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I am not sure if this has been discussed yet or not about GAI but please discuss...
illini
Posts: 299
Like I said I have no idea if this had been talked about or not. If GAI is no longer in business what does this to do their high dollar graded cards? I know a lot of them have gone for many thousands and tens of thousands of dollars from a lot of auction houses. My question is will they hold their value or what is your opinion. I know it is the card and not the holder but the higher number has commanded a steep price on some of their high grade vintage stars. Your opinions are appreciated.
Josh
Josh
"If someone tells you that money is the root of all evil. They don't have any"
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Imagine in 20 years.
Buyer- GAI who ??
Seller-Yeah, they were GOOD !!
Buyer- And they're not around anymore because ..?
but if they are done - I think you've seen the last of the company?
Remember SGC went away and came back.
mike
SCD blue oval vs. red
BGS subs on back vs front
* take into consideration that these comments are only in reference to vintage cards as i do not have enough experience with modern cards and/or the pack grading aspect to make an informed comment in those areas. *
<< <i>buy the card not the holder
That statement says it all
Still, some of the best bargains out there for the money are GAI graded cards...
I've gotten several GAI cards through Wayne Varner in the past, and have no doubt they'd cross to PSA and not come back trimmed - all of them happen to showcase the slightly rough cut from Topps in their respective years of issue and all measure up to expected dimensions.
j
RIP GURU
Going
Away
Inconspicuously
Got
A
Inadvertency
Gotta
Alotta
Inconsistencies
Sorry if my big words are used wrong. Unskilled labor.
<< <i>So did BGS. But both were "easier" graders after the new owners, so its not always a good thing. Well at least I heard many times the old holders were stricter.
SGC blue oval vs. red
BGS subs on back vs front >>
SGC never had a "blue or red oval" on there flip..Your'e thinking of SCD..also
BGS has never went out of business not sure where you heard this?
<< <i>
<< <i>So did BGS. But both were "easier" graders after the new owners, so its not always a good thing. Well at least I heard many times the old holders were stricter.
SGC blue oval vs. red
BGS subs on back vs front >>
SGC never had a "blue or red oval" on there flip..Your'e thinking of SCD..also
BGS has never went out of business not sure where you heard this? >>
Oops thats right it was SCD. I was thinking SGC ??? when I typed it. I corrected my post.
I have heard many times BGS sold in 2004.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>So did BGS. But both were "easier" graders after the new owners, so its not always a good thing. Well at least I heard many times the old holders were stricter.
SGC blue oval vs. red
BGS subs on back vs front >>
SGC never had a "blue or red oval" on there flip..Your'e thinking of SCD..also
BGS has never went out of business not sure where you heard this? >>
Oops thats right it was SCD. I was thinking SGC ??? when I typed it. I corrected my post.
I have heard many times BGS sold in 2004. >>
yes they changed ownership but operations never siezed and employees kept there jobs there was no shutdown of the company and they continued as normal also the flips changed in 2003 before the ownership change.
Thanks for the clarification.
<< <i>Guess my "So did BGS" implied they left/came back. Well didnt really imply, flat out says it. So in relation to the topic I think GAI going under (if thats the case) is not good for GAI slabbed items. Even if they are bought out and improved the older slabbed ones will still have the same doubts people have now. Thats why I think GAI switched labels. New look, were improved etc. I had meant to say when those two companies (BGS, SCD) changed ownership there were differences and not for the better IMO. I assumed the BGS flip change was part of the ownership change. I know my submissions with the subs on back were strict and when they 1st switched my grades seemed too high, so I thought it was due to a ownership change as they were always consistent before that. I even cracked one BGS 9 new label out and GAI gave it a 8.5. But that happens with all grading companies so thats not a big deal.
Thanks for the clarification. >>
I believe there standards may "loosened" a bit somewhere along the line. But After this it made them along the lines the other top third party graders (not below) There was a time when they were absoluetley ridiculous and many people were crying foul.
