PSA turnaround times getting ridiculou

angelenocarddude · February 7, 2014 12:10PM

Seeing if this is same experience others are having. Sent in a few cards for December special. I live in L.A., so they arrived Dec 31st. Didn't get logged until Jan 9th. 20 day turnaround on special. Today is 21st business day, but still nothing. Calendar time starts end of December and we're into February. Does this seem like reasonable customer service to anyone?

sportscardstop · February 7, 2014 12:26PM

I just sent in a 20 day sub at the end of January and a 50 day sub a few days ago.

The 20 day arrived on Feb 4, logged on the 6th. The 50 day arrived yesterday, logged today. I put service levels on all boxes. As far as turnaround times, we will see. I've seen some people have their subs pop in a week, and some go 5-15 days past the estimated time.

I've always wondered how a sub received 3 days ago gets ahead of one that has been there for 30 days. But I have been on both ends of the spectrum. Had a sub pop in 3 days, and had to wait an extra week on another.

angelenocarddude · February 7, 2014 12:28PM

the 9 day wait before logging is the #1 irritation. just feels like a cheap way to not come through on promise of turnaround time. usps tracking shows arrived 31st and "logs" the 9th? Sheesh.

bigdogparty · February 7, 2014 12:59PM

It seems to be all over the board. Just sent in two small 20 day subs at the end of Jan and they were logged 2 days after delivery (4 days after I sent them) but that is better than most recent subs

hyperchipper09 · February 7, 2014 2:07PM

If PSA doesn't live up to their guaranteed times, shouldn't a partial refund or vouchers be in order? Or at the very least change their turn around times to more accurately reflect what they are currently capable of producing ?

Meatloaf · February 7, 2014 2:24PM

<< If PSA doesn't live up to their guaranteed times, shouldn't a partial refund or vouchers be in order? Or at the very least change their turn around times to more accurately reflect what they are currently capable of producing ? >>

They don't guarantee turnaround times in most cases....read the fine print...estimated.

PMKAY · February 7, 2014 2:58PM

<< If PSA doesn't live up to their guaranteed times, shouldn't a partial refund or vouchers be in order? Or at the very least change their turn around times to more accurately reflect what they are currently capable of producing ? >>

They aren't obligated to do so but they've been good to me in such situations.

kwtoz · February 8, 2014 12:58AM

<< the 9 day wait before logging is the #1 irritation. just feels like a cheap way to not come through on promise of turnaround time. usps tracking shows arrived 31st and "logs" the 9th? Sheesh. >>

Your 9 day wait counts as 6 business days. Still not great.

angelenocarddude · February 8, 2014 1:01AM

in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage, but what are you going to do? i think psa knows this.

wrestlingcardking · February 8, 2014 1:10AM

I think the reason for the PSA specials now only up until 1990 is a reflection of the time it may take to research or know all the inserts found in modern. There has not been a good special for modern in a while and this may be a way for PSA to catch up a bit. It seems they are logging the orders in a timely manner now instead of the huge delays, but yes it would be great if they can get faster turnaround time for orders....... I am trying to have orders in at all times and expect to wait it all the way out, and hope to be pleasantly surprised if they get to it sooner.

soundgard · February 8, 2014 1:14AM

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage >>

They are more viable than PSA. Time to wake up.

dbcoin · February 8, 2014 1:21AM

<< 

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage >>

They are more viable than PSA. Time to wake up. >>

thanks for the laugh. Now go try and sell that Beckett stuff then come back here

Dpeck100 · February 8, 2014 1:23AM

<< 

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage >>

They are more viable than PSA. Time to wake up. >>

Was this meant as a joke?

jackstraw · February 8, 2014 1:25AM

I can't believe they don't have some sort of data base and they are not fumbling through these gigantic books looking for every card that comes in? I would do that job just because I love doing that stuff but after awhile you would think ok this is this and that is that? After all
we do write what the card is on the submission form..

