

In fact in the special details it goes on to say 3 times :

<< Turnaround time is approximately 5 business days. >>

I really wish people would take the time to read before making comments.

Stone193 · October 4, 2007 4:48AM

<< PSA has now had my June Special 98 days >>

Have ya received a ransom letter yet?

Leiascards · October 4, 2007 5:24AM

Wonder what would happen if everyone started complaining to their Credit Card companies and getting chargebacks filed?

ROCKDJRW · October 4, 2007 5:32AM

<< Wonder what would happen if everyone started complaining to their Credit Card companies and getting chargebacks filed? >>

I would imagine you wouldn't get your cards back

Carew29 · October 4, 2007 6:32AM

Well? That's one way of getting your cards back quickly

jrinck · October 4, 2007 6:36AM

Over time, people will get less and less excited about these specials, and the submissions will die out on them, making the whole promotion less effective and even possibly a NEGATIVE promotion due to people rehashing their particular horror stories every time a new promotion is offered.

"I wonder if this new special will take four months like the last one did." for example.

It's like a manager at a restaurant thanking you for your business by offering you a free meal, but then having the meal take five times longer than the meals of paying customers. At some point, it just isn't worth it, and can do the opposite for customer satisfaction than it had intended.

It really looks like PSA went into this with a fatalistic attitude. They chose to say "Shut up, it'll be done when it's done" versus being positive and making the special really SPECIAL by offering quick turnaround times.

So I ask of PSA, if these specials were so difficult for you to manage, resulting in many disappointed customrs, why the heck even offer these specials at all?

stown · October 4, 2007 6:51AM

<< I really wish people would take the time to read before making comments. >>

Or at least know what they are talking about before attempting to call someone out.

Carew29 · October 4, 2007 8:45AM

Or simply call Joe Orlando @ 949-567-1170.

jeff8877 · October 4, 2007 10:40AM

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has posted here and given encouragement. No poppage today, so tomorrow will be day 99...how pathetic is this from a business standpoint and keeping your customers happy. Somebody should be fired!

Jeff

SDavid · October 4, 2007 12:25PM

Most modern cards (except high-end post-1998 rookies and finest refractors) aren't worth a $10 grading fee. Most really aren't worth $5-$6. If PSA can't grade cards at these service levels in a timely manner (and I don't mean 9 weeks or 45 business days), modern submissions will eventually plummet. The potential payout from grading most of these cards is so small, collectors have little incentive to submit them anyway. That will speed things up for those of us who stick around, but most dissatisfied customers never come back. They'll just find better things to spend their money on rather than slabbing a 1990 common and selling it on ebay for $10...IF it "10's."

lawnmowerman · October 4, 2007 12:39PM

<< Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has posted here and given encouragement. No poppage today, so tomorrow will be day 99...how pathetic is this from a business standpoint and keeping your customers happy. Somebody should be fired!

Jeff >>

Jeff, Did you call like I suggested to do ?

jeff8877 · October 4, 2007 1:01PM

Hi Matt...didn't call today. Am going to wait until noon tomorrow and see if it pops. If it does not, will be calling the Ops Mgr as you suggested...will keep you posted.

Jeff

lawnmowerman · October 4, 2007 1:12PM

<< Hi Matt...didn't call today. Am going to wait until noon tomorrow and see if it pops. If it does not, will be calling the Ops Mgr as you suggested...will keep you posted.

Jeff >>

2dueces · October 4, 2007 1:20PM

You are not alone in your wait. i know of at least 3 other members waiting for their June specials.
They are also over the 90 day time period. PSA coming to this board looking for workers might
be some indication that they are short handed, swamped with the June specials and simply
over worked. Sucks, but when you are the best, you always have work. Joe

cardbender · October 4, 2007 10:55PM

<< Over time, people will get less and less excited about these specials, and the submissions will die out on them, making the whole promotion less effective and even possibly a NEGATIVE promotion due to people rehashing their particular horror stories every time a new promotion is offered.

"I wonder if this new special will take four months like the last one did." for example.

It's like a manager at a restaurant thanking you for your business by offering you a free meal, but then having the meal take five times longer than the meals of paying customers. At some point, it just isn't worth it, and can do the opposite for customer satisfaction than it had intended.