As for crossing cards over you have to take in consideration BGS,PSA, and SGC grade different era cards with different standards..I have 10 1988 fleer basketball cards in BGS 9 holders "w/ new flips" and I would bet 50.00 to anyone that atleast 8 of them would make it into a PSA 10 slab no problem as a matter of fact me and a friend just crossed 5 1988 fleer dennis rodman rookies in PSA 10 to BGS and only 1 made it into a 9.5 holder needless to say we lost our arse on that one but it happens. These guys grading your cards are humans and not perfect.
The value of GAI slabs has to go down and in some cases it may go down a lot. I mean technically there's no guarantee now that the card is even genuine or anything in a GAI slab...no company guarantee to backup anything in their slabs...such as PSA and SGC guarantees their slabs.
Global Authentication signed in the presence service is your guarantee that a Global certified representative was present and has witnessed the item as it was being signed.
Global Authentication provides access to its authentication database to anyone interested in verifying the authenticity of an item for sale.
When you see a listing of a Global authenticated item for sale, you can verify the authenticity of the autograph by simply entering the certification number. The unique certification number can be found on both the Certificate of Authenticity and the matching tamper evident label that affixed to the item. Upon verification, you will be presented with the authentication date and location of signing, description of the autographed item and signer’s name.
Representatives of Global Authentication attend numerous public and private celebrity signings across the country. Collectors who take advantage of our “Signed-in-the-Presence” authentication program receive the “Signed-in-the-Presence” guarantee. Now, if you ever wanted to sell your collectible the prospective buyer need only key-in the unique serial numbers from the item into Global’s database and verify online each autograph that a Global Authentication representative has witnessed.
Each Global authenticated item must have a Global Certificate of Authenticity and a tamper evident label sharing the same unique serial numbers.
Anyone wanting to first confirm the "authentication database" before buying an item, which would be a smart move, can no longer do so. Bottom line - GAI values are gonna go way, WAY down on some of their items.
<< <i> Bottom line - GAI values are gonna go way, WAY down on some of their items. >>
I think they'll get hit hardest on pack grading. At least with a card you can "buy the card, not the holder", but a slabbed pack from a defunct grading company isn't going to mean squat to me.
<< <i>
<< <i>Guess my "So did BGS" implied they left/came back. Well didnt really imply, flat out says it. So in relation to the topic I think GAI going under (if thats the case) is not good for GAI slabbed items. Even if they are bought out and improved the older slabbed ones will still have the same doubts people have now. Thats why I think GAI switched labels. New look, were improved etc. I had meant to say when those two companies (BGS, SCD) changed ownership there were differences and not for the better IMO. I assumed the BGS flip change was part of the ownership change. I know my submissions with the subs on back were strict and when they 1st switched my grades seemed too high, so I thought it was due to a ownership change as they were always consistent before that. I even cracked one BGS 9 new label out and GAI gave it a 8.5. But that happens with all grading companies so thats not a big deal.
Thanks for the clarification. >>
I believe there standards may "loosened" a bit somewhere along the line. But After this it made them along the lines the other top third party graders (not below) There was a time when they were absoluetley ridiculous and many people were crying foul.
As for crossing cards over you have to take in consideration BGS,PSA, and SGC grade different era cards with different standards..I have 10 1988 fleer basketball cards in BGS 9 holders "w/ new flips" and I would bet 50.00 to anyone that atleast 8 of them would make it into a PSA 10 slab no problem as a matter of fact me and a friend just crossed 5 1988 fleer dennis rodman rookies in PSA 10 to BGS and only 1 made it into a 9.5 holder needless to say we lost our arse on that one but it happens. These guys grading your cards are humans and not perfect. >>
Oh I agree, everyone makes mistakes and PSA,SGC and BGS are at the top of their profession.
Fuuny! James Spence told me that even if he makes a mistake on an auto, since is has his approval it is still as good as gold. TRUE!
GAI Executive: 'The company is not going out of business.'
Nov 8 2007 4:00PM
Compelled by growing posts filled with allegedly inaccurate information on industry message boards, GAI vice president of business development Steve Sipe reiterated Thursday afternoon that the California-based sports memorabilia grading and authentication company is not shutting its doors.
