Is Action Figure Grading A SCAM? Collectors Speak Out!
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- Опубліковано 2 вер 2023
- Is action figure grading a scam? Today we tackle that question and hear from action figure collectors who are into grading as well as those who aren't into grading action figures to get their opinions. Then I unbox action figures that I just got back from grading at CAS, PLUS a special Mint On Card Figure that I got signed by Ian Ian McDiarmid who plays Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars!
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I covered this a few years back on my channel and my views have not changed. It’s a scam. And the grades are random. The figures continue to degrade once graded, so without a date on he grading label what you have may have changed since it was encased. Keep them loose and enjoy them.
I think I saw that episode where you opened up an acrylic and resent that in to get graded by a different company! Great video. I wouldn’t classify that as a scam, but I think there is a human element in that. It’s sort of like the Olympic Games and judges grading a diver - if that performance was done the same in front of different judges the outcome in scores might be different. It that classified as a scam? Some say yes and some say no. Those are opinions. I respect yours about grading. And thus, I hope you respect mine, my friend. Great points you make, though.
you can look up date graded on the grading websites.
@@kenlombardi4945 That maybe, but it should be on the sticker as well so you can see straight away.
@@thepadawancollectorofficial Oh yes, I know people don't agree with my views, that's the fun of collecting. I sent my figures back to the same company that graded them in the first place. And they regraded a MOTU Skeletor that was incorrect. It should never have been graded in the first place as the accessories were wrong. Yet they graded it twice!
@@toypolloi
Agreed, scam!!
And your video is one that I cite all the time as an example.👍
I don't think grading's a scam, but I'm not into it.
I don't want to send my stuff off,
I don't want anybody touching my stuff, as goofy as that may sound,
I don't want anybody moving the limbs on the figures ..
Sounds expensive, and you'd have to wait a long time for it to come back, so it really doesn't appeal to me that much.
There are few figures that I'd like to see what they're worth through that grading process, but I'd like to be there, I think I'd learn more that way.
Great reasons not to grade T!!!
Grading is subjective so yes it is a scam. CAS and AFA grading are not seen as equals. One is more sort after than the other. Why because of popularity or professionalism.
I would like to know why the boba only got an 80? Also who is giving these grades, what makes them an expert on a figures condition. Why is their opinion more valued than mine. From what I could see, that boba looked pretty nice.
Hey Zachman! I did an interview with CAS that answers those questions if you want to check it out.??? Thanks for watching, and yes I want to compare my Boba to other 80 grades and higher.
I couldn't agree more; the Boba Fett graded at 80 was a surprise; he appeared exceptionally well-preserved. I suspect that due to the popularity of Boba Fett figures, they receive a substantial number of submissions, leading to a more rigorous examination process. Moreover, Boba Fett figures tend to exhibit uniform fading in specific areas. Comparing this particular figure to an unfaded Boba Fett could potentially reveal a significant contrast.
I'm just surprised for CAS is was so harshly graded. It did have a big over spray on his knee with the yellow and the belt was a little under painted. Usually AFA is that strict.
No 2 graders grade alike. Meaning grading is subjective.
This is my point, I have been collecting since the mid 90's, I know a nice figure when I see one. If someone is having a bad day then there then that may affect the grade. Now I get the value of real high-grade mint on card rarities like double telescoping bens and vaders and carded uzay figures and vinyl cape jawas. Those are big money items. But your normal everyday figures, no. Also, I have been in the world of collecting and judging cars, corvettes, where a real points system is in place. What are these loose figures based and graded off of? Is it just " ooh, that one is pretty." That is not good enough! There is no system in place to compare one figure to another. I have seen figure and say, "How did it earn the grade or like your boba why did it get only an 80. No system.
Great video Joey! As long as the figure grading is being done by a one of the major respected grading companies (basically AFA, CAS, or UKG) it is not a scam. It is a way to help authenticate an item, validate its condition, and preserve the item. For collectors who prioritize condition for their figures, getting an item graded is a great way to assure the collector what they have with an unbiased evaluation by an expert. It's also a great way to have more confidence in the condition of a figure you are trying to buy from someone over the internet since people can be dishonest or leave key things out and use photo shop to hide defects. P.S., love the random cameo from my favorite monkey-lizard Salacious Rum, lol!
Well said Brett - at the end of the day I try to hunt for the best figures to grade - and try to get the best scores. THAT to me makes a fun hobby. And to get them authenticated makes it great. Thanks for watching my friend
What an excellent episode Joey. I haven't graded anything yet, but am a fan of the process.
You had an excellent batch of items this time & I'm sure you're thrilled with the results (I know I would be).
Looking forward to your graded, signed Emperor Giveaway! 🤞
Thanks Mopar!! I’m still learning the process but I’m getting settled in 🤓
Enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing your collection with us and taking the time to put this video together. -Tom (F4collector)
Thanks for watching Tom! 🙌🏼
Thank you for another great episode. My reason for grading might be viewed as a bit morbid (or forward thinking). I see it as a method for my kids to know what prices are fair for my collection when the inevitable happens.
Hey Dan! Yes I agree with that. It’s not the main reason why I grade, but it’s a part of the process
Brilliant Video, Joey! Informative and fun! Shout out to Salacious Rum and his fantastic cameo. 🤩
Thanks StevoO!! It’s NOT a video without having a monkey lizard on! 😂
Hera will be VC300 - another amazing episode.
