#475 - 04/14/02 01:53 AM
Why did YOU select SGC?
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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What made you select SGC as your grading service??
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#476 - 04/15/02 07:41 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I haven't really "picked" SGC as my grading service. I only own 1 graded card and it happens to be an SGC card. But I am very happy with it and will look to continue buying them. One reason I will probably continue with SGC is that they are not quite as popular as PSA, so I can buy comparable cards in comparable conditions for less money. I'm not really looking to build a graded card set, just fill in some remaining holes.
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#477 - 04/15/02 12:38 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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Fact is, that's one of the reasons I started buying SGC. Then I sent a lot into be graded and got sold on them.
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#478 - 04/16/02 05:23 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Let's see..
Accuracy, turnaround time, and customer service. Since people rather pay for the holder of PSA and not pay attention to the card itself, that means more deals for me. 
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#479 - 04/16/02 06:42 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Again, agreed.
You could almost call it the PSA Holder Tax. I've heard the buy the card, not the holder statement often and I agree with it. If one agrees with it, that should lead you to SGC.
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#480 - 04/16/02 04:13 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I joined itradecards.com for the SGC $6.00 no limit grading they offer on the front page of the itradecards.com website. This is the best offer I have ever seen SGC offer, and SGC usually has some great deals. When I joined itradecards.com I got a free grade certificate too boot, Thanks SGC for teaming up with itradecards.com !!!
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#481 - 04/17/02 02:05 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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Thanks for the tip on iTrade. With all candor, I wasn't all tht jacked up about the site, but I'll give them another look though. The SGC special there is indeed good.
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#484 - 04/18/02 12:21 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: aconte]
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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I think the SGC guys deserve alot credit. I see a couple of issues here.
They don't have a pre-exisiting brand name like Beckett or even SCD. They did not have the head start in the market like PSA did.
That's makes it tough. Branding is so important. A single word must convey a dictionary of meaning.
Of course, they could pump out bogus grades, either too easy or too hard, to manipulate prices. They could also buy and sell cards etc. But they don't -- and thank goodness.
They are, though, laying down a baseline of integrity with an eye on the very long future. This is based on my obversation of their choices. While separate companies, if you want to see how SGC might evolve, take a look at NGC. This gives me great confidence.
SGC needs to review their marketing. They are underperforming in that regard. In this context, I do not refer to strategic alliances, or partnership, like with iTrade or thePit.
However, I think collectors can have great confidence that SGC is being managed in a responsible manner with an eye toward long term growth in the values of our cards.
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#485 - 05/23/02 10:54 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I am contemplating submitting my "tall boy" basketball sets to either SGC or PSA. Why would I choose SGC if the value ascribed to an equivalent PSA card is so much higher? I don't plan on selling the cards as I am indeed a long term holder. But why shouldn't I consider the resale value? Thanks.
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#486 - 05/25/02 03:12 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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I would absolutely consider re-sale price.
It is true that more often than not a PSA slab carries the highest premium. Along with things like service, quality, price, attractiveness of holder, re-sale value is one thing among many to be considered.
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#487 - 06/09/02 07:33 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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To majority, re-sale value is why they get graded. If PRO had the highest resell value, people would be using them. I don't plan on selling my graded cards anytime soon, so I pay for that piece of mind. So, I'm sticking with SGC.
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#488 - 06/12/02 08:31 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Fabfrank
(S)uper Collector
Registered: 06/11/02
Posts: 293
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I use both SGC and PSA for grading and are happy with both. SGC strengths are in their holder, customer service and grading consistency. PSA strengths are in their name brand, set registry and to a lesser extent, grading consistency.
SGC trails PSA in their marketing efforts, which is why I think some of their card prices trail PSA's. I personally will not bid higher on a card just because of the holder. Eventually as more cards get graded, I believe the disparity between card companies values will narrow till there is no difference.
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#489 - 06/23/02 08:01 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I get my cards graded by SGC because of this, all members of itradecards.com get there cards graded by SGC for only $6.00 with no per card limits, and cards get sent directly to the VP of SGC, they make sure members of itradecards.com get well taken care of, SGC is the official graders for itradecards.com and all new members receive a free grading voucher.
at itradecards.com you might win 25 free gradings .
Join today, i did my screen name is auntjeaniecards
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#490 - 07/01/02 08:43 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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For years, I submitted cards to PSA. I finally had enough of their (lack of) customer service and now submit my cards to SGC. I have been very happy with them.