"The company is not going out of business," Sipe said adamantly. "Everybody's stuff is safe in a secure location. Our old landlord, we were negotiating, and the guy said 'you gotta be out,' gave us a notice and that's how it happened. It's just been a debacle."
According to Sipe, negotiations for the company's new lease lasted longer than anticipated, causing a delay in GAI's ability to reestablish phone and internet connections.
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
Collectors seeking information from GAI about their orders have for the past few days been unable to contact the company either by phone (disconnected) or via its Website, which was inoperable as of Thursday afternoon. Emails to the company went unanswered.
Sipe said he felt it necessary to reemphasize the company's stance today in an effort to put GAI's many customers at ease, all of whom have entrusted the company with varying parts of their collections.
"I'm just trying to help people understand that [GAI] is not going anywhere and that they're stuff is fine," he said. "The company's still there, it just had to move. Otherwise, I would let you know. Hopefully, by tomorrow, this will all be a passing moment.
"We'll get through it. I'm sure there are some upset people. I personally just wanted to take this upon myself because there's nothing worse than no information."
Stay tuned to Beckett.com for updates to this story.
Source BGS
Why is Beckett the only one getting the story? Aren't they technically a competitor?
Unless Beckett is in negotiations to purchase......................
(I guess it's a short step from sheet cut to trimmed)
<< <i>I doubt Beckett would want to buy out GAI. This would only weaken its existing brand. WHy would any company want anything to do with the principals at GAI at this point. Wasn't complaints about PSA at it's highest when Rocchi and Baker were at the helm? Now they run GAI to the ground. At least they are consistent. >>
Just because you buy out an operation does not mean you will continue to sell their brand. If competition is removed, the customers for that previous competitor will need to send their business elsewhere...
"We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
So it goes from moving down the hall to we dont have a location. Heck, I'll rent out my garage if it helps my buddy get his racks back.
<< <i>I thought they were just moving down the hall. I thought the phones would be back up "within 24 hours"...
Why is Beckett the only one getting the story? Aren't they technically a competitor?
Unless Beckett is in negotiations to purchase......................
(I guess it's a short step from sheet cut to trimmed) >>
Beckett is most likely covering the story becuase thats what they do.. They try to cover alot of things you may not be aware of.. they also let SGC,PSA, and GAI advertise in there beckett publications and not to long ago in there graded card price guide (I think it was) they intereviewed JOE ORLANDO...
<< <i>
<< <i>I doubt Beckett would want to buy out GAI. This would only weaken its existing brand. WHy would any company want anything to do with the principals at GAI at this point. Wasn't complaints about PSA at it's highest when Rocchi and Baker were at the helm? Now they run GAI to the ground. At least they are consistent. >>
Just because you buy out an operation does not mean you will continue to sell their brand. If competition is removed, the customers for that previous competitor will need to send their business elsewhere... >>
What would Beckett be buying? I guess the slabbing equipment is there and might have some value. Would you want to inherit GAI's assets if that meant you have also inherited its liability? So besides an association with a failed company with a very bad reputation, I do not see any upside for Beckett.
<< <i>BGS says this about GAI now.------------
GAI Executive: 'The company is not going out of business.'
Nov 8 2007 4:00PM
Compelled by growing posts filled with allegedly inaccurate information on industry message boards, GAI vice president of business development Steve Sipe reiterated Thursday afternoon that the California-based sports memorabilia grading and authentication company is not shutting its doors.
"The company is not going out of business," Sipe said adamantly. "Everybody's stuff is safe in a secure location. Our old landlord, we were negotiating, and the guy said 'you gotta be out,' gave us a notice and that's how it happened. It's just been a debacle."
According to Sipe, negotiations for the company's new lease lasted longer than anticipated, causing a delay in GAI's ability to reestablish phone and internet connections.
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
Collectors seeking information from GAI about their orders have for the past few days been unable to contact the company either by phone (disconnected) or via its Website, which was inoperable as of Thursday afternoon. Emails to the company went unanswered.
