Start 2023 with more PSA Gem Mint 10s!! AVOID these 4 BIG mistakes!!
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Learn from my mistakes when submitting your Sports Cards to PSA. After doing lots of research and trial and error, I've realized that most people make 4 BIG Mistakes when submitting their Sports Cards for grading. Whether it be Vintage or Modern Cards, or whether you're submitting Football, Basketball, Baseball, or Soccer, we all want to obtain the elusive Gem Mint PSA 10. While these suggestions and tips apply to SGC, BGS, and others, my focus is on my preferred grading service; PSA.
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#psa #psagrading #sportscards #sgc
PSA is inconsistent it all depends on the grader and his mood
There's definitely truth to that. But, I think doing our due diligence with what we can control can only be helpful.
This is a fantastic video! I've been looking for factory footage like this, and really surprised to finally see the cutting process (having imagined this step in my head for years). Not what I expected.
I think you might have a good point on the new card savers and having the pull tabs. It's a little thing...but there is a BIG human element involved in the process and making a good impression by having everything look good and making the card easy to handle is certainly going to make a very good first impression when someone is looking at the card.
This is hands down the best advice I have seen on grading.
That means a lot. I really appreciate the positive feedback. I’m trying to post videos that are helpful for other collectors, so when I hear that they are, it feels great. Thank you.
I operated a paper cutter for 42 years. The problem starts with the blade. The blade must be changed frequently or it will pull the stock creating off center cuts and bad edges.
Totally correct. Where the card is printed has a major effect on this too. The Chinese printers dont change their blades until its way too late. The Japanese and European printers tend to do a much better job.
@@gabriels1163 I agree. Where I worked I operated a Polar cutter (Germany) and used Japanese steel blades that got changed according to the type of paper being cut. Sometimes as frequently as 5x a week. BTW the first few cuts were absolutely beautiful. You could barely hear the stock being cut. That's where the Gem Mint or Pristine 10s are born.
Great video! An extra piece of advice that I do is nick the top edge of the penny sleeve with a small knife before putting the card in. Just a small nick - about a centimeter. This helps get the card in the sleeve without damaging the bottom edge/corner which happens sometimes trying to get the card in the sleeve to begin with!
Great tip. I’ve seen other people do that too. Catching an edge is brutal and that’s a great way to prevent it. Appreciate it!!
@@MidLifeCards nothing worse than having a mint card that you ruin while trying to protect it!
I couldn’t agree more with you. Everything you said is exactly what I do before I submit. The biggest game changer for me has to be using my 40x led loupe. It has upped my percentage of 10’s a lot! Makes me frustrated that I submitted so many cards before using one of these. I would have caught so many flaws had I used one. And saved me so much in frustration and loss of money.
Agreed!! We have to use the same equipment that graders are using if we want to get top tier grades!!
These are great tips that a lot of people don't mention or think about, thanks so much!!
Glad it was helpful!! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. :-)
These are great tips… I don’t know why anyone would submit to PSA and not do a thorough look over the cards… I have submitted cards before knowing they will likely get a nine, but I’m OK with that because it’s a special card I wanna get slapped for the PC
Totally agree. I've seen several "reveal videos" where people realized for the first time that a card had a crease. Not sure how they could submit and not know that.
That old card was like 80/20 centering on the back. A lot of the time you really don’t need a magnifying glass all you need is good lighting. Good lighting will always make everything pop more.
Very true!
The magnification is probably a bit more key on modern cards. One of the biggest issues that the cards seem to have that leads to disappointing grades are surface issues.
A couple things - 1) PSA hires college kids at low wages for short term or part time jobs. Thats how they are able to get through the huge volumes of cards they grade. Most of their graders are inexperienced and not very good, and there is almost no consistency from one to the next. I have seen 10s with 70/30 centering, and 10s with visible chipping and damage. Their grades are meaningless. 2) PSA uses population control software on popular cards. This controls the percentage of 10s given out. I wouldnt even bother with psa for a card that has been graded more than a couple hundred times. Even if its mint, and the grader says its mint, they might just bump you down to a 9 anyways.