That being said, I buy SGC, PSA, and BVG/BGS graded cards. I believe that these 3 companies are very solid and that their cards will hold their value in the long run.
There are alot of comments on the price that the holder brings -- I think that PSA is just a hair tougher than SGC (much less than half a grade)...so a PSA-8 usually gets more than an SGC-88...but less than a SGC-92. I don' t think that there is much debate about BGS/BVG -- they are really tough (especially on older cards)
Here's some research that I did using the on-line population reports for some of my favorite rookie cards -- since SGC doesn't do all the half grades, I had to group some grades to accurately compare. There are roughly the same number of cards for each listed below -- it may not be 100% accurate, but it was my best effort.
1954 Aaron: SGC average grade - 5.01, BGS/BVG average grade - 3.92
1955 Clemente: SGC average grade - 5.00, BGS/BVG average grade - 3.54
1963 Stargell: SGC average grade - 6.50, BGS/BVG average grade - 6.09
1965 Carlton: SGC average grade - 6.14, BGS/BVG average grade - 5.34
1968 Ryan: SGC average grade - 5.26, BGS/BVG average grade - 4.57
1973 Schmidt SGC - 6.50 / BGS/BVG - 4.53
1975 Brett SGC - 6.68 / BGS/BVG - 6.11
1990 Sosa (Donruss) SGC - 8.22 / BGS 7.96
1993 Jeter (UD) SGC - 8.04 / BGS - 7.78
Anyway, my opinion is that Becketts is 1-1.5 grades tougher than either PSA or SGC for vintage material....the difference becomes smaller for modern stuff.
My 2 cents!
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#491 - 07/14/02 05:08 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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deadlyembrace
The Venus Card Trap
Registered: 06/19/02
Posts: 596
Loc: Austin, TX
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The very first slabbed card I bought was PSA-graded, and the experience was
enough for me to swear off PSA forever.
The timeframe was summer, 1998. I'd been collecting unslabbed cards for
many, many years, and had been attending card shows within driving distance
on an almost weekly basis. As a collector who had had his share of
disagreements with card dealers over the condition of cards that I was about
to purchase (the higher the subjective grade ... the more I had to pay for
the card ... and the less negotiating room I had), the value of a third
party grader was obvious to me. So I decided to collect slabbed cards
exclusively.
At the time there were only three REAL grading companies. PSA owned the
market. CSA was competing, but I noticed very few CSA-graded cards being
advertised in the hobby magazines or offered at card shows. SGC was the new
entry into the market. ASA was there but when you asked any dealer who
specialized in slabbed cards about ASA, they would laugh.
So after talking to lots of dealers and collectors, and doing my own visual
inspections of graded cards at shows, I finally bought my first card. It
was a 1968 Harmon Killebrew All-Star PSA 10 (no qualifiers) offered in a
Teletrade auction. I paid a premium price for that card ... sight unseen
... because it was a PSA 10 -- GEM MINT . That is, it was perfection as PSA defined it at the time.
When the card arrived, the first thing you noticed about it was the
unsightly, inch-long print defect that appeared immediately beneath the
words, "All Star" on the face of the card. There was no missing it as it
appeared as a white line on a black background. You can imagine how
thrilled I was at getting hosed like that.  I swore off PSA from that moment
forward. Per Teletrade's policy, I could have returned the card, but instead
I kept it to show PSA-only dealers at shows. It was REALLY an eye-opening
experience.
I began buying SGC in July, 1998 and haven't looked back.
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#492 - 07/14/02 11:09 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: deadlyembrace]
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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In grading, I don't think tough is what you should be looking for in a grading. Look for accurate and consistent.
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#493 - 07/14/02 11:43 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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deadlyembrace
The Venus Card Trap
Registered: 06/19/02
Posts: 596
Loc: Austin, TX
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Hi vayank --
You must have been responding to Anonymous re: the "tough" comment. And I'd agree.
Instead of "tough graders", I'm satisfied that I've found a grading company that adopts stricter standards for a high-end grade and adheres to them consistently. In this regard, SGC has PSA (and all the rest) beaten hands down.
One other gold star to add to SGC's column: they can't be bought. That is, a high volume dealer, as a valued customer, can't coerce a half-grade or full grade higher on a card from SGC. I wonder if that's the case with many of the competition?
