PSA Turn Around Times ~ Pathetic !!

ODoyles · February 15, 2012 9:26AM

Hi all,

I see from looking around to other posts that others are having a problem with turn around times. For the past 5-6 months PSA has consistently been late with grades. 10 day orders come in around 15 days, 45 day orders are 50-55. I dont know about you all, but this is unacceptable. They claim this is approximate, but it doesn't matter. I emailed Mr. Orlando directly and he said he would look into it and get back to me. I never heard from him. That was last month with another order. Now I sit at 49 days on another 45 day order. So what can we do ??

I would like to ask others in this boat to email PSA and complain. Even email Mr. Orlando himself, JOrlando@collectors.com . I think the only way for this to change is for the masses to express our concerns.

Hope to hear from everyone out there.

Thanks, Matt

tsalems1 · February 15, 2012 9:29AM

In

alifaxwa2 · February 15, 2012 9:34AM

Gotta ask since you don't say, you are aware its business days?

tyweb1 · February 15, 2012 9:38AM

My 45 day order popped on business day 45. My 10 day order will be on business day 12 tomorrow. They are swamped right now from DEC-JAN specials.

jimrad · February 15, 2012 9:42AM

I can't join in as all of my submissions have come back in a timely manner

mariotown · February 15, 2012 10:00AM

I also think major shows impact the schedule as well. Also have to throw in holidays. Have you called to make sure it isn't on the "problem shelf" for some reason?

psychump · February 15, 2012 10:20AM

Not me. I love PSA turnaround times!!
Date Arrived Date Shipped
2/7/2012 N/A OK 50 Monthly Special 5 PSA
1/10/2012 1/18/2012 Shipped 57 Monthly Special 5 PSA
11/7/2011 11/17/2011 Shipped 50 Monthly Special 5 PSA
10/5/2011 10/31/2011 Shipped 1 Standard PSA/DNA
9/16/2011 9/30/2011 Shipped 1 CC Free PSA
9/16/2011 9/23/2011 Shipped 51 Monthly Special 5 PSA
5/26/2011 6/2/2011 Shipped 20 Monthly Special 2 PSA
5/26/2011 6/14/2011 Shipped 6

jeffcbay · February 15, 2012 10:25AM

My card subs always pop super-fast. Packs are a different story, but that's understandable.

miconelegacy · February 15, 2012 10:26AM

I just sent of submission Monday. USPS 2 day. It was logged today, I wrote 10 day on the outside of box. We'll see how it goes. Have some beauties in there worth the 10 day turnaround.

grote15 · February 15, 2012 10:28AM

Pack submissions will take longer due to logistics, but I have found that the vast majority of singled card subs have been graded well before the stated time frame, in my experience at least.

ODoyles · February 15, 2012 10:38AM

Yes, its on 49 business days. I spoke with them again yesterday and get the same old same old "we are very busy, sorry" and then "ill email operations". This is what I have been getting for months. I send in usually around 2-3 orders per month. It feels like im talking to the wall when I call.

Matt

Ironmanfan · February 15, 2012 10:43AM

<< Yes, its on 49 business days. I spoke with them again yesterday and get the same old same old "we are very busy, sorry" and then "ill email operations". This is what I have been getting for months. I send in usually around 2-3 orders per month. It feels like im talking to the wall when I call.

Matt >>

Have some patience; I don't think it's worth anywhere near the aggrevation you seem to putting yourself through.

IMF

itzagoner · February 15, 2012 11:04AM

i do the hokey pokey.

that's what it's all about.

EchoCanyon · February 15, 2012 11:33AM

Buy 1 single stock and then go to a stock holders meeting and say what's on your mind.

(Because this post will go bye-bye soon)

JustinsShoebox · February 15, 2012 11:36AM

In...

Dpeck100 · February 15, 2012 11:46AM

The fact that it has taken so long tells you that they are grading a lot of cards.

As I said six months ago they have 85% of the newly graded card market so you can see times when it takes longer then expected.

This is exactly why PSA cards in top grade sell for what they do. People want the card in a PSA holder.

cardbender · February 15, 2012 12:56PM

In 15+ years of submitting cards to PSA, I've never had one order that exceeded the
approximate grading times listed. In fact usually I get my stuff back in less than
half the time stated. I've even had 500 card bulk subs pop in five days.