Thanks for the info and for watching riky!
Yes a rather big disappointment IMO. It is the same figure as the Haslab Ghost, with her General jacket, but on an Ahsoka title card.
Good video Joey and an interesting discussion that's relevant to people that collect. As for me, I'm working on run two now and almost have doubles for each of my figures, at least through the initial 77. I've done a run of the last 17, but with little in the way of variants there unless you go looking far and wide, it's not really relevant to my goals, that being I'm interested in varying COOs and different factories that produced these figures. To that end, in all seriousness, I've not thought much about grading my collection. I do use grading criteria to select figures for my run that are targeted for that purpose, but I believe ultimately that I need to be the first judge of condition and suitability for the pieces I add to my group first and foremost. I believe that leads me to selecting pieces that long term could be submitted and archived. The goal however isn't to get the acrylic, but to find decent examples that fit my interest and apply that to my purchases. Do I think grading is a scam? No, it's a choice. In getting pieces slabbed, you are sealing them in a protective case, but you're also asking for a second opinion on the figure. I tend to get that feedback from many as a part of the Facebook groups like Imperial Commissary and Death Star Gift Shop and believe the experience there among collectors to be amazing. My best to your continued championing of our hobby my friend! Thanks for all you do for new collectors!
Thank you my friend for the comment and for taking the time to both write and watch, and it’s the fun of what you are doing, trying to get these in the best condition as possible, that makes collecting vintage a fun hobby I think. I don’t think anyone has to enter the grading arena at all, but since you have doubles it could be a possibility. I wanted to do a full run of loose and “try” out grading, and since then I have really found grading to be an enjoyable added bonus to my hobby of collecting as it takes my quest of finding the best examples and sending them to experts to preserve them in that state with a Numeric grade. But like you, I use the grading criteria to judge all of my collectibles both for condition and market value. It’s a super interesting discussion and I’m glad everyone is so passionate about how they feel individually about grading and the reasons why they do it, or don’t do it. Take care my friend and again thanks for taking the time to comment and watch
I’m not understanding how a 75 80 85 is a 75 master and a 80 75 85 is an 80 master when they add up the same. This is on carded.
I'm not entirely sure I know the full answer too??? I guess thats something I can go deeper into on a video. Thanks Nemo!
Often times, the lowest grade drives the score. It is not an average. This makes more sense when one feature of the item is drastically different. I have a walking windup R2
C50
B80
F85
The overall grade is a 50. There is a heavy crease running down the card top to bottom. A 9” crease. That severely impacts the eye appeal of the card. If we took an average, the MOC would be a 70. But the crease drives the score. The R2 looks worse then if the score is
C70
B70
F80
Which would result in a 73 average and an overall 70 grade as well.
I hope this helps
Those are some really great scores on the loose grading 👍 idk if that's the same Imperial Snowtrooper I said looks really nice condition in one of your prior videos, but i knew it looked high grade. That is sweet looking my friend 👌 congrats 👏👏. That white Leia score CAS 85+, $500 minimum 🙌if it was an AFA archival case, $700 minimum 😉I only wish AFA and CAS would laser cut key all the weapons like UKG does, looks so much better. Hate the hook clips. Great items my Padawan ✊
Hey Scott! It not the same one but I think they are in similar condition! I think the way they place in the accessories now is top notch! Makes displaying them so much better! Thanks for watching my friend and taking the time to comment. I always look forward to seeing what you have to say. Thank you
Toy Toni sure fooled a lot of these "experts."
Hi from New Zealand! While I can see how much pleasure you get out of this- that's great!- I've never been inclined to grade any of my 300+ figures (yes, only 300;). Unless you plan to sell them one day (I don't), I'd rather be able to display them in dioramas etc. I do have some figures MOC in clamshell cases on my wall- but I call those "art." Anyway, great video!
Hey Martin! Yes grading isn’t for everyone and it’s def different than collecting loose!
Excellent point! We can't pose graded figures in dioramas which is a fun way to play with our collections as the kids-at-heart we are now.
great giveaway prize, brother. plus, glad you got some decent grades on your figures you sent in.
Thanks Joe! I hope you enter for the giveaway!
Grading is not a scam per se but some of these grading companies need to tighten up on their quality control and service. I've had figures jammed into cases they don't fit in, or is bent over in the case, or graded with the wrong weapon, or I've had orders that are out over 13-14 months and counting. Great topic though!
I completely agree that they need to tighten up on quality control and their service. I'm glad that the wait times are skrinking, but i wish they would be more transparent on HOW they grade and I wish the grading companies would get together and form a grading standard and some regulations together as an industry. I think that would build more trust and make these grades even more legit.
It's not that grading is a scam, it's that it is ruining the hobby. For a collector to hunt down a good looking figure for a decent price is becoming next to impossible. Anything in the market that is in decent shape is being graded and the price has sky rocketed. And the biggest issue when it comes to grading is reliability of the grading process. Send that Leia in for grading 3 seperate times and I guarantee you'll get 3 different scores. It is completely subjective to the individual grader. And ultimately what is driving the grading industry? It's not the love of the hobby and the hunt, it is dealers wanting to drive up pricing. The saddest thing I see is the small time dealers at shows giving up on the vintage Star Wars stuff because they've been priced out of the market by the bigger dealers. It feels similar to the way Walmart drove so many mom and pop stores out of business. My biggest hope is that when the market prices eventually crash...and they will (ie Beanie Babies)...there will be a bunch of sellers on ICCC dumping the vintage stuff at a loss. And I bet they won't be screaming "No repro" at that time.
