Debating: Buy graded or ungraded?

[00bolt]

im wanting to get back into collecting cards and I think ultimately I would like the cards to be a good grading and store away and hand down to my kid one day. I figure if its graded it will be "worth more" one day to him.

If I buy them pre graded its going to cost more, so its going to take me longer, have less cards in collection, etc etc... vs if I buy them ungraded.

So here is my question. What does the typical card on ebay thats refered to as "NRMT - MINT" end up getting if sent in? I know this is a hard question to answer because all cards are different. But for the most part, if you find a card that looks good, they say its good, but just not graded... what will that typically result in?

Id like to have my collection full of BGS 9 or better cards.... maybe 8s of some of the older cards. But for reference, im talking about newer cards in this discussion.

[supplystud]

I am not a fan of graded cards. To me they are a pain to store because of the bulky plastic cases. Some of you may cringe when I tell you this, but, I cracked all of my graded cards open and put them in regular top loaders so I could store them with the rest of my cards. I did the same thing with all of my uncirculated cards..I know I am not supposed to do that!

I think the only reason to do grading is if you are planning on selling the card for sure. For the most part you can get more money for a graded card than a non-graded card.

I think the only time that works is if the card is very deisreable to start with. If you have a 1957 Topps Bart Starr rookie card and it is VERY good shape..ie BGS 8 or higher...you will make more money selling it if it is graded than non graded. If you have a Kerry Collins Rookie Card you will not get much for the card graded or not!

If you have very desireable cards and want to sell them for profit...then grading makes sense. If they are for a personal collection it is just a hassle.

Just my twisted logic for what it is worth.

[zephyrmaster]

I think graded is good for vintage, but if you are collecting more modern cards don't necessarily seek graded cards.

As for judging cards on ebay, look closely at pictures and scans. If the seller is selling a very expensive card and not providing enough detail, I would go ahead and ask for more. Obviously there is always a risk buying anything that you can't see in person (and enough then you might not notice trimming, etc...!), but if you want to shop on ebay you'll have to accept that risk.

[jedijohnson]

I agree with all of the above. Except the case cracking by supplystud. Couldnt do that myself.