Graded cards - why?

[crankbait09]

Over the years of collecting, I purchased graded cards from time to time, depending on player. But certainly never was a graded card collector by any means.
I was going through the few I have, and also considered getting a few of the cards I have graded. But then I stop and think about it. Can't exactly justify the cost to have it done if I have no desire to ever sell the card if it were in fact graded. Guess I can't say I'd never, and maybe it would be a great investment long term. But right now, as a hobbyist, I can't justify it.

I have a 2017 A&G - Mini Exclusives Metal - Derek Jeter (ser# 3/3). Considered the grading option, which is what drove the thought behind this thread

Which brings me to this........For those of you that collect graded cards, and those of you that go out of your way to send in cards to be graded...............why do you do it? What benefit is there other than the money it could bring in once done? Is that the sole purpose in grading a card?

Curious as to why you get into grading cards, if you do.

[doniceage]

Some folks get them graded for protection as that value is set and no damage will happen. If your not worried about the card company there are a lot of options out there that are very reasonably priced. But if you ever plan on selling on selling better to stick with the top 2 or 3 grading companies to get a return on your investment.

If you need a link or mention of the other affordable grading companies just ask.

DON

[crankbait09]

Thanks. Ya, I was just interested in getting opinions.
But if I decide to go that route, I'll definitely speak up

[gsy971]

crankbait09 i always wondered the same thing myself. If the card was pre mid 70's or older and was some HoFamer rookie or something i might consider getting it graded. Maybe some autos of GREAT players from recent years but i don't get why collectors send a whole bunch of stuff in like some fairly common cards. In this day and age most recent stuff is well made and easy to find great condition cards of it.
Protection? Well how about a 1-touch then bagged? The only card i ever thought about grading just for protection is a Mike Trout auto we pulled from a 2019 Big League box.

I think a lot of it is a big scam honestly. What's the huge deal of grading that Griffey UD rookie card? Wasn't there like a million of those out there? And weren't a lot of them really taken care of even back then? How much is it to grade a card? Is it more than the card is worth?

[doniceage]

crankbait09 i always wondered the same thing myself. If the card was pre mid 70's or older and was some HoFamer rookie or something i might consider getting it graded. Maybe some autos of GREAT players from recent years but i don't get why collectors send a whole bunch of stuff in like some fairly common cards. In this day and age most recent stuff is well made and easy to find great condition cards of it.
Protection? Well how about a 1-touch then bagged? The only card i ever thought about grading just for protection is a Mike Trout auto we pulled from a 2019 Big League box.

I think a lot of it is a big scam honestly. What's the huge deal of grading that Griffey UD rookie card? Wasn't there like a million of those out there? And weren't a lot of them really taken care of even back then? How much is it to grade a card? Is it more than the card is worth?

@gsy971

It is not a scam but a way to make dollars. If there is a way to make dollars people are going to do it. Here is a example on that so called Griffey you say there was a million of.




So grade it and pay the 10 dollars like it used to or 30 for quicker turnaround. Now it a lot more but can you complain with the Fact that the card sold for close to 2000 dollars. I do not see the scam.

For others it a way to showcase their collection in a simple and neat way. As all the cards are uniformed and protected from having damage. A buddy of mine who collects every player who ever went Pro from Ohio State University a few years ago sharing his collection. He is constantly adding to his collection and even the dollar cards get graded. Is it worth it probably not but it is far from a scam.

a dishonest scheme; a fraud

You know exactly what you are getting so it is far from a fraud in my opinion but to each their own.

DON

[alexsautographs]

It's a fad.

[doniceage]

It's a fad.

PSA and BGS have been around to long for it to be a fad. Perhaps a fad for the grading hype but it will continue forever so it is definitely not a fad.

DON

[alexsautographs]

No, I mean graded cards have always had their niche, but this thing were people are investing thousands of dollars and bidding enormous sums on otherwise worthless cards just because they're graded is a recent phenomenon from the past year or two. It's a bubble.

[doniceage]

No, I mean graded cards have always had their niche, but this thing were people are investing thousands of dollars and bidding enormous sums on otherwise worthless cards just because they're graded is a recent phenomenon from the past year or two. It's a bubble.

This is the 2nd time this has happened with the grading phenom. Your right it is a fad and when stop when folks cannot get their dollars back from their grading flips. When that stops folks will stop grading big time.

DON

[baystate123]

People have lots of reasons for grading cards. And I'm sure in their hearts it's true. But if you remove the increase in value out of the equation I feel grading would drop by 90%.