Interesting points paul! And yes I think you are right, ultimately these figures are worth ZERO dollars. Only collectors who find value in these pay a price. I don’t think these will ever go down in value because of their historical value in all toy history, but I see your points and well said my friend!
I understand your frustration. When shopping for figures in hobby stores, conventions, websites, etc. the sticker shock is real when we find figures that aren't in 'beater' condition.
It's still possible to find great looking loose figures, even complete ones, for under $40 (which is my personal top dollar for buying loose action figures even if they look flawless), but it is getting harder and harder to do.
This is an excellent subject to discuss. Grading toys is no different than other collections, including antique furniture and art. As to the actual grading, it depends on the expert and where it's being graded. I am pretty sure there are scammers out there (as in any field). However, Joey as you mentioned "research, research, research." As someone who is a researcher of music with a PhD I totally agree with you on this when it comes to toys. It's important, but not required. It is the choice of the collector, either if they are looking to see the value of their collection or if they are planning to sell. CAS is an authentic toy grading company, and looking for one of those is important. Usually, if a collector is looking for a grading company, I would think they would ask another collector. Like I find your videos and knowledge very valuable for me as a collector. As a matter of fact I am planning on taking a few of my figures to CAS for grading. I think those who think it's a scam to grade toys are not looking at the bigger picture. Such as currently, me and my family are working on getting my Mom's paintings appraised (the ones we don't know the value). Many people think that appraising art is authentic, but not toys. This is because collecting toys is a relatively new hobby. We never thought of collecting toys in the 70s, but here we are 40 years later and there are millions of collectors. It has become a true and authentic collection. So if it has become a true and authentic collection, then the natural result and progression is the grading of toys. But as other types of collection, it is important to find the proper person for grading. And as you mentioned in the video, it is the opinion of the individual, so perhaps and I know this is going a bit far, but what about getting a figure graded by two or three experts? That sure would be an interesting result and see if they come up with the same results or different. But I do suspect that most experts will come up with the same results.
You explain this so eloquently Shadow Wolf, and I love your comparison to the art collecting field and how relatively new the toy grading industry is. Leave it to a PHD to explain this so perfectly. I would love to do another episode and read some comments both that support grading and these explanations and some others that are calling grading a scam, but also give compelling arguments FOR it. Either way, I love how passionate people are about collecting and these aspects of collecting. Thanks for taking the time to write this and really explaining it so perfectly, Wolf.
As always, extremely interesting. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching UK Sith and for taking the time to write a comment 🙏
Thanks for this video, great to get more knowledge about grading, because i feel like a youngling on that arena😅 I would liked to have some of my figures graded, but since I live in Norway, the nearest grading company is in UK. Which i think will make it a lot more expensive to send🤔
Thank you for watching Marty Jo!!! Yes there is so much more that I need to learn about grading before I feel I am “an expert”. But I’m glad I can show great resources and give people ideas on how to approach it. I hope all is well my friend
Awesome video.Your Boba looked like it had a dent in the rocket pack on, hence the 80 grade
Hey Tim! I'll have to check it out! Thanks for watching my friend :)
I don't grade my figures because I like to handle and pose my figures in a playset or in a full display case with my entire collection. 💪🤓
Hey Deano! Those are great reasons!
Amazing items Joey! Congrats on those stunners.
Thanks John!
Just watched a older video. But very good joe!! Congratulations on some good grading!!
Thanks Andy! And thanks for going back and watching all of my older videos. There are good chunks of info that even I have to go back and watch lol
Great video.i went on to the UKG website here in the UK as was toying with the idea of gettinga couple of figures graded, could not believe the prices or lead times they were quoting so did not bother, just could not justify it. Last time I had a figure graded was a vinyl caped jawa approx 12 years ago and it only took 2-3 weeks and price quoted at the time was very reasonable (it was graded as a 90 BTW andi was extemely happy).
Wow! That’s a great grade on a VCJ!
Would love to grade some of my original collection from when I was kid. Have few, what I think are, nice figures but bit worried about ripping Vaders cloak when I clean him. Appreciate the advice, give me more 😂
Yea those cloaks are fragile! Thanks Commander! Be sure to join us Sunday for the premiere :)
Take it off before you clean the figure, or it probably will rip.
The problems with grading is it is gambling combined with credentialism worship(fallacy.) The gambling element is what grade you will receive with the additional expectation of a higher overall value depending on the grade. The credentialism is do those scores even mean anything we didn't already know? Could we of decided it's an "85", 8 out of 10, or just in great condition? If you took the case off of ten graded 75s to 95s could someone even tell the difference and sort them all properly without the grades on the cases? Is an 85 that meaningfully different than a 90? Doesn't being able to send the same exact item in over and over to get different grades just show how subjective and arbitrary it all is? Not to mention a lot of grading companies have perverse conflict of interest relationships with certain auction houses, etc.
Also the ultimate thing to consider is condition is subjective person to person so a specific grader saying this is X grade as soon as it's presented to anyone else they could just disagree with the grade, but it the slab _prevents_ it from being re-evaluated. A feature... not a bug!
Didn't know there was an action figure grading service...how cool! Great content, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!