Maybe I'm just lucky, or my card orders are not that complicated with
odd ball or obscure issues that need research before being graded.

Sorry it's taking so long with your order.

You can always grade your cards with GAI.

tigerdean · February 15, 2012 1:53PM

It just isn't right. One sub of the same amount and same mixed bag of cards will pop 10 to 20 days after it is logged and some just sit there for weeks longer. People have a right to be pissed!

fiveniner · February 15, 2012 8:26PM

They are inconsistent.Too much product to grade and not enough graders. Sometimes they are right on the button or early however many times late.

swartz1 · February 15, 2012 8:43PM

I blame it on grader 106...

nightcrawler · February 15, 2012 8:51PM

<< My card subs always pop super-fast. Packs are a different story, but that's understandable. >>

PSA.. "why are these packs so sticky???"

cpettimd · February 15, 2012 9:58PM

I am over 10 days on each of three separate 10 day service level submissions. It is a motley group of oddball items , so I would expect it to take more work / longer than standard issues. I clearly labelled every thing in detail on the CS also to make it easier to catalogue.

leathtech · February 16, 2012 2:58AM

5 days over is not that bad... getting above 10 would start to bother me.

EagleEyeKid · February 16, 2012 3:57AM

I wonder why it's so hard for psa to incorporate a first come first served for said tier?
I don't think they've ever addressed this and would just like a simple logical explanation.

CardboardKeeper · February 16, 2012 4:05AM

do you label the outside of your shipping box with the highest service level you are requesting?

Treetop · February 16, 2012 4:20AM

<< I wonder why it's so hard for psa to incorporate a first come first served for said tier?
I don't think they've ever addressed this and would just like a simple logical explanation. >>

This completely puzzels me. personally I have a 45 day monthly special in since january 4th. I've submitted two more 45 day monthly specials since then that have been graded and returned. Just don't understand why the 1st in 1st out can't be followed...

epatmythes · February 16, 2012 4:23AM

<< I wonder why it's so hard for psa to incorporate a first come first served for said tier?
I don't think they've ever addressed this and would just like a simple logical explanation. >>

In frustration with my last submission taking so long... I posed that question to PSA and this was the response I received...

"Once the orders are entered, they are not handled first-in-first-out so it is not uncommon for one order to take 40 days and the next 50. This inconsistency can be due to several factors in the process, including (but not limited to) the research portion, where we identify the varieties and determine what the label will say, or grading, where some cards receive grades faster than other cards. When it comes to bulk orders and monthly specials I recommend expecting the more than maximum time, and then be pleasantly surprised if we are able to complete it faster."

stangrider · February 16, 2012 5:00AM

My 2 pack sub popped today on day 51. Thankful it was not too far past 45 days.

swartz1 · February 16, 2012 5:49AM

Seems like good paying customers are owed at least an explanation as to what is going on...

A little honesty always goes a long way in my book...

How about it?

CollectorAtWork · February 16, 2012 6:22AM

I think Eric's reply from PSA makes sense, and it's what I have heard also. Frankly, I also think it may be a business decision. If you want your cards back faster than the 45 day option, you need to choose a faster service. I mean unless the declare card value demands it, who would ever use the 10 day service level if the 45 day service completed in around the same time?

RipublicaninMass · February 17, 2012 1:27AM

<< I think Eric's reply from PSA makes sense, and it's what I have heard also. Frankly, I also think it may be a business decision. If you want your cards back faster than the 45 day option, you need to choose a faster service. I mean unless the declare card value demands it, who would ever use the 10 day service level if the 45 day service completed in around the same time? >>

Super express works well for turn around times, but not well on the wallet! IMO it is give and take

Mefer · February 17, 2012 2:15AM

<< I wonder why it's so hard for psa to incorporate a first come first served for said tier?
I don't think they've ever addressed this and would just like a simple logical explanation. >>

This has always been my thoughts on the issue. PSA has never stated exactly how "submission A" is chosen over "submission B" for grading. I get the impression that all cards ready for grading are placed on a table/shelf and the graders have some discretion to pick which submission they work on. Assuming that is the case, I can see a grader leaning towards finishing up a submission with all the same issue compared to your "hodge podge" submission. I can also envision time of day, and mood of the grader, playing a role as to when and what is graded. From there, I am not even sure any more if grades are based on the opinions of a single grader or an initial grader plus someone in "quality control."