Nothing against them but they don't love this stuff like we do so there is no sense of urgency ..

soundgard · February 8, 2014 2:16AM

<< 

<< 

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage >>

They are more viable than PSA. Time to wake up. >>

thanks for the laugh. Now go try and sell that Beckett stuff then come back here >>

I have. And thanks for the opinion. Enjoy your 2 month wait and cheap holder.

tkd7 · February 8, 2014 2:29AM

I don't know, sent in a couple of cards for regular service, package was logged a day after receiving and the grading was done in less than the 10 days. It was the best performance I've had in a long time.

hyperchipper09 · February 8, 2014 2:31AM

<< 

<< If PSA doesn't live up to their guaranteed times, shouldn't a partial refund or vouchers be in order? Or at the very least change their turn around times to more accurately reflect what they are currently capable of producing ? >>

They don't guarantee turnaround times in most cases....read the fine print...estimated. >>

I suppose that makes it better then. Like many of their grades, their turnaround times suffer from bad estimations also

ClockworkAngel · February 8, 2014 2:34AM

<< I don't know, sent in a couple of cards for regular service, package was logged a day after receiving and the grading was done in less than the 10 days. It was the best performance I've had in a long time. >>

I'm not surprised. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to it. I am still waiting for an order logged in December 18th. I have also had similar orders done in a week. As far as I can tell, there's no system in place....first in first out would make sense.

Yeah, Beckett is quicker. Good for the Beckett collectors. I can imagine their grading office with a bunch of graders sitting around playing angry birds and solitaire waiting for orders to trickle in

angelenocarddude · February 8, 2014 2:35AM

re: 1 day logging. that's clearly an outlier. maybe mine is too, maybe

re beckett graders waiting for orders, that's silly. that's where modern collectors prefer to send everything

grote15 · February 8, 2014 2:37AM

I'm still waiting on a November special, but just assume it'll take 4 months so no big deal.

Edit to add: My last sub was logged in the same day as receipt.

angelenocarddude · February 12, 2014 12:24AM

update: 5 days later, still no change in status. way past 20 biz days now. wrote an email to cust svc asking why this is okay or why i would want to renew my subscription if this is the level of service i can expect. no response yet.

Ilovecards · February 12, 2014 12:38AM

why not call them

MrNearMint · February 12, 2014 12:41AM

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage, but what are you going to do? i think psa knows this. >>

They are a viable option!

Dpeck100 · February 12, 2014 12:53AM

<< 

<< in general, i wish that beckett was viable option for vintage, but what are you going to do? i think psa knows this. >>

They are a viable option! >>

Why is there a price spread like this?

Namath BVG 8.5

Namath PSA 8.5 $15,000

Wayne PSA 9

Wayne BVG

Magic Bird BVG

bobbyw8469 · February 12, 2014 1:56AM

There shouldn't be....looking at the Namath though, you have an auction vs a BIN/OBO........that could explain the difference on that one. Plus the PSA brand is held in higher regard than BVG.

Dpeck100 · February 12, 2014 2:05AM

<< There shouldn't be....looking at the Namath though, you have an auction vs a BIN/OBO........that could explain the difference on that one. Plus the PSA brand is held in higher regard than BVG. >>

If BVG was a viable option the spread wouldn't exist and if there was one it would be marginal at best. I just posted those as quick examples that prove the statement made to be true that BVG is not a viable option.

The vast majority of cards get graded to try and enhance the value and when a card in a like kind grade sells for dramatically more in one brands holder it send a loud message.

dbcoin · February 12, 2014 2:19AM

PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling.

Dpeck100 · February 12, 2014 2:51AM

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

This is a stretch but your point is well taken. PSA is king. There simply is no denying it.

MrVintage · February 12, 2014 3:17AM

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

That is a very uneducated statement.

90 score traded Frank Thomas BGS 10
90 score traded Frank Thomas raw

dbcoin · February 12, 2014 3:25AM

<< 

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

That is a very uneducated statement.

90 score traded Frank Thomas BGS 10
90 score traded Frank Thomas raw >>

That was a very ignorant response. How could you compare a card that looks perfect to a tattered one?
What was the price of the same card in PSA 10?

MrVintage · February 12, 2014 3:31AM

<< 

<< 

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

That is a very uneducated statement.

90 score traded Frank Thomas BGS 10
90 score traded Frank Thomas raw >>

That was a very ignorant response. How could you compare a card that looks perfect to a tattered one?
What was the price of the same card in PSA 10? >>

Here is a PSA 10........
90 score traded Frank Thomas psa 10

grote15 · February 12, 2014 4:51AM

A BGS 10 will command a higher premium for modern issues. SGC is also more than viable a grading company for pre-war issues. DB, you appear to have very limited knowledge when it comes to graded cards, so your statement that cards graded by SGC or BGS should be considered raw is rather ridiculous if not surprising. I prefer PSA as most of my collection centers on70s Topps, but there is also no question that the registry has greatly enhanced card values from that era, as well.