Thanks for watching Oh! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment :)
I would not go so far as to call figure grading a scam, but there is a subjectivity to it. Hell, years ago AFA was the standard for grading and they took a big credibility when they graded a bunch of re-carded figures as authentic.
I wouldn't tell anyone to get their figures graded or not to get them graded. That's a personal choice and we all collect differently. For me, all the vintage figures, vehicles and playsets are all things I had when I was a kid. I wouldn't get them graded just for the reason that they would be in acrylic cases and I would not be able to hold them anymore.
Good points you make, Matt. There was a great comment on here on the art of appraisal of art and how that has had a long stand in that realm. Toy grading is in its infancy and I think has some ways to go in both standards and gaining credibility, but I think the people who have honed it and that are behind it now are turning it into an art and something that is making toy collecting a legitimate collectors space in appraisal of those items. I would like to see standards set in place between the different grading companies and for them to come togather to create industry standard of grades and basic processes. That would detour new and less capable graders coming into the scene like I’m seeing now. it would also create a standing value into grading for those using this as a means of legacy collectibles to pass Down to their heirs. There are many arguments for and against it, but it’s here and we can only hope it gets better.
Super cool that you got an Emperor signed by Ian! That's special. How does the figure itself sealed on card get a score under 100? Is it damaged somehow from wiggling around inside the bubble?
That's a sweet looking Snowtrooper! Hard to find one now in this shape that isn't mint on card. Most are yellowed or gone pink a little bit.
Great Chewie there! His paint and limbs are very good. So many have discolored and have paint rubs now.
Great Darth Vader! That the lightsaber tip is bent is normal for those lightsabers. Bends in the cape are normal too. Tears in the arm holes are the biggest problem with vinyl capes. Vaders paint is amazing! Its almost always rubbed somewhere on those.
Boba Fett is notorious for having paint issues, even on mint on card, especially loose. Tends to get friction rubs and scuffs a lot too. So many hard angles and painted parts.
Leia is even harder to find pristine than Snowtrooper, so you did well finding her.
Lando in Skiff Guard Disguise is a cool figure especially with the helmet that comes off. Yellow bubbles are a huge problem on the run of figures that he was in.
I think a figure would have to be still in the factory and examined by CAS before it got mounted on card to get a 100.
I agree with Wampa's concerns about grading collectables in general.
I call posts on Twitter/X 'tweets' still now that it has a new name. I have thought about it and other names I thought of didn't sound any better. 'X-Thought'? 'X-Post'?
This Salacious Rum video is hilarious! I love it.
I wouldn't call it a scam personally, but from my point of view, it is a waste of money. I am confident in my ability to examine a collectable and decide what condition it is in. I don't need a company to grade the item for me.
I skip over graded collectables in general because I can find ungraded items in conditions that I am satisfied with for significantly less money. I also don't like items to be sealed up in hard plastic cases because then you can only look at it through the case. You can't interact with it anymore. For me, a big part of collecting is handling the items: re-posing action figures, reading comics, playing videogame cartridges in my console, etc. If all I can do is look at it, I feel like I may as well just look a photographs of it and not actually have the item.
I love museums and art galleries, but I have no desire to pay large sums of money to buy items that might as well be in a glass case or in a security frame in one of those places.
Studying for yourself and listening to others who have studied a hobby is a great idea and can be fun. I enjoy reading about and listening to other collectors about grading, even though I will never pay to have an item graded, nor will I ever buy a graded item. I enjoy researching and examining things very closely. Always have as long as I can remember. With a little training, I could probably be hired as a grader.
If people want to offer grading services, others want to have things graded and still others want to pay extra for graded items, that's up to them. It's not for me though.
Great video! One of the best I have watched on the subject.
I don’t know??? I need to get more experience on MOC grading
@@thepadawancollectorofficialCarded or boxed items are tough to find pristine packaging for, especially if they are something like 40 years old. Cardboard and thin plastic degrades, discolors, gets scratched, dinged etc so easily. Factories, shipping companies, stores, family members buying stuff for their kids and especially the kids themselves weren't usually very careful with toy packaging. Few of us even kept the boxes and cards. Some companies even encouraged cutting up the cards and boxes by putting bio cards, playset backgrounds, etc on the cards with dotted lines around those parts to show you to cut it off the rest of the package. G.I. Joe and Transformers were big on that for example. Star Wars did the sending in UPCs off of cards to get mail-away exclusive figures. It's amazing that there are any mint on card or in box toys from the 70's or 80's, even early 90's now.
Is grading is a scam? Perhaps… “From a certain point of view.”
Personally, I like the way special, rare, verified and graded toys look when boxed in acrylic. I can’t afford those prices, so I’ve experimented with making my own acrylic cases to display certain prized parts of my archive.
I love watching the quest for the best possible version of these toys, it’s taught me a great deal about restoring, representing and displaying my own collection!
Well said 🙌🏼. I share your same thoughts
If it's not Twitter anymore and is now X, wouldn't it be a Twix? :)
I'd love to get a hold of that carded skiff Lando. That's a beautiful specimen and one of my top favorite figures.
Question:
I have a Chewbacca that I got from a Vader case and it's in GREAT condition.
Only flaw is a small spot on the nose (paint wear), all the limbs are 99-100% (stiffness), no dings on the plastic.
The only thing is there's some yellow paint marker on the feet from the previous owner.