To be clear, I am not stating any facts. Just my impressions. In the end, I agree it would be nice for PSA to address these issues on the process. It would probably be interesting as well.

ODoyles · February 17, 2012 2:48AM

Eric,

Thanks for posting that response from PSA. To me, that response makes absolutely no sense. Why wouldn't they complete the orders as they come in within the same level of service. My 45 day service order was entered into the system on 5 Dec 2011. As Treetop said. He has a 45 day order in since 4 Jan 2012 but has received 45 day orders from after that back already. What the heck is up with that. Makes no sense and is frustrating as hell !!

By no means do I expect to get orders earlier than stated. You get what you pay for. But I do expect orders to come in "generaly on time". My 10 day orders come in at 15 days, thats an extra week. That translates into customers waiting a extra week and unhappy. I lose out on inventory for a extra week and so on.

Bottom line, I hope someone at PSA is listening !!

123Slider · February 17, 2012 2:52AM

<< Eric,

Thanks for posting that response from PSA. To me, that response makes absolutely no sense. Why wouldn't they complete the orders as they come in within the same level of service. My 45 day service order was entered into the system on 5 Dec 2011. As Treetop said. He has a 45 day order in since 4 Jan 2012 but has received 45 day orders from after that back already. What the heck is up with that. Makes no sense and is frustrating as hell !!

By no means do I expect to get orders earlier than stated. You get what you pay for. But I do expect orders to come in "generaly on time". My 10 day orders come in at 15 days, thats an extra week. That translates into customers waiting a extra week and unhappy. I lose out on inventory for a extra week and so on.

Bottom line, I hope someone at PSA is listening !! >>

What is the makeup of this sub? Oddball items or a wide range of years/sports/types always seem to take longer. 150 1973 topps will pop sooner, due to the ease of grading.

scotgreb · February 17, 2012 3:19AM

I'm not sure what's going on but I'm sure it's 4SC's fault!

ODoyles · February 22, 2012 10:26PM

Hello all,

So today is the 55 business day and no grades. Yesterday I emailed Mr. Orlando and received a call back within 30 mins. A very nice lady gave me the following reasons for the late issues. She said PSA has been running late since November when they did a show in Chicago and received a ton of orders. Followed by a run of heavy issues from there out till now, this pushed them to their limits and have been running behind since. She said they have just about caught up.
But obviously this doesnt help me.

The Best I can say is WE WILL SEE !!

Matt

gemint · February 22, 2012 10:48PM

<< 

<< I wonder why it's so hard for psa to incorporate a first come first served for said tier?
I don't think they've ever addressed this and would just like a simple logical explanation. >>

In frustration with my last submission taking so long... I posed that question to PSA and this was the response I received...

"Once the orders are entered, they are not handled first-in-first-out so it is not uncommon for one order to take 40 days and the next 50. This inconsistency can be due to several factors in the process, including (but not limited to) the research portion, where we identify the varieties and determine what the label will say, or grading, where some cards receive grades faster than other cards. When it comes to bulk orders and monthly specials I recommend expecting the more than maximum time, and then be pleasantly surprised if we are able to complete it faster." >>

I guess my early January sub is taking longer because they are had at work researching the origins of the 1973 commons I submitted.

gemint · February 22, 2012 10:51PM

<< 

What is the makeup of this sub? Oddball items or a wide range of years/sports/types always seem to take longer. 150 1973 topps will pop sooner, due to the ease of grading. >>

Wrong! My sub that logged on 1/10 was mostly 1973 commons with a few other commons from the 60s and 70s thrown in. Nothing oddball at all in my sub.

Nikklos · February 22, 2012 10:51PM

I am on the 14th business day of a 10-day regular sub. I am hoping it pops today! I need something to occupy myself with before the Heat-Knicks game.

ODoyles · February 23, 2012 1:23AM

Well Well !! Guess I just need to vent again today.