It really looks like PSA went into this with a fatalistic attitude. They chose to say "Shut up, it'll be done when it's done" versus being positive and making the special really SPECIAL by offering quick turnaround times.

So I ask of PSA, if these specials were so difficult for you to manage, resulting in many disappointed customrs, why the heck even offer these specials at all? >>

Great points. I agree.

The current special for $5 for any Football card from 1960 to present is attractive to me, and I have cards ready to send in. But I still have a 360 card sub. from June out there still ungraded. So I doubt I'll take advantage of this current special until those grades pop soon. Along with my July tallboy sub., I have over $2300 in grading fee's already charged on my credit card and paid off with nothing to show for them. According to PSA counted days, I'm at day 55. Real time days are approaching 85 days since logged in.

Sure we could all pay more for faster service, but really why run any specials if the turnaround time isn't somewhat reasonable (like a month or so)?

mbothner · October 5, 2007 4:32AM

I called PSA today and was told I was on day 57 (July 11) and they are now taking 60 to 65 days. Two more weeks I guess.

Stone193 · October 5, 2007 4:54AM

If it goes to 100...

Ya get a complimentary set of steak knives.

RipublicaninMass · October 5, 2007 5:03AM

1974topps · October 5, 2007 6:22AM

I'm also one of those June Specials. I sent in 100 (1974 baseball) cards and they where logged in on 7/9/07. At this point I would pay extra just to get them done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tabe · October 5, 2007 8:20PM

<< Wonder what would happen if everyone started complaining to their Credit Card companies and getting chargebacks filed? >>

This is actually the route I would suggest people go - credit card companies tend to frown upon companies charging for services prior to actually performing them...

Tabe

jmbkb4 · October 5, 2007 10:29PM

<< 

<< Wonder what would happen if everyone started complaining to their Credit Card companies and getting chargebacks filed? >>

This is actually the route I would suggest people go - credit card companies tend to frown upon companies charging for services prior to actually performing them...

Tabe >>

Again, PSA's business model is one of the worst I've ever seen. Makes HSN look like the WMT empire in relation.

CDsNuts · October 5, 2007 11:38PM

I think congratulations are in order.

BobaFett72 · October 6, 2007 1:27AM

100 is quite an accomplishment!

congrats

nam812 · October 6, 2007 1:32AM

Kudos to you sir.

zippy · October 6, 2007 1:51AM

Maybe u will set the record for the longest wait ever

psafan · October 6, 2007 3:09AM

I'm sure your cards will be graded accurately at least since they're taking so long. You'll only have to resubmit half of them to get the right grade.

mtcards · October 6, 2007 3:19AM

The wait wouldnt be so bad if they actually just came out beforehand and said it would take 90-100 days.

My first submission a few years back was on the 30 day turnaround time. After day 45, I called to check and was told that the turnaround time had changed to 45-60 business days. Had I known that in advance I would have chosen the cheaper grading service since IT was 45-60 days as well. After 77 days, my submission arrived along with (2) PSA 10 Tim Duncan Chrome Rookies I had sent in. I was happy with the results, but thought the delay was ridiculous.

Stone193 · October 6, 2007 3:41AM

Don't worry...

That set of Steak Knives is in the mail as I type!!!!

And they have many multi-purposes:

1. Trimming cards
2. Slicing and dicing
3. Opening slabs for resubs
4. Comitting hara kiri

CDsNuts · October 15, 2007 11:55PM

How are we doing with this? Still going strong at 113 days I hope. I hate to see a streak end.

jmbkb4 · October 16, 2007 1:08AM

I have a sub going on 62 business days!

mbothner · October 16, 2007 1:27AM

Still waiting also.

drewsef · October 16, 2007 3:29AM

still waiting as well, been 113 days since I mailed them off, but some others here have posted September and October special orders here that have came back in two weeks or less

jamesryanbell · October 16, 2007 3:35AM

Like I said before, EVERYTHING should be guaranteed in 30 days or less.

That's freaking ridiculous.

goose3 · October 16, 2007 3:37AM

Just to make you feel better...

I sent in a Sept. Special containing 11 cards in Mid September. I received my grades in 12 days.

PSA has now had my June Special 104 days...grades popped!!!

Comments