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#494 - 07/18/02 10:20 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I totally disagree that PSA is tougher than SGC. My experience is that at least 50% of PSA 8s would grade less than SGC 88. Take a random selection of PSA 8s (not just high end versions) and send them to SGC and see what you get. SGC 88s are very high end PSA 8s. There is no high end or low end of SGC grades because they are much tougher and much more consistent.
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#495 - 07/30/02 05:16 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC? *DELETED*
[Re: vayank]
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MW1
veteran
Registered: 07/30/02
Posts: 1358
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Post deleted by dena
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#496 - 08/03/02 01:53 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: MW1]
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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A reminder about why I use SGC... I sumbitted 20 '77s on 7/15, they were shipped on 7/26 (a Friday after 5pm), in my hand on the 7/29. Great job. Shipped in 11 calendar days for commons service. Great price too...
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#497 - 08/03/02 05:56 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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downgoesfrazier
I am gonna miss that car.
Registered: 08/02/02
Posts: 222
Loc: Summer of '77
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To me, nothing looks better on a '77 than an SGC holder. I like SGC's 92 option, the holder and the consistency. They're far from perfect, but so am I. PSA is slipping so badly in this department it's almost sad. It's an absolute crapshoot over there these days. Brutal. My 8's are technically stronger than my 9's, eye appeal is out the window...it makes submitting downright scary. Not a bash PSA session here-- there are good, competent people there-- just too many skateboarders looking at refractors just before my vending-fresh 77's hit the grading room. With the grading specials and all the bulk consistency suffers. It's also time to do something with that chicklet case with the ugly red label...I'm getting carried away...
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#498 - 08/10/02 05:05 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: downgoesfrazier]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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77s-
Why do you think PSA is "slipping badly" lately? Did the standards change or did you fail to notice problems previously? Also, is it your grades your unhappy with or others? I'm a PSA (1980 and earlier) collector and I collect modern hockey in BGS 9.5 or higher. I've taken advantage of the great registry specials from PSA and have been confused by my grades recently. I'm considering an SGC invoice and know you do lots of late 70's collecting, what should I expect?
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#499 - 08/11/02 12:58 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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(After posting, I decided my post was off topic and transferred it to a new thread. Sorry)
Edited by vayank (08/11/02 01:06 AM)
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#500 - 08/11/02 04:58 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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downgoesfrazier
I am gonna miss that car.
Registered: 08/02/02
Posts: 222
Loc: Summer of '77
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Hello. First, why not get a username? If we know each other, I'd like to know who I am addressing. That aside, the reason I think PSA is slipping badly is that they are. Anyone that doesn't see that is either kidding themselves or a true novice in the hobby. It is a fact. Period. My 'salt' is coming back "9" and my perfect stuff is occasionally getting 8's. Further, my eBay retention of PSA graded material is a whopping 20%!!! Match that to nearly 75% of SGC stuff and you get the picture. For a couple of years I've been actually afraid of SGC because they are so strict. The fact that they have a 92 option makes that 9 hard to come by sometimes. My first SGC submission was graded so harshly I swore them off (My SGC 96 Steve Garvey is now the only PSA 10 currently in existence). Three SGC 92's were bumped to PSA 9 as well from that first 20 card experiment. Yet, a lot of die-hard PSA guys swear SGC is softer--again these are truly unenlightened hobbyists. Over time I've realized it is PSA with the problem of misgrading the cards. . SGC 96's are usually undeniably MINT baseball cards....The "92 option" as I call it is probably the reason. The fact that you're "confused" about your grades does not suprise me. Perhaps you could register a username and elaborate some. That would help me get a better feel for your needs in regards to grading companies. The true problem PSA may be having is simply too much business. They are doing bulk, bulk, bulk. Remember, they are public now and those shareholders need to see numbers. They're not giving $6 registry specials to help you out--they're hurting a little. That means fewer six-figure graders and more skateboarders looking at hours of die-cuts and refractors. If you're doing pre-80's...voila...confusing grades. The last thing I need is a guy grading UV coated, laser-cut, Sosa's just prior to a vending-fresh 77 that can't tell the difference. I just want it done right--the FIRST time...that is what you "should expect" from SGC. I will not respond again unless know who you are. Good luck.
77s
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#501 - 08/24/02 06:50 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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chuckster
Hobbyist
Registered: 07/16/02
Posts: 83
Loc: Louisiana
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I currently buy PSA and SGC graded cards. I have found that SGC is consistent and I think they have a very attractive holder. I used to grade with BGS, but that has changed since I now focus on collecting vintage. To be honest, I have not yet seen a BVG card in person, so I can't really judge how they compare with PSA and SGC. SGC has great specials, and with the set registry coming I'm looking forward to having more of my cards graded with SGC. 