FINALLY they popped. Only 2 weeks late.

Thanks PSA !!!!!!

CollectorAtWork · February 23, 2012 2:02AM

<< Thanks for posting that response from PSA. To me, that response makes absolutely no sense. Why wouldn't they complete the orders as they come in within the same level of service. My 45 day service order was entered into the system on 5 Dec 2011. As Treetop said. He has a 45 day order in since 4 Jan 2012 but has received 45 day orders from after that back already. What the heck is up with that. Makes no sense and is frustrating as hell !!
..
>>

I think it makes sense from a resourcing standpoint. Again, I am just guessing here, and have no idea what is really going on. However, my guess of the process is like this. PSA may have say 6 regular graders., 2 for modern, 2 for vintage, and 2 for prewar. And then they might have 1-2 graders like Rezza who oversee everything and check on special high dollar cards, but also grade every now and then. Each type of grader only handles their era of card, so if a lot more orders come in for one era, that can be backed up. That is why submissions from one era might be slower than another. Then, if your submission has cards that are new to the pop report, e.g., that PSA has never graded before, then those submissions go into the dreaded "research" queue. So they send these cards there, and until those get back from the research department, they are on hold, and can't be looked at. Meanwhile each grader takes submissions from their era queue. Most likely, the order they take the submissions based on closest to service level. So if this is a 10 day submission, and it's already at 10 days, those are in the front of the queue. Submissions that haven't reached their estimated time are in back. If for some reason, the graders are able to go through all of their queue with submissions that are close to the estimated time, then they can take other submissions. They may have their choice at this time, but it might be something like, I have 20 minutes left in my shift, so I can probably get through a small submission of cards that are mostly all from a common Topps year or two. Again, I'm wildly guessing, but I would guess the process goes something like this, with the added complexity that submissions often need 2-3 graders to review before they finally go out.

ODoyles · May 21, 2012 11:56PM

So here we go again.

PSA received my package with 3 orders on 7 May 2012 and have not entered into the system yet !!

Service is getting worse by the month !!

mtcards · May 22, 2012 12:05AM

I used to get upset about the turnaround times, but no longer do.

I do think its ridiculous, as I own a business and when I get busy, I work a lot of overtime, as do my employees in order to get the work done. I have worked for other businesses and when we got busy there, we worked a lot of overtime to get the work out, but my guess is after an 8 hr day, PSA goes home, which is ok too.

As I said, I used to get upset, but then figured that on 99% of my cards, I'm not going to resell them in a week of getting them anyway, so when they get here they get here. That may not be the case for everyone else, but for me it is.

ClockworkAngel · May 22, 2012 12:08AM

I sent in 4 crossovers 3 weeks ago and they have yet to even be logged into my account and I live 5 minutes from them so they got it the next day. They "ALWAYS" say they're very busy and behind. That's their standard answer

On a sidenote, this Dmitri Young auction is going to generate a lot of buzz in graded cards and will only make it worse. Count on it

vladguerrero · May 22, 2012 12:15AM

In the past even if they logged late it didn't affect the turnaround time from when it was received. Last week I was told add 14 days to the estimated turnaround time because they are so busy. I have jumped on the turn around time 'complain train' ever since.

markj111 · May 22, 2012 2:33AM

They claim this is approximate, but it doesn't matter.

Why does it not matter?

CollectorAtWork · May 22, 2012 3:34AM

I think someone should ask Joe during the PSA luncheon at National, especially regarding the loggage times. Theoretically, the service level turnaound counter does not happen until after loggage, so the longer it takes for loggage, the even longer it will take for overall turnaround time. I recently had a Beckett submission for some cards that where either too fragile to be holdered by PSA or larger than the largest PSA holder (e.g., nearly 8x10). For Beckett, they start the counter when they receive the item. However, they don't log the items until just a couple days before they grade it. I know I was concerned w/ them because for a 20 business day turnaround, I wasn't even sure they got it, even though I had Sig Confirm someone signed for it. I called them and they told me not to be concerned even though nothing was in their system on the order. Anyway, in the end, they still graded and turned around the order at just about the exact 20 business day timeframe even though I was checking every day for loggage.

PSA Turn Around Times ~ Pathetic !!

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