Home Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum

Need advice on a recent purchase *Updated*

Last week I picked up a PSA graded wax pack on Ebay and it arrived today. Normally, I would be happy, take a pic and post it to share with all of you. But when I got the pack, it has a 1/4" to 1/2" tear on the top.

Now I know the gum shifts and this is one of the hazards of buying graded wax packs. The pictures the seller posted did not show the rip. One pic was taken at a short distance, but at an angle so you can't see the top of the pack. One other was up close, but so fuzzy you couldn't even read the numbers of the flip. You can see some white fuzzy on top of the pack, but you can't tell if it's from the pack or maybe some fuzzy from the couch (or what ever it is) behind it. But looking at the pics you can tell the rip was there before he sold it, but the pics didn't really show it.

No where in the description does it mention the tear, only that it's a PSA 7 and in his item specifics it says: Like New: An item that looks as if it was just taken out of shrink wrap. No visible wear, and all facets of the item are flawless and intact.

I understand that a PSA 7 may have a small tear, but I also feel that either the tear should be shown clearly or at least mentioned in the description. And I don't feel a tear that size is minor, that's a pretty big gash.

So I guess what I am asking is am I off base here? Should I accept a pack with a tear that size and be happy with it? Would a pack with a tear that big grade a PSA 7 or would it severely downgrade it? I laid out a decent chunk of change for it ($400 or so) and he does not take returns. I'm not sure if I should just keep the pack or file a Paypal claim as SNAD.

Any feedback is appreciated.
Looking for Carl Willey items.

Comments

  • swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,913 ✭✭✭
    Tough call on this one...

    Seller will probably claim it happened in transit, even if it was like that when he mailed it...

    If you are not happy with it, I would file the claim...

    end of story...


    Looking for 1970 MLB Photostamps
    - uncut


    Positive Transactions - tennesseebanker, Ahmanfan, Donruss, Colebear, CDsNuts, rbdjr1, Downtown1974, yankeeno7, drewsef, mnolan, mrbud60, msassin, RipublicaninMass, AkbarClone, rustywilly, lsutigers1973, julen23 and nam812, plus many others...
  • zep33zep33 Posts: 6,897 ✭✭✭
    crack it, rip it and post the scans here image


  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭


    NM 7: Near Mint

    A PSA NM 7 pack is a pack that exhibits similar attributes to a PSA NM-MT 8 but it may possess one or more of the following flaws: there may be slight wear on all four corners, a few pin-hole sized tears on the corners or edges, a very minor tear in the wrapper itself, light toning or soiling on the seal, and/or a small stain, possibly due to water or mildew damage. A small allowance may be made for very light gum bleeding or soiling through the wrapper, not to reach the size of the gum contained within.

    Note: This is also the highest grade a cello pack can receive if the top card is 100/0(miscut).

    Note: This is the highest grade a pack can receive if the wax wrapper is a complete manufacturer miswrap, where there is a severe centering imperfection to the wrap.

    ///////////


    Trying to resell a torn pack will be a challenge.

    I'd file a SNAD claim, if the seller won't take the
    item back.

    The seller may claim the item was damaged in
    transit, but that strengthens your SNAD claim.
    (Sellers are responsible for delivering the item
    in the condition advertised.)

    His "item specifics" also crush his defense.


    ///////////////////////////////////

    NOTE TO SELF:

    Never buy a PSA 7 pack, sight unseen.






    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭
    So I contacted the seller and he offered me either a $50 refund or to take the pack back with a full refund. I think I'm going to take the full refund. My question now is do I still have to file a Paypal or Ebay claim to get my money back? I don't want to just send it back with signature confirmation and have him tell me tough noogies. The seller is a good seller with a lot of feedback and it's 100%. I don't think I've ever had to return an item this valuable before, so I want to make sure to do it right.

    I was tempted to take the $50 and call it good, but my wife and Storm said the same thing, when the time comes, it will be tough to sell a pack with a tear in it. Thank you all for the advice and feedback so far.

    And sorry to let you down Zep, but it ain't gonna happen! image
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • I'd think the wrapper is the presentation on sealed graded packs. ??
    "a very minor tear in the wrapper itself" is something I think should not be allowable for a PSA 7. Cards with 'minor edge chipping' are a PSA 5. I don't think you have a complaint with the seller or item, but do think a tear, any tear, on a sealed pack should not be a 7.
  • Do not file a claim if the seller is willing to issue a full refund. Send it back with a tracking number and signature required. If you should later have to file a claim, you'll have proof that it was sent back previously, when the seller was still responsive to your communication (now).
  • handymanhandyman Posts: 5,394 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Same thing happend to me this month. Havent bought a PSA wax in a while but mine was graded an 8 and it got 2 1 inch tears on both sides. So I just busted it. mine was a 1973 High series wax.
    Oh well. I think they should put them in a plastic sleave and then put them in the case. But then you cant see it as well I guess
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭
    I just wanted to show what I am talking about, here is a pic of the tear. I just measured it, it's 1/2".

