"It's almost always a problem with the surface"

ClockworkAngel

That's what was told to me by someone at PSA when I asked about the grading. That the person submitting doesn't look at the surface close enough and it's the hardest to find the flaw as you need the right light.

Makes sense, right? Centering is easy, corners are almost as easy, borders are a little harder....but I guess when people complain about a grade it's almost always because they didn't see a mark or a dent in the surface?

Anyone else have any thoughts?

epatmythes

That sounds about right to me.

I know when I check my cards for grading, this is my process...

1) Check size (nothing is more annoying than getting that MIN SIZ REQ, or worse... the dreaded EVIDENCE OF TRIMMING)
2) Visually inspect the edges for any clearly noticable dents or dings
3) Eyeball the centering, measure if necessary
4) Inspect the corners under my 12x Loupe

Unless it's blatantly obvious, I rarely give surface more than a passing glance... I know it's definitely cost me on some grades. I tend to pay a little more attention to surface on vintage cards, but then it's mostly just checking for any wrinkles/creases... not the small stuff than I guess could cost the card a grade or two.

grote15

I agree completely. People most often overlook color, gloss and registration at the expense of centering and corner wear, especially when dealing with pack fresh or higher grade cards. A noticeable amount of snow will downgrade a card from a 9 to a 7 or a 9PD, too. Of course, there's always the dreaded surface wrinkle or bubble on the card, though the bubble doesn't seem to be as detracting as the wrinkle when it comes to the assigned grade.