Sipe said he felt it necessary to reemphasize the company's stance today in an effort to put GAI's many customers at ease, all of whom have entrusted the company with varying parts of their collections.
"I'm just trying to help people understand that [GAI] is not going anywhere and that they're stuff is fine," he said. "The company's still there, it just had to move. Otherwise, I would let you know. Hopefully, by tomorrow, this will all be a passing moment.
"We'll get through it. I'm sure there are some upset people. I personally just wanted to take this upon myself because there's nothing worse than no information."
Stay tuned to Beckett.com for updates to this story.
Source BGS >>
Incompetence beyond belief.
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SCD's website was where the story was posted Wednesday night that made references to the eviction notices having been posted, which made Sipe's quotes from Beckett's first story ("we moved six doors down") look somewhat less credible.
Tuff Stuff's site is also tracking the story. Here's a post from its editor.
From Tuff Stuff
Collect Auctions
When GAI was relatively strong, this might have happened because of the few good graders and pack-slabbing patent, but after this nonsense, it's obvious GAI is done, unless they get a big loan from somewhere. Striving businesses don't get evicted.
<< <i>Sipe: "The company's still there, it just had to move.
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?" >>
Just had to move? Who the hell are these people?
The Beverly Hillbillies? And who's the IT guy? Jethro?
I can't believe they couldn't rent a temporary suite - just to put up a few tele-lines, a couple of computers and a few people to answer the phone.
I think Granny would make a great person to spearhead their "Spin" campaign!
I wish people wouldn't pull my leg that hard - I'm an old man and liable to get a disfiguring limp!
mike
I have leased buildings myself and negotiated deals as well. GAI's story doesn't hold. Either you pay the amount or you move your crap out. But to hava a Marshall serve notice on a company door is more than just a negotiation that didn't go well.
You can check the forms out at Orange County Court Records website. Interesting that the all papers in regards to PSA vs. GAI were destroyed last month via the court as well. I took a look through the BK records and don't see GAI filed as of today. So that part for now is misinformation.
If I were Mr. Sipe, why not throw a post here and a contact number. He didn't even bother to give this information out. Is "Cards are in a safe place"--the back of his trunk to his car?? I see alot of future problems with this. In my book this is simply bad business and a breach of trust with their customers.
Pathetic.
GAI
Interesting post in that thread.
"I called Mike Baker this afternoon and left a detailed message regarding my cards and he returned my call within 45 minutes. He said he had talked to Darren and that a check would be issued Monday for the agreed price for the card (I know, "the checks in the mail"). He said he would personally call me Monday when it was sent overnite mail. I asked him if GAI would survive and he said that as an "employee" he surely wanted it to but it was in the hands of GAI's board of directors who were trying to make things work. He said that he was returning all calls made to him and that all cards in their possession were secure and all customers will be made whole for their submissions. He seemed honestly upset about the situation and how things had progressed, but it appears some of it is out of his hands. I'll let you know if the check is actually in the mail Monday. Thanks for all your advice.
<< <i>You guys do realize that the professionals at Net54 has a lot of new information?
GAI >>
This guy owns the Net54 board:
a little more info November 8 2007, 2:33 PM
"I spoke with someone today who spoke with Mike Baker yesterday. GAI, I am told, is done...cooked. There is no other office and no move. I am told no one is answering their phones or cell phones. I have left 2 v-mails for Mike on his cell but don't expect a call back. I am no lawyer but I would guess that in the long run it will be decided what was owned by Global and what wasn't. I don't think creditors would be entitled to stuff GAI didn't own...again, I am no lawyer. This is truly sad.....I hope the good folks that were/are employed by GAI will do the right thing and come out with a personal statement and save some face and integrity over this whole matter....best regards"
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<< <i>seems like a perfect time for PSA to pounce and hire some experienced graders they have been looking for.... >>
of all the idiotic and useless posts about this topic, this is the first one worth reading!!
Didn't they use to work for PSA in the first place?
<< <i>seems like a perfect time for PSA to pounce and hire some experienced graders they have been looking for.... >>
Are these not the same graders that sent GAI into the toilet and graded all the trimmed stuff???