    image


    And Goosh, I agree with you....somewhat. I think I do have a complaint with the seller. The pack may have not had the tear when graded, the gum could have moved since then. But I think the seller had a responsibility of either showing the tear up close or at least saying something about it in his description. I would be happy with a pin hole, maybe even something a bit bigger, but 1/2" is a bit much.
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • zep33zep33 Posts: 6,897 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Do not file a claim if the seller is willing to issue a full refund. Send it back with a tracking number and signature required. If you should later have to file a claim, you'll have proof that it was sent back previously, when the seller was still responsive to your communication (now). >>



    yeah, any claim whatsoever hurts sellers now. Even if it's promptly taken care of.

    Give him the chance to make it right before claiming.

    Either that or just crack it, rip it and post the scans here image
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭

    No need to file a PP claim, at this point.

    Just send it back, insured, with Signature Confirmation.

    If the guy makes a prompt refund, positive FB is prolly
    in order. It will encourage him to try to satisfy reasonable
    buyers.

    If you don't get a prompt refund, file the SNAD claim. Your
    SigCon return will be your online proof to PP.




    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭
    Well that's easy enough. I wasn't sure if I had to make any sort of "official" report to make sure I got my money back. So I will do as you guys have said and just return it with proof. And of course, if he promptly refunds my money, I will be more than happy to leave positive feedback.

    Thank you all for the feedback and advice, it was very appreciated.
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • I agree on the rip. A pack in such vulgar condition should be ripped immediately without thought on how the cost of the pack could pay some bills. It's the principal now after all this thought has been put in to it.
    (or do the smart thing as mentioned above and pursue the refund. But that would not be the sensible thing , rip central and display to all) image
  • The gum would need to be moving about 70 mph to cause a tear like that inside a pack. I don't think those postal trucks could go that fast down hill with a full load.
    Working my way to #1 1979 Topps Hockey
    I know it's going to be tough!
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭
    Just a quick follow up....


    The seller contacted me again (without me replying to the $50 offer) and made a MUCH stronger partial refund offer. It was a strong enough offer so I decided to keep it.

    Yes, it has a tear in the top, but for what I paid, I can live with it. I'll shoot over to Muggyman's pack thread and post a pic.
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,757 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Unfortunately, this problem is all too common with PSA graded wax packs due to the design of the holder. Contrary to an earlier post, unless you package these packs like Fort Knox, if the gum is loose, you WILL have significant tearing upon receipt of the pack. Was your pack shipped in a box? The only way to try and prevent damage during transit is to package PSA graded wax packs in a box and to make sure the pack is totally immobile during transit. Even then it's not guaranteed.

    Edit to add: I checked the auction for this pack and the tear was already there in this case. That's probably why the seller upped his original offer of a partial refund.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭
    Yeah, it was shipped in a flat rate Priority Mail box. I can't complain about the packaging, he did a good job.

    After going back and looking at the fuzzy up close pic I discovered it was already torn. He claimed he didn't see the tear, but I don't know how you miss one that size.

    Either way, he did good by me and I left him positive feedback.




    I think I am going to stick with cellos or maybe racks from now on. Like you said, with the way the holder is designed, there is no way to avoid the gum from moving and tearing the wax. That's too bad, because I would love to purchase wax too, but I'm not willing to take the chance. This is why I think PSA should only authenticate packs, not grade them. It would make the process faster and because the grade of the pack can change once it's in the holder from gum moving, an authentic pack is an authentic pack.
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,757 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think I am going to stick with cellos or maybe racks from now on. Like you said, with the way the holder is designed, there is no way to avoid the gum from moving and tearing the wax. That's too bad, because I would love to purchase wax too, but I'm not willing to take the chance. This is why I think PSA should only authenticate packs, not grade them. It would make the process faster and because the grade of the pack can change once it's in the holder from gum moving, an authentic pack is an authentic pack.

    I agree with you, though there will still be problems if an "authentic" pack without tears suffers gum tears during transit to the buyer.

    Actually, I do have a few PSA graded packs that are simply graded "Authentic," so it's something they have done in the past.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭


    << <i>I agree with you, though there will still be problems if an "authentic" pack without tears suffers gum tears during transit to the buyer.

    Actually, I do have a few PSA graded packs that are simply graded "Authentic," so it's something they have done in the past. >>




    That's true, there would still be issues with tearing. It's too bad someone can't come up with a foolproof way to protect the pack and keep the gum from moving. And even if someone did, would PSA be willing to invest in a new die for making them?
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
  • The only fool proof way is for PSA to change their slab where that gum just doesn't move.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Glad that worked out Steve.

    For the right price - the slight tear doesn't bother me.
    Mike
Sign In or Register to comment.