Bosox1976 · February 12, 2014 5:11AM

Any chance the delays are tied to the new holders? Demand exceeding supply?

MrVintage · February 12, 2014 5:13AM

<< A BGS 10 will command a higher premium for modern issues. SGC is also more than viable a grading company for pre-war issues. DB, you appear to have very limited knowledge when it comes to graded cards, so your statement that cards graded by SGC or BGS should be considered raw is rather ridiculous if not surprising. I prefer PSA as most of my collection centers on70s Topps, but there is also no question that the registry has greatly enhanced card values from that era, as well. >>

Well said

Dpeck100 · February 12, 2014 5:19AM

<< Any chance the delays are tied to the new holders? Demand exceeding supply? >>

It is certainly possible. My last sub I got back both new and old holders. I believe the size of the cards may dictate which holder you get. The Wrestling All Stars came in the old standard holder and the rest of my cards came in the new one's. The Wrestling All Stars are oversized cards both in width and length.

Mefer · February 12, 2014 5:26AM

Personally, PSA is my grader of choice. PSA cards command a premium and all of my personal collection resides in PSA holders.

With that said, I might break my rule if I had an ultra rare high end modern card. In that case, I might use Beckett just to take advantage of strong Pristine 10 prices Beckett brings with the modern market. However, outside of a pack or two each year, I don't buy modern so my potential use of Beckett would be rather limited (I have yet to send them a card but have two I plan to send to them in the immediate future). Beckett will never get any bulk or large business from me as I don't have such a need.

I agree wait times with PSA can be, and are, frustrating. I've stopped trying to figure it out other than concluding a first in, first out policy does not exist. It really seems to be a crapshoot on times. Such has certainly impacted my submission habits as I just sent off an order and it was my first order in almost a year. Admittedly, I did not have enough cards to justify an order until just now but on the other hand, slow turn around times have slowed my raw purchases. When I submit I generally like to submit about an 80/20 blend of cards I plan to sell versus those I plan to keep. With slow turn around times, it is hard to justify having money tied up while waiting. Consequently, my now waiting "large" order was limited to 25 cards.

I would also add the starting price point for grading has also influenced my submission rate. I sense $6.00 is the new lowest available rate (excluding very large volume discounts) and candidly at that price, I am about priced out on what I will submit. Cards that I submitted in the past under $4.50 and even $5.00 pricing stay raw. Your mileage may differ.

But those things aside, I'd say my PSA experience has overall been very positive and I will continue to use their services.

Matt

Ilovecards · February 12, 2014 5:44AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

That is a very uneducated statement.

90 score traded Frank Thomas BGS 10
90 score traded Frank Thomas raw >>

That was a very ignorant response. How could you compare a card that looks perfect to a tattered one?
What was the price of the same card in PSA 10? >>

Here is a PSA 10........
90 score traded Frank Thomas psa 10 >>

lmao

LarkinCollector · February 12, 2014 6:49AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< PSA has 90%+ of the market share

The other companies are basically considered raw when selling. >>

That is a very uneducated statement.

90 score traded Frank Thomas BGS 10
90 score traded Frank Thomas raw >>

That was a very ignorant response. How could you compare a card that looks perfect to a tattered one?
What was the price of the same card in PSA 10? >>

Here is a PSA 10........
90 score traded Frank Thomas psa 10 >>

Even BGS 9.5s have been selling for more than a 4SC PSA10.

BLUEJAYWAY · February 12, 2014 3:12PM

I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me.

dbcoin · February 12, 2014 8:14PM

<< I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me. >>

If that's what you want to tell yourself, then go ahead. Eventually, every card will be sold at some point in the future. Possibly after you have passed on. Your heirs won't give two craps for any of it and will accept pennies on the dollar. PSA graded cards are more liquid and accepted in the market place and will give your heirs a better return.

MrVintage · February 13, 2014 12:47AM

<< 

<< I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me. >>

If that's what you want to tell yourself, then go ahead. Eventually, every card will be sold at some point in the future. Possibly after you have passed on. Your heirs won't give two craps for any of it and will accept pennies on the dollar. PSA graded cards are more liquid and accepted in the market place and will give your heirs a better return. >>

ti

I guess you completely ignored the Frank Thomas comparison right. I could show you many more examples like that.

dbcoin · February 13, 2014 1:12AM

<< 

<< 

<< I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me. >>

If that's what you want to tell yourself, then go ahead. Eventually, every card will be sold at some point in the future. Possibly after you have passed on. Your heirs won't give two craps for any of it and will accept pennies on the dollar. PSA graded cards are more liquid and accepted in the market place and will give your heirs a better return. >>

ti

I guess you completely ignored the Frank Thomas comparison right. I could show you many more examples like that. >>

I guess you failed learning the English word average and estimate hence the repeated ridiculousness of these pedantic "PSA is late" posts. Keep buying Beckett, your wife and kids can live in a welfare home.