Also, psa uses the worst quality cases, has the worst labels, is the least forthcoming about why cards get their grades, and charges the most. Dont use them, they are a bad company selling a bad product. Use sgc or bgs or one of the smaller companies like DSG or CSG
You make good points and there's definitely a lot of potential human error to the whole process, regardless of which company you prefer. But, all we can control are the variables that are directly under our control. My hope, in creating this video, is that it would help people make the best decision possible for the variables within our power to ensure the best results for our submissions. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments and agree with many of your points. Thanks!
Great take on grading submission prep, and strategic value assessment!
Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it!!
Its amazing that there are any 10's after watching that video..
I know, right?
I just watch a PSA video called "SUBMISSIONS 101: Preparing your order for shipment to PSA" on UA-cam that advises NOT to use pull tabs. They say it slows down the process.
I've heard mixed reviews on this. In the past, some were suggesting pull tabs. Now, it sounds like PSA would prefer not to have cards have them. I've heard they cut the cards out of card savers. So, who knows. It's part of why we all wish PSA had more transparency.
That was really beneficial. I haven't submitted yet but I appreciate the tips, especially the pull tab and cloth wipe.
Glad it was helpful!
If a PSA 9 is worth, say $50-$75, and a PSA 10 is worth $300-$500+, what price level should we submit at and what are you putting as a declared value in your submission?
That's a really good question, and there are a lot of variables that would affect the way I'd answer. I also believe there is no one right answer to this question, but I will take you through my thought process if I were in that situation:
In regards to "declared value", I'd list the highest value in the range of the lowest submission price. For example, if I had other cards to submit and could submit it in a bulk submission (currently $15-$18) it allows a declared value up to $199. I would list the declared value at $199. If the card gets a PSA 10 grade, they will still grade it. They will contact you and tell you that there will be an additional fee because the card doesn't qualify as a "bulk submission" because it's more than the declared value. They would then charge you the $30 cost (an additional $12-15) of a "value" submission. So, they will grade your card either way, but they will contact you and ask for more money for the submission type that the value qualifies for. So, don't let the "declared value" necessarily affect which submission level to use. Let "how long you're willing to wait for it to be graded" be the main deciding factor.
In regards to the other question... It's a tough call, but you're basically going to risk about $20, and hope it gets a PSA 10. The "added value" from the raw card (most raw cards of MODERN cards are worth about the same as a PSA 9) to being a PSA 10, brings the card from about a $60 card to a $400 card. So, You're risking about $20 with the hopes of adding $340 in value. So, here's what I do: If I think there is a 1 in 17 chance of getting a PSA 10, then I'd submit it. Because, the "added value" is 17 times the cost of the grading by PSA in this example. If you submitted 17 cards with the identical situation, and one got a PSA 10 and the others got PSA 9s, you'd break even. So for me, the "gamble" of submitting this card is basically a question of Math and Probability.
I'd be happy to clarify if any of this is hard to follow. I'm not suggesting my philosophy is the ONLY right answer, but that's the way that I make decisions on what to submit.
I posted a video earlier today about comparing PSA card values to SGC. Check it out, as I use mostly math and data in making a lot of my decisions on what to do. You may consider submitting to SGC instead of PSA after watching the video, but again, it kind of depends on the situation.
I hope this helps.
@@MidLifeCards Great response - I understand completely. I guess it still comes down to being able to assess the cards myself and do some risk/reward calculations to determine what level to submit at. An interesting card is the 1992 Topps Gold Shaquille O'Neal #362 rookie. An 8 sells for around $50, a 9 at $125 and a 10 at $1000-$1200. Even though I could submit them at bulk or value - I kinda feel like if I do that - I'd be suggestiong there's no chance its a 10 - and I'd never get that grade - then again, if I'd submit at higher level and list the value at $999 for top of economy level - and get a 9, its kind of devastating. Not too many cards with a 10x difference between a 9-10, but there are some. Thanks again!
This is good for someone who is grading for investment purposes or flipping. I grade to protect
Good point and well said.