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#502 - 10/24/02 06:18 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: chuckster]
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Like most of you I like the holder. I only really collect Cincinnati Reds and buy PSA and SGC cards. I prefer SGC because they're cheaper most of the time. PSA overgrades the cards too. I agree with 77 on that. I consider SGC 92 cards as PSA 9. Does GA have half point grades?
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#503 - 10/25/02 04:14 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
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downgoesfrazier
I am gonna miss that car.
Registered: 08/02/02
Posts: 222
Loc: Summer of '77
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BRM,
Nope. No qualifiers either. I like that, by the way. I do think (on the grades that matter) the half point system is better than the full point, however. Cincinnati Reds, huh?
I've got some 77 and 78 Reds team sets from vending if you're interested. Centering varies, but they're real, real sharp. PM me.
77s
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#504 - 05/21/03 08:06 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: downgoesfrazier]
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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ttt
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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#506 - 05/21/03 05:12 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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wrigleyfield
Collector is an understatement.
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 163
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I selected SGC because their grading is more strict, accurate and consistent than the other companies.
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WrigleyField
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#507 - 06/11/03 09:38 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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autobilia
Just got here
Registered: 06/11/03
Posts: 9
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Accuracy and GREAT service. I know I've told the story about my 99 SP Top Prospect Michael Jordan Autographed Retrospectives #10/10 a million times, so I won't repeat it, but to make a long story short... SGC gets an A++++++++ for service.
_________________________
Hobby Insider - (soon new domain) www.hobbyinsider.net
Proud supporter of SGC grading.
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#509 - 06/16/03 06:28 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: aconte]
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autobilia
Just got here
Registered: 06/11/03
Posts: 9
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Thanks. I use to be here before, but got real busy and stopped coming by. My acct was deleted, but my old posts are still here.
_________________________
Hobby Insider - (soon new domain) www.hobbyinsider.net
Proud supporter of SGC grading.
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#510 - 06/17/03 10:41 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: autobilia]
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MW1
veteran
Registered: 07/30/02
Posts: 1358
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autobilia,
It's good to have you here!
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#511 - 06/22/03 01:15 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: MW1]
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botn
I am gonna miss that car.
Registered: 06/18/03
Posts: 215
Loc: Santa Monica, CA
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For me it is very simple. Grading is very consistent and accurate. All cards, regardless of grade, look really nice in the holders. Representatives are professional and courteous and treat their customers well. There is no sense of favoritism among submitters.
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#513 - 06/22/03 09:37 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: aconte]
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chuckster
Hobbyist
Registered: 07/16/02
Posts: 83
Loc: Louisiana
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The more I submit to SGC, the more convinced I become of their consistency. I believe the half grade system is a good thing. Much better than "low end" and "high end" 7"s, 8"s, etc.
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#514 - 06/23/03 12:30 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: aconte]
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njdolphins
The Collectinator
Registered: 05/30/03
Posts: 333
Loc: Trimmed, Pressed, Power Erased
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Here's an easy one.
1) Much more consistent than any other grading company I have seen.
2) Very accessible via Email or phone and quick to respond to constructive feedback.
3) Much more attractive holder (in my opinion).
4) SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE
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#515 - 06/24/03 07:25 PM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: njdolphins]
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jackstraw
Talkative?
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 740
Loc: @ a Baseball Card Show
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i am a buy the card not the holder collector, but why is an 8.5 nm mt+ a 92 and not an 85? i have always wondered this
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Ken Griffey Jr
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#516 - 07/09/03 03:14 AM
Re: Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: jackstraw]
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MW1
veteran
Registered: 07/30/02
Posts: 1358
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I don't think there's any question: 
more precise grading scale = greater long-term collector value.
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#517 - 08/07/03 04:51 AM
Why did YOU select SGC?
[Re: vayank]
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vayank
The Amazing Card-Man
Registered: 04/13/02
Posts: 948
Loc: Alexandria, Va
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Because they innovate with additions such as "The Way I Collect" Registry.
_________________________
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Matthew T. Natale
Alexandria, Virginia
Completed 1977 Topps Baseball SGC Graded Set, Average Grade 92.89
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Moderator: EARLSWORLD
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0 registered
and 5 anonymous users online.
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Sure conflicts with a conversation I had...