Do you think it would be harmful to the figure if I don't get that cleaned off?
As of right now, it doesn't bother me, but if is harmful to the figure, then that IS a problem.
Thanks for the video
You can probably get the yellow paint off. Try soap and water first.
@@michaelharrington75
I was just wondering if it was harmful.
I've asked Google and they won't answer me. :)
HAHA a TWIX!!!! I like it!!!!
You are right to be cautious with trying to clean figures. It can do more harm than good.
@@enfieldjohn101 How can cleaning star wars figures with soap and water harm them? Unless someone is dumb enough to drop an R2-D2 or R5-D4 figure into water to clean it, or do something stupid like use a wire brush, or paint remover in the cleaning process. Getting dirt, grime, and the sticky residue that seeps out of the plastic helps preserve the figure.
I don’t think it’s a scam. However, it’s great to get an idea of what’s authentic and the condition of the toy. It’s important to keep in mind that conditions change over time and the grade should not be considered static when looking to buy them.
This is true Robert! The conditions WILL change. That’s why I keep my graded collection NOT on display, but sealed in a temperature controlled room and never exposed to sunlight or direct light of any kind.
I respect that you grade Joey, but I won’t. I don’t want to spend extra money on it. I also like to touch and feel my figs, once in a case that is no longer something I can do. I think they look cool, but that is about it.
Hey Bill! Yes grading isn’t for everyone! But I’m glad I did my loose run first and then learned about the figures that way. I get more enjoyment by having done that first.
Great video, I just sent a bunch of MOC star wars figures to CAS for grading I'm really hoping that my 21 back unpunched Boba Fett gets at least an 80 Thanks again.
Good luck!
Been having more fun tracking down a second set of figs for grading. Only have 13 done so far with three more at CAS. Sometimes I walk into a toy show with $500 and leave with nothing. Other times I leave broke lol. Take a jewelers loupe with you and ask if you can look at the fig out of the packaging. Going to a show vendors always want high ebay prices obviously. But, if your asking for a mint price I expect a mint figure. Star Wars Tracker app helps with pricing. Made some good friends this way but don't want to insult anyone with their pricing.
Great tips Deviax and I share your thoughts on this! I have been to both toy shows and toy vendors who won’t budge on a price even if the condition doesn’t command that price. The sellers who realize that they are dealing with a collector who has done their homework will work with me on a negotiation for price and yes, I am always able to talk them into a fair price and isn’t high like eBay, but more in lines of what you will find on the collector groups such as Facebook. I agree, the Star Wars tracker has been a great tool for getting prices of the current eBay and auction market. Thanks for this comment, I think it really helps reminding us how to hunt and find great prices.
I have never graded any figures but I do have several that were graded by other people and I just bought them as part of their collection. I would rather buy a few extra figures vs spending money on grading. The more figures that get graded less affordable figures exist for other collectors to buy. If I am looking for a figure I do not even consider buying a graded figure unless it is the exact price of other ungraded examples. The cases look nice
Thanks really great insight Tydirium! I agree the cases do look nice for display
All I know is I ain’t paying the insane prices they want to get something graded.
By definition, I don’t think grading is a scam. But as a collector of many things, I do think it overinflates prices in the market artificially by encasing the item, figure, comic, VHS tape, video game, etc. in a sealed acrylic box where it will never be touched again. This is absurd to me. To each their own, but I will NEVER understand it. Toys are made to be played with. Video games were made to be played. Comics were made to be read. VHS tapes were made to be watched. Enjoy your stuff. If you are buying just to invest, buy some stocks or gold / precious metals. It will serve you better in the long run and much less hassle.
Great take Matt! Thank you for your thoughts on this - before I started collecting I thought it was absurd as well, but now having collecting and going thru it, I get it.
Karl Jobst video on exposing the Fraud in Retro Video Games Grading and what I know of card grading really showed me how much of a scam the entire grading world is.
I also know how much price manipulation goes in high end collecting. Dealers selling the same collectible back and forth to one another to raise the price on the market and boost the price of the rest of their portfolio (it happens more than you would think.)
I do have to say though. I like the way those figures look in those acrylic cases with the custom made slots for their accessories. They look really sharp. If it wasn't so expensive I would consider getting my TMNT toys slabbed.
Thanks for the insight Pringles. I think the grading companies do need to get together and create some regulation and a uniform grading system.
I wouldn’t necessarily call grading a scam, but more of a lottery. Unless the same person is grading every figure, all the time…it’s going to be super subjective from individual grader, to individual grader. Then there’s the human element to consider. No one is perfect, therefore, no one is 100% on their game every single time they grade. Throw in the time element of an 8 hour + day of grading, and perhaps as the day wears on, the grader is more inclined to be lax, or grade harsher as they get more and more tired/strained as the day wears on. Quite honestly, A.i. might be the best source for grading, whether it’s sports cards, or vintage toys/collectibles, since it would never deviate from protocol, or grading guidelines. Taking the human element out of grading would yield the least subjective, and most consistent results possible. Just my 2 cents✌🏼
Hay James, thats a great assessment of grading. Interesting thought on AI doing the grading. That can be a non subjective added layer in the mix for sure. Super interesting. Great take.
Someday, maybe soon, repros will become near impossible to differentiate from original. On that level I can see grading being valuable. Especially now as opposed to when certain accessories or figures do become impossible to distinguish from OG.