Well done - I learned a lot.
Best video on the subject I have seen. Small wonder those grade 10 cards are tough to get.I read pulling a 10 is about .01%. Thanks for the info.
I appreciate the kind words and positive feedback.
Great video and liked the footage from inside the Panini factory. Very interesting! That Reyna card shines and pops except for the fingerprint you left on the lower left side.😀
Thanks for watching! I noticed that finger print afterwards too. The card wasn't sent in, it was just for a demo, with the main point being to demonstrate the pull tab and using a microfiber cloth to prep cards to present well. Good eye!!
You got skills dude. Great info.
Thanks so much. I appreciate the positive response. Hopefully this helps you moving forward!!
Fabulously helpful. Good job. So much info
Awesome. Glad it helped!!
Just a heads up, i know this video was awhile ago but i believe they prefer no pull tab. They cut the card saver open FWIW.
I've heard that and considered revising the video, but figured it can't "hurt" to still do a pull tab, so I've left it up because I feel some of the other suggestions are still useful. That said, I appreciate the heads up. Thanks!!
@@MidLifeCards yeah I don't see how it could hurt. The fact they're taking scissors to within an inch or two of these cards were sending in is just wild 🤦
Good advise! Great job!
Glad it was helpful! I appreciate the feedback. :-)
Great vid. Would you happen to have links to the magnifying lense and loupe you bought on Amazon?
AIXPI Magnifying Glass with Light, 30X Handheld Large Magnifying Glass 12 LED Illuminated Lighted Magnifier
This is the Amazon description for the one I use. I hope it helps.
@@MidLifeCards thank you!
Great video, all solid points. I've also heard there is a big difference between Cardsavers I & II as far as having issues with damaged cards...any truth to this?
I’ve not heard that but I always have submitted with card saver I, as that’s what they recommend. Because cardsaver I are bigger, it’s much easier getting cards in and out, so I could see how cardsaver II could cause issues.
You can see most issues with your eyes under the right light circumstance.
That's true. How closely do people look, before submitting...that's part of it.
Great info!
I really appreciate the positive feedback. Thanks for watching!!
Good stuff
Thanks.
I like how PSA has their own guidelines for collectors to submit, yet they can neglect their own ''criteria'' for grading, it feels like a scam, or at least somewhat sketchy. I know, PSA has been around the longest, but doesn't necessarily mean, it will/should remain above SGC, and some of these other grading companies. Time will tell, I guess.
It’s definitely tough when their own guidelines aren’t followed and the amount of inconsistency in the grading. There is a big “human error” element for sure.
@@MidLifeCards Yeah, that's seems to be true. I wonder if AI technology will be the future for grading cards. Baseball seems to be going that way possibly, with the robot umps...if true not sure how to feel about it. There's a human error, so I get it some bad calls are part of the game.
@@ACD1994 no doubt. I think grading technology will be computerized sooner rather than later. I know there are a couple already. I could see a bigger brand buying their technology.
Nailed it!
PSA doesn't grab the pull tab. They cut the card saver. It doesn't matter if you have a pull tab
Appreciate you watching and commenting.
Good stuff man. If you really wanna take it next level w/ grading 💲💲💲, I HIGHLY suggest getting yourself a 7"/10" TomLov microscope! It absolutely blows away the loops to where you can see every last little speck on any card, and more importantly the edge / corner wear that has no chance at being seen by the naked eye. This leads to me giving extra conservative pregrades to our customers, that are much more strict than PSA will be, and then let them choose which cards they'd like me to send. And also, I suggest Grade Saver Pro's sleeves that have a built in pull tab!😮Absolute game-changer! (Link below!) And your last tip is so vital. I see so many ppl sending in cards truly expecting nothing but 💎s who clearly have no background in grading, and are assuming your #1 rule of it being pack fresh & right into a sleeve so it's def a ten. Rule of thumb IMO is send in cards that if it gets a 9 you are still in the green or atleast breaking even like you said. Really educational video, the type of content newbies & ppl who regularly grade need to see.
gspsupply.co/
I have been using a LOOP since they first started doing the grading service. I just thought everyone did that... LOL
You're ahead of the curve!! I'm finding that things that some of us do a lot, others aren't doing at all. I hope to always share any new information that may be helpful to others. :-)
Golden ROFL!!! Ahh that's great.