Dpeck100 · February 13, 2014 1:27AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me. >>

If that's what you want to tell yourself, then go ahead. Eventually, every card will be sold at some point in the future. Possibly after you have passed on. Your heirs won't give two craps for any of it and will accept pennies on the dollar. PSA graded cards are more liquid and accepted in the market place and will give your heirs a better return. >>

ti

I guess you completely ignored the Frank Thomas comparison right. I could show you many more examples like that. >>

I guess you failed learning the English word average and estimate hence the repeated ridiculousness of these pedantic "PSA is late" posts. Keep buying Beckett, your wife and kids can live in a welfare home. >>

LOL, what a great line!

LarkinCollector · February 13, 2014 3:17AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< I have read the phrase "Buy the card/coin not the holder" many times throughout the card/coin forums. If you are not too concerned about resale value down the road and are primarily a collector, isn't this a good belief to consider? After all, all grading companies grade the cards based on their opinion. Doesn't the only opinion that really matters the most is your own in regard to eye appeal? After all you will be the one primarily looking at the card/coin for years to come. When it comes to grading my primary reason is to validate authenticity (not trimmed,legitimacy (original), and auto. verification). For me, once that aspect is complete the rest is a judgment call for the card/coin. We all see things differently at times. In reselling it seems the buyer is more comfortable with the graded card. But for general asthetics/card desirability I go with what I perceive to be appealing to my eyes regardless of the holder. Just my opinion and what works for me. >>

If that's what you want to tell yourself, then go ahead. Eventually, every card will be sold at some point in the future. Possibly after you have passed on. Your heirs won't give two craps for any of it and will accept pennies on the dollar. PSA graded cards are more liquid and accepted in the market place and will give your heirs a better return. >>

ti

I guess you completely ignored the Frank Thomas comparison right. I could show you many more examples like that. >>

I guess you failed learning the English word average and estimate hence the repeated ridiculousness of these pedantic "PSA is late" posts. Keep buying Beckett, your wife and kids can live in a welfare home. >>

As you have admitted before:
a) you don't understand the card market
b) you are a CLCT stock holder and advocate card grading price increases

Some basics of the card market:
a) A Beckett (BGS) 10 will sell for more than a PSA 10 99.999% of the time (a Beckett 9.5 is a better comparison to a PSA 10) - due to different grading standards
b) There are certain card issues that Beckett 'owns' (i.e. Star Basketball) that PSA won't even grade - that doesn't mean these cards are undesirable to collectors and don't sell for big money, only that PSA completely ignores that market for some reason
c) There are other card issues where Beckett/SGC are preferred
d) You will see widely varying prices for a card in the same PSA grade, in some cases selling for more than cards graded a half point higher - since only 1 of the 4 grading factors for cards are objective (and even this one PSA allows a 5% variance depending upon other factors) and 3 subjective, there can be a great variance depending upon which person grades the card (see all the 'Bump' threads)
e) PSA has captured 90+% of the market by creating Registry competition, in spite of the fact you have to pay an annual membership fee for the privilege of submitting at 'specials' rates - price increases would deter a good portion of this and chase submitters away and/or decline the number of cards submitted. Right now TRIAPD, but a price hike too high would send some of those to seek methadone. Declining registry competition could start a death spiral. Also some people would not renew memberships (as has been mentioned by several in threads here) if they're never going to get cheap monthly specials.
f) If running a business that relies on buying raw cards and sending them in for grading, you want more certainty than 'average' and 'estimated' when deciding how long you will have money tied up - I agree turnaround times for the monthly specials are mostly whenever PSA gets around to them (though 15+ days over 'estimate' should lead to new 'estimates'), but when paying premium rates for expedited services and the 'actual' is 4x as long as the 'estimate' for that service level (i.e. paying $35/card for 5-day turnaround and it takes over 20 days), that is ridiculous and will drive submissions to other grading companies (possible lower overall margin, but greater certainty knowing how long capital will be tied up)
g) 10-15% is not the difference between living in a welfare home or a mansion

PSA turnaround times getting ridiculou

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