Well said, and yes thats one of the good things about grading! Thanks for giving us that insight and reminder, and thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
afa makes mistakes too, they graded a lot of toy tony figures
Awesome channel. Just when I think I’m getting burnt out of Star Wars Action Figures, I just sucked back in
Haha thanks Son of Oden! Welcome to the channel my friend
I don’t get things graded because the way the figures look graded doesn’t appeal to me that much.
I wouldn’t mind getting something that’s already graded though if it was the right item and price.
I do however love ungraded acrylic cases for figures and playsets. I think they look fantastic and clean.
Hey Dylan! Yes I love the way acrylics make the collection look. Like a museum! 🙌🏼
can you take the figure out of that acryllic box? or is it stuck in there forever, if so, then i don't see a benefit to it, i would like to be able to take a figure out if i wanted to
The figure stays in there for-ev-errr. That’s why I did a loose run, now I’m doing a graded. Mainly for the point you’re saying, I wanted a visceral experience with them as well
if you could take it out, you could switch which negates the grade.
It’s not a “scam”. But unless you have a rare figure, it’s probably not worth it. Take a look at your grades. What’s really the difference between an 80, 85, and an 85+? You’re mostly paying someone to say “Yeah, it’s a nice figure”. Also, I know someone with an AFA graded VC Jawa with a counterfeit cape, so they’re not fool proof, and infallible. Personally, I sent in a Canadian Endor Leia on a flawless card with a clear bubble, and a jedi Luke that had a hole punched clear through the card. Luke came back as an 80, and Leia, a 75.The grades are pretty much arbitrary, based on whomever is looking at them. I stopped grading, but back when I was doing it, there was a 9-12 month backup. Somehow I don’t think there was a panel of experts meeting, and concurring on every submission.
Thanks for your thoughts on this Mike! And thanks for taking the time to watch as well.
I don't think it is a scam. I actually don't mind light play wear or minor imperfections, as I find it gives the figures a bit of character. Likewise for the boxed and carded figures, I actually prefer if they have a sales tag on them, as it adds a bit to the story of that particular item. You made a good point, that the figures that get graded were already pristine versions, so they would have been expensive prior to the grading. I do have a graded Bespin Han, though it has a pretty low grade, but mostly I know that it was an original carded figure. So maybe the odd graded figure here or there if it is a key figure for me, otherwise I am content without graded figures.
Hey Jeff! When I collect loose for my display case of diorama, I don’t care if they are played with as well, and I agree that it adds character. I think if you find a toy that is super rare and valuable then I would consider getting it graded, but it’s not for everyone, so it’s really to each their own, ya know? Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really enjoyed reading it.
Grading is definitely no scam imo.
Your figure condition basically frozen in time.
And so much easier to insurance and to sell too.
The buyer gets a 100% original.
Great way to look at it, Ray
To me it’s up to the collector. For me it’s slowing the time of degradation since time is a killer of things. For me it keeps all the dust off the figure, plus gives me a window to view my love for the line and my childhood. We all buy what we want so I don’t influence people otherwise.
Well said Greg!
@@thepadawancollectorofficial love your channel by the way.
What you should do Joey is contact Ken Black or Chris Whitlock from CAS and ask them if you could come down to Florida and document the process of grading a loose and carded figure and how they come up with their grades. When sports card grading first came out in the 90s people thought the same thing about that. But I remember an article written about the actual process which changed a lot of minds. I think thats why so many people think its a scam since nobody beyond the company really knows how the scores are determined which currently is specualtion but not definitive.
I think that would be a great idea!
Great graded figures add Joey !
Thanks Pascal!
Why don't I grade? Because I would feel detached from my precious figures. I like being able to handle them.
Thats a great reason not to grade. Thanks for watching Alex!
I’ll only grade the rarest items, for protection and authentication. That’s it. Even if it’s not in the best shape.
That’s honestly a good way to go about it. I just purchased a great mini rig sealed in box and it’s in a rare packaging, and that is a great candidate for that thinking
I loved the video. My issue with grading, it's all opinion based. it's hard to convince me that it's really more than this. I also believe that there's favoritism happening. There's known collectors that send in whole collections and it's hard to think they're not getting a deal, or even higher scores. Also, with the amount of social media groups, I would think that people aren't liked by someone who works at these grading companies are going to get a different score. CAS even graded multiple Mexican bootlegs that were fakes. Sure mistakes, but the experts shouldn't make it on multiple of the same figure. I wouldn't think that grading was scam if AFA, CAS, and UGK would all be the same with the final grades. As cool as they look graded, I'm not one to go for it. Unless it's ultra cool.
Great take Bob. I think the grading companies do need to get together as an industry to self regulate themselves and have industry standards.
@@thepadawancollectorofficial that’s my biggest issue. There’s really nothing defined. No real schooling except for their opinions. Thanks for your reply. Keep making great videos.
I collect UKG 80% and 85%. Though I bought a Lilly Ledy Gamourion Guard UKG 75% because it was a Ledy and tbh it deserved an 80% as it looks really great.
I agree your Boba Fett should have been an 85% mines a UKG 80% and I bought it already graded.
Your Lando has a yellow bubble, if it was clear bubble it would have gotten top score
Finally grading isn't a scam, I have bought 36 already graded figures I've plenty of my loose ones that I'll send in for grading. You should see what graded figures are cheap.