I really feel they take a glance at our cards and put a grade on it without really looking at them thoroughly. My last submission I sent in 42 cards. What are the odds of me getting a PSA 9 on ALL OF THEM. Not one 10, not one 8, tells me they really don't check your cards like they should. I couldn't believe all received 9's so stop with them using a magnifying glass and checking your cards like they should. They have a quota to hit and no time to really check your cards, anyways, keep sending cards to PSA and roll the dice.
That does seem impossible. More than anything, I wish PSA would give us insight into their grading process like SGC has done.
@@MidLifeCards Now that would take time and time is money. So that would never happen
Cost of proper tools is cost of 1 or 2 cards. What does PSA do with billions of used card savers?
Rumors are sometimes they cut the cards out, but not really sure. Hopefully recycle them.
Thick cards are mostly get lower grades
Down vote for any psa love.
I know a lot of collectors are moving away from PSA and towards SGC. Personally, I like that we have several options to choose from.
Do you prefer PSA or SGC?
That's a great question, and my answer isn't great...it depends. Personally, I like the look of SGC better. I like the speed of return from SGC better. I like the transparency of the process of SGC better. As far as PSA- the higher end grades are higher in PSA, but for lower end grades, they're about the same. A lot of people feel SGC is more consistent with grading, but I've better predicted the grades from my own submission better with PSA. Most of my collection is PSA, because I'm kind of OCD and having a variety of different cases drives me crazy.
So- I think both have pros and cons, and I think SGC has a LOT of pros. But, most of my collection is PSA, because I've been collecting long enough that SGC wasn't a real competitor of PSA's until recently.
I hope that answers the question, but I know I wasn't definitive.
PSA specifically says not to put pull tabs @1:20 on their video. ua-cam.com/video/RfufJSMRH0g/v-deo.html
It feels like guidance and advice is constantly changing from PSA. It's hard to keep track. The main point is that you want to make sure your cards are cared for and present well when PSA receives them, and there's a human element to the process. As long as the pull tag is on the sleeve, I don't see how it could hurt, yet it could help. I appreciate your input and sharing that information!! Thanks!
I thought they cut the card saver to get the card out not pulling the card out??
This is definitely where the grading companies needs way more transparency. They need to be way more upfront with their processes...there's no reason for them not to be. It shouldn't be a big mystery and it shouldn't feel like a big crap shoot when we send cards in.
@@Kbunk_Youth_Football_Wrestling 1000% agree. I hate the card savers to begin with however my understanding was the cut them to get cards out & that’s why I don’t return them or anything.. I know at one point the allowed top loaders and they weren’t cutting them. Not sure what they do now haha
Good point. PSA really seems to lack transparency, but they are the gold standard of grading companies. I'm curious to see where things go over the next few years.
@@MidLifeCardsdid anyone find out a true answer to this? Do they cut card savers or pull cards out?
@@joeymak2000 I’ve heard they do and heard they don’t. I’ve also heard they say pull tabs are helpful and then recently I’ve heard they say not to. Everything is fluid. If they cut the card savers I don’t think it can hurt to still put in a pull tab, so I still do it.
No shit. Like the biggest car auctions, the only ones getting rich are the one's that own the auction at 10% on buyers and sellers premiums. You better know FOR CERTAIN a card with grade a 10 if a 80's card and at least 9 for 70's and before.
Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
why do people throw tons of money at this just to send off your comics to be damaged, oiled by human touch and lets not forget the spine wear and germy covid hands and spittle. Then you wait months because they have no respect for your time and they're lazy. That's if they remember where your stuff got left. Then you hope the grader feels happy so he doesn't cut you for imperfections he won't count on the next five. Then you hope they don't get damaged on the way back. And wow! Just not worth it. SCAMMERS!
Grading is not for everyone. I totally get it.