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Paying a premium on raw cards

rcmb3220rcmb3220 Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I just got done following another auction of an 84 fleer update Puckett. Typical centering and looks like a classic psa 8 at best. I've seen a number of these on this card and others and it always seems like the raw cards go for as much or more than the graded ones in similar condition. I wonder why people do this. To me it seems like you would discount the cost of grading plus a little more because you don't know what the grade would be.

I've also gotten some psa 4-5 70s rookies to crack out and fill sets because they are cheaper than raw cards in similar condition. My discounting criteria doesn't apply because of the low cost of the card but the point remains.

Comments

  • charrigancharrigan Posts: 2,293
    The premium you're seeing is ... Hope.

    It *could* grade higher. You're saying there's a chance?
  • rcmb3220rcmb3220 Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The premium you're seeing is ... Hope.

    It *could* grade higher. You're saying there's a chance? >>



    Like a one in million chance these haven't already been graded and cracked out?
  • cardbendercardbender Posts: 1,831 ✭✭
    There's many, many collectors out there that don't collect/buy any graded cards.
    So that could account for some premiums paid for 'raw cards'.

    My estimate would be that 90% of card collectors don't buy graded cards at all.
  • jay0791jay0791 Posts: 3,547 ✭✭✭✭
    There are a few board members here who have great eyes and can pick out high graded cards
    and make a raw card investment really pay off. Turn a $10 card into a $100 card.

    Probably not that many actually can. I have been burned more than once by an over-hyped card where the scan isn't good enough to
    determine how nice it is. Now to play it safe ......I never buy raw with the intent to grade.

    If you only buy raw and don't grade or deal in graded cards then you have only one cost perspective.

    If that is the case then if what you buy makes you happy then all is great.

    Collecting PSA... FB,BK,HK,and BB HOF RC sets
    1948-76 Topps FB Sets
    FB & BB HOF Player sets
    1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
  • dennis07dennis07 Posts: 1,842 ✭✭✭
    "The premium you're seeing is ... Hope."

    +1

    Collecting 1970 Topps baseball
  • DodgerfanjohnDodgerfanjohn Posts: 491 ✭✭✭
    To some extent I suspect shilling. I've been following another raw modern card..1982 Ripken traded. A PSA 8 can run as low as into the $50-60 range, 7's generally go at under $55. The raw cards often overshoot the $50 mark, including one recently that was titled as EXMT, clearly had corner issues, yet still finished over $50. And another with miserable centering(like 85/15 LR) going for high forty's which makes no sense at all.

    It's possible there's really clueless modern collectors out there, but shilling makes more sense I think.
  • itzagoneritzagoner Posts: 8,753 ✭✭
    lotta new money in the market these days. some of it spent rather irrationally and exuberantly.

    each opinion posted here applies.

    there was a period when seeking raw material was easier and full of high expectations, but those times have changed. much more caution is required now, at least with scouring eBay for treasures. this would count mostly toward older, vintage material where i'm concerned, but some stuff has reached the 1980s and beyond. levels set for comfort of spending get breached sooner during a one week auction.

    to own a nice raw card is a pleasure which doesn't beg an afterthought if you are happy with the acquisition. the value is what you see. if a 3rd party grader never touches it, their opinion means nothing.
  • rhilbelirhilbeli Posts: 133 ✭✭✭
    When it comes to vintage, usually it's not even hope, it's people who prefer nicely presented raw cards.

    Here is one of my recent auctions - certainly wouldn't have sold better as a PSA 4/5.

    1962 Post Football Bob Lilly Raw

    Compare that to a recent PWCC auction

    1962 Post Bob Lilly PSA 9 PWCC

    My Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Registry Set

    "The Packers are kinda like your kids. You dont love them because they are good, you love them because they are yours"
  • PaulMaulPaulMaul Posts: 4,891 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think part of the "HOPE" is self-delusion. When you see a raw card, you can convince yourself it's NM. When you see the same card PSA graded a 5, your self-delusion is shattered.
    My 1972 Baseball and Wacky Pack Registry Sets
  • itzagoneritzagoner Posts: 8,753 ✭✭


    << <i>I think part of the "HOPE" is self-delusion. When you see a raw card, you can convince yourself it's NM. When you see the same card PSA graded a 5, your self-delusion is shattered. >>



    aw now wait a sec. first you need to complain to the forum about PSA's crummy grading practices. then, you're shattered.
  • lightningboylightningboy Posts: 1,483 ✭✭✭
    My estimate would be that 90% of card collectors don't buy graded cards at all.

    Really? I would find that shocking with all the news of counterfeits, realized sales of graded cards etc. But then again, that news could simply be swirling around us since we are already immersed in the graded card market.
  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>My estimate would be that 90% of card collectors don't buy graded cards at all.

    Really? I would find that shocking with all the news of counterfeits, realized sales of graded cards etc. But then again, that news could simply be swirling around us since we are already immersed in the graded card market. >>


    I would say greater than 90% of my card purchases are raw and most stay that way. If you know what to look for there's still some great deals to be found. I don't know why anyone would pay more for raw than graded in equivalent conditions.
    Who is the Golf Card Guy?
  • MeferMefer Posts: 1,162 ✭✭✭
    I enjoy purchasing select raw cards on eBay with the intent of having them graded and, hopefully, making a little profit. I don't kill it and it will never amount to a full time self sustaining job. It is, however, fun for me and I enjoy the challenge of submitting a nice batch of raw cards for grading once in a blue moon.

    In my particular case, I am selective with sellers I buy from and in most cases never pay more than what the card would go for graded. However, and referring to the "hope" factor noted above, there is the occasional card that may be a low pop, etc., that I may pay a slight premium for. Even then, such is relative and dependent upon a number of factors (for example, I may take a shot paying $10.00 for a low pop common raw that "should" only sell raw for $3.00 but would not pay $500.00 for a raw star card that should sell $100.00 raw).

    In the end, I treat it as a relaxing and challenging hobby. Your mileage can and will vary.
  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭
    I was reminded this thread when I noticed the bidding on this card: LINK. Currently at $47.

    I think it's most likely a PSA 7 based on centering with a shot at an 8 on a really good day. The 7 would sell from $25 to $35 most likely. An 8 would sell around $60 but can be picked up in the $50-55 range. Given that card is already bid up to $47, with grading fees and shipping they are at a loss already.
  • charrigancharrigan Posts: 2,293


    << <i>I was reminded this thread when I noticed the bidding on this card: LINK. Currently at $47.

    I think it's most likely a PSA 7 based on centering with a shot at an 8 on a really good day. The 7 would sell from $25 to $35 most likely. An 8 would sell around $60 but can be picked up in the $50-55 range. Given that card is already bid up to $47, with grading fees and shipping they are at a loss already. >>



    I was watching the same card and removed it from my list when it crossed $20!
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