Great take WElliott, thanks for the comment. I do need to search what’s being sold out there for already graded figures
I don't grade and I don't buy graded. Thats another field of collecting that I will never do.
Thanks for your thoughts on that AI and thanks for watching!
Greetings from Germany
you are a great Guy
Very nice content
Thank you Crown! Thank you for watching and taking the time to write that comment! May the force be with you
Ukg give individual scores too for figure, paint , cape and overall score
That would be good to have. I may send in a few figures to UKG to experience that process as well. Thanks Obi!
First time seeing graded action figures. But just like graded cards the graders are inconsistent. That would make grading in general better if it was
I agree Alex. I think all the current grading companies need to come together to make an alignment and have a standard grading system. By regulating themselves they can actually make it harder for grading companies to come in with less quality and value to undercut grading. I think this would lead to more accurate grades and help with increasing the value in insurance claim and appraisal when selling.
I don't grade for the price and because i m in france ...
Those are fair reasons 👍🏼
I love grading. Why? Coz it makes me buy loose ones for a cheaper price.
Haha nice!
I don’t grade due to how much it costs. I’m not in this hobby for the resell value. I do it because I love it and it brings me back in time to my childhood. Those memories are priceless. Thanks for the video.
Well said Richard. I’m not in it for the resell value as well and have told my family that the grading is for them to resell when I am long gone. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, my friend
@@thepadawancollectorofficial That being said, I’d love a graded collection. It really makes the collection pop. There’s something about that acrylic. They really do know how to bring the best out of a figure.
I think things like Vader should be given a bit more lenancy because let's face it, 70% of them came out of the box with a bent sabre tip and creased up cape due to rattling around inside it :/
Nice points 🙌🏼
Not a scam per definition but it does inflate prices. I hate grading and respect my collection more than putting someone else’s numbers on them. Special thanks to CAS for the one graded figure I do have because the glue came unstuck. BS
Hey vintage!!! Can you give me some insight as how it inflates prices. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around that argument.
For me its the cost of getting things graded and also its my collection, I know what I paid for it and what it means to me . I have tons of memories going out and getting every figure, every ship , the wicket cowl I found for $10 , I dont want a company giving my collection its value .
Thanks for letting us know your thoughts, Danny! And thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
It’s not a scam. If anything it makes you more money selling a graded figure.
It is not for me though i am a loose collector. Even modern stuff I collect gets taken out of the packaging and the packaging gets binned. I have no interest in putting something back into a box. The clear plastic case doesn’t look appealing at all.
I am a diorama kinda guy i like to build scenes from a movie and switch and swap figures around.
Each person is different in all fairness. But I wouldn’t compare it to cards and comics they are 2D objects and not toys. I don’t grade them also.
Great explanation as to why you don’t grade, and I love this answer. It tells me that it’s up to YOU on how you enjoy this hobby and your love for diorama building is a perfect example of why NOT to grade. If I was more into diorama building than I would share the same. I do have a Jabba diorama and have added fan made figures from Stan Solo and the Next 17, and I’m glad I did that, as it’s a hobby in itself to recreate those scene from the movie and I find great enjoyment from that. Excellent take my friend and again, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment on this. So glad we can All find aspects of the hobby that speak to us.
@@thepadawancollectorofficial . I have a few Stan Solo figures especially that slave Leia it is a must for a Jabba diorama.
Yes we all have the same love for Star Wars I respect all aspects if collecting if we all had the same collections it would be kinda dull.
Always a fan of the channel. And a proud Padawan we started out loose collection around the same time. Still missing the purple pope & Endor Luke i want to find them in the wild.
Stay safe and i look forward to the next video.
great video. i do not think its a scam. everyone collects differently. and not everyone who collects or gets items graded do it to increase value. many like the preservation and display.
Thanks for commenting on your opinion, Ken. This one is def a hot topic of debate. I’ll be doing an episode on these comments soon
I wouldn't get my carded figures graded, even if I could afford it and to/from New Zealand.
If I was a vintage toy collector looking for pristine/excellent examples I think I would get them graded for the increase in value and peace of mind in regards to authenticity.
Yes for modern carded figures, unless I got them autographed or they were very rare, I would not grade them for my personal collection. But vintage, I think I would grade everything if I had the choice haha. I do have a loose collection and plan to keep those loose, but now I want a collection graded. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, Emperor
85+ Princess Leia Organa is Awesome!
Thanks!
How much dd they charge you for these?
Hey Bruce. You can go on the website and see how much they charge for every figure.
How does their signature series work, do they have to have witnesses in order to verify it’s a legit signature?
Yes. Usually when it’s an appreance either JSA will be there or CAS/AFA will verify on the spot if they have Booths present at the appearance
ya it's a scam i sent 5 figures off 1 figure had a visible crease on the card and it got a 85 the others were perfect and they all had 85, When super collectors like brians toys who give them tons of business send their figures in there all 90 or higher. 1 figure they graded another 85 the bubble fell off 6 months later, if you want to get ripped off for a 85 send in your figures. another time i sent off a seled case and got them graded and they sent them back without the Uncirculated grade, i called them for a refund and they lied and said the box was opened , never again
Wow! That’s an awful experience!!!! Yea I would be totally against sending in anything after that if I had that many problems with everything I sent in as well
so they charge you to put it in a plastic box, i think it's a service, but they should call it, we put it in a box for you
Haha, you should do their marketing for them 🙌🏼😂
The boba fett is missing a lot of paint.
Hi, you have the wrong laser rifle for Boba Fett
I've never seen a dianoga with a single rub. Is it because they were molded in the green colour, so any chips wouldn't show up in a different colour?
I have a few graded figures. I don't think it's a scam PER SE, but there are issues it creates with the market. It can really inflate the market artificially, and then it depends on the company. The whole WATA games legal situation comes to mind.
I have three Dianogas and one of them has pieces missing as if someone was chewing on it lol. It also has stains on it. I use it for a diorama so it looks like it’s been through the trash 😂
@@thepadawancollectorofficial On the ones with the pieces missing, is it still green underneath? That’ll make rubs much harder to see.
Well, us po folk can't afford this.
Hey Jack! I def hear what you are saying. I have to budget these costs and you have to love grading to justify those costs which DO add up. Thanks for checking out the video my friend and taking the time to comment 🙏
yes.
Any kind of collectable grading is a scam ....the only reason to even get something graded is to get more money for it real collectors don't want graded stuff
Good video to you though!
Thank you vintage! Thanks for watching!
Absolutely destroyed collecting.
Super interesting take Mark! I’d love to hear more on your opinion of that.
I’ve been collecting figures since the early 90s. Back then people were still trying to make a buck, but collecting was more fun and people could haggle over subjective value of a toy. NOW a bunch of jokers crown themselves grading authorities entomb toys (plastic and paper that degrades anyway) and place their own subjective grade on the toys. Other jokers use this grade to help kick prices into the stratosphere. The worst part is collectors pay these prices. Of course this is just my opinion. I like to handle my carded figures and opened figures. The old days of collecting (pre eBay and pre afa) were more fun.
CAS knows u got a good UA-cam presence i highly doubt you'll get many low scores. I bet if someone not known be lucky to get over 70+. I need u to send my figures in for me guaranteed 85+ everytime.
Hey Kevin! I wish that were the case but I have had my fair share of low grades from the companies. I think I just have to get better at assessing my figures before I send them in. Its actually fun for me to do that. Thanks for watching bro
Yes it is a scam for giving you a pretty acrillic box and grading the same figure in same conditions with two different grades, but hey, It is your money anyway
Thanks for voicing your opinions Tik, I respect it. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment my friend
Before companies started grading loose figures. They were worthless in the collecting community once out of the packaging. The only reason loose figures became sort after. Is carded figures became unattainable or to expensive because so many were opened. Hence the beginning of loose graded figure's becoming a thing.
Hey Erne! Interesting thought my friend. That def makes sense. Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to comment.
i disagree. many loose were still expensive but just like anything demand cause things to increase in price.
Not only it’s a Scam but a joke never will ever buy one don’t need to 👎
💪🤓
💪🏽
Grading is a complete scam, I'll nnever v r waste money on a graded figure, they are toys meant to be touched and played with not locked up in a plastic coffin.
Hey Mother! Thanks for your insight my friend and thanks for taking the time to write and watch 🙌🏼
Title of video: Is Grading A Scam?
Starts video with, "....when I was grading toys over covid..."
Gee, I wonder how this will turn out?
All grading does is artificially inflate prices. I've lost count of how many times I've heard people saying how they sent in a figure they got cheap for grading, got a good grade, and now its suddenly worth hundreds!!
Its not the grading companies who are the scammers, its the collectors.
Let me give an example from my world; I'm a Transformers collector, toys, comics, games, etc. Marvel TF #1 has ALWAYS been practically worthless. It was so common and plentiful that you couldn't give it away! The end of series issues have always been the valuable ones. But along comes grading, and "collectors" start getting this worthless book graded, and it comes back with a high grade, and now its worth over $1000!
When grading started, it was just a way to quantify and guarantee the condition of an item. It was greedy collectors who decided that it meant they could ask astronomical prices for said item, be it a toy, card, comic, whatever, just because it now had a fancy plastic box and some arbitrary number stamped on it.
Thanks for watching Shockwave and adding your detailed analysis of it!
You are the most handsome man on youtube❤❤❤
I must be the only channel you watch, but thank you 🙏 😂. I hope you are having a great day my friend
What the hell is a 'padawan'? That must be from those terrible prequels.
It means apprentice or learner
we know 300
new hera from Ahsoka live
You obviously know it’s a scam based on your reactions - do you really care the Boba is an 80? Think about it, you really are devaluing that figure because of a little scuff you can’t even find?
Hey GB! Interesting take. But yes as I stated I don’t think it’s a scam, but I don’t think I should deter you from thinking otherwise as I respect your opinion on the matter and why you choose not to grade. Like I said, collect how you want. Thanks for watching my friend!
He was disappointed with the grade, but I'm not understanding how that translates to "scam".
@froggore83 scam because the grading companies control your love for a figure - they are literally saying this figure which you love isn’t good enough because it has a scuff. Think of the mind playing this is doing to the toy industry.
And I’m the same! I tell my girls not to open their toys, how sad is that? These are toys that are meant to be played with.
Boba Fett is the single most graded figure. He had a long production run and had several different paint applications. Grading companies see a lot of him and know where and how to score damage or manufacturing defects. There are plenty of 85’s out there and some 90’s. The differences are subtle.
Joe said even with a 8o its good enough. if you want to play with vintage SW you can always buy the retro @@gbahat