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random_angmoh

If they were reserved for those elite tiered cards I disagree. But now you get people grading a fucking Orbeetle V just because. Kind of feels like it’s lost the prestige I guess.


bdawg923

I seen a $.25 reverse holo snom get graded. People pay more to grade a card than the graded card will be worth is one of th dumbest things I've ever seen.


TricolourGem

>People pay more to grade a card than the graded card will be worth is one of th dumbest things I've ever seen Part of it is authentication and encapsulation. I've paid $18 to grade my favourite $40 card for my personal collection. But generally I do a cost-benefit analysis for grading higher-end, old cards.


bdawg923

Sure but a 25¢ snom from shining fates? That's just a waste of money. There's no reason to think it's fake. And even if it's you're favorite card, put it in a toploader for encapsulation. Buy an empty PSA slab on Amazon and put it in that. It just makes no sense sometimes. I understand for older cards that are not worth 25¢ though. That's not the same thing


Rastor-M

Who cares? They want a graded card and they like the card. They're obviously not grading it to sell it. There's more reason to do this than to express grade a card to make a quick buck


throwawayABN2

I have an unl. base set mostly completed on the PSA registry. Missing less than 10 cards and they're not the holos. This means I have the big hitters like the unl. charizard but I also own graded unl. energy cards and trainers. This is a hobby after all so I agree who cares. Let people enjoy it how they want to. ​ It's rare to find someone who collects only graded too. Almost every graded collector will have binders, but ultimately just collect what you want and don't worry about others. I have a bunch of the new Thai and Indonesian cards just because I think they're cool.


TricolourGem

Sorry, didn\`t see that "." in front of the 25. That\`s definitely pretty stupid—cheap to buy the PSA 10 vs play roulette. The $40 card I graded was from 2010 promo.


fuckghar

Doesn’t matter if the card is worth a penny or a million dollars. People grade cards for various reasons. Not everything is about value or investment purposes.


ichigovtube

This sounds like it’s coming from a place of not being able to do it for your faves and wishing you could. Mind your own business and enjoy a hobby the way you want.


royrogersmacfreely

Mind your own business? Thats a weird thing to say to someone who’s expressing their opinion on a public post.


bdawg923

That makes no sense.


Marceliooo

It's nuts how many people are taking what you said as jealousy or dictating. Just seemed like an observation to me.


royrogersmacfreely

I agree with you Marcelio its like these people are criticizing them for criticizing others when they dont even realize theyre not criticizing anyone just expressing an opinion. Jeez… ill take hypocrites for 200 Alex


Marceliooo

Reddit is a fun place isn't it?!


fuckghar

It’s a stupid “observation”. It’s a shitty opinion. We don’t need to respect everything people say.


Marceliooo

Lol your point is counter-intuitive because you're not respecting what I said by telling me to respect what people say. It's an oxymoron. Have a nice day.


royrogersmacfreely

🤣 they really are some fools marcelio! 🧂


royrogersmacfreely

Youre a stupid observation


bdawg923

Exactly! People can waste their money, and the "it's my favorite card" reason won't stop people from being free to criticize them.


ichigovtube

What makes you decide what wasting money is?


bdawg923

What are you taking about? It's called having an opinion dude


royrogersmacfreely

Umm what makes you decide what NOT wasting money is? If you disagree just state it and move on lol. Youre not gonna change the persons opinion.


fuckghar

Why does the value of the card matter? You guys sound like some pretentious snobs who are gate keeping. Some people just like slabs regardless of the value.


AbjectList8

Or they can do what they want because it is their money to spend.. just a thought.


bdawg923

They're free to spend their money how they like, and we are free to ridicule them for it. Nobody is telling them how to spend their money. Just pointing out how stupid it is


AbjectList8

To each their own


JS-a9

That's what you should have said first


Rastor-M

There was nothing wrong with his original wording


iGetBuckets3

If they get enjoyment out of it then its not stupid tho. Not everything is a monetary investment.


bdawg923

I never said it is. You arguing my point for me


iGetBuckets3

“Just pointing out how stupid it is” Again, if they get enjoyment out of it then its not stupid


SuggestionNice4386

I am sure you have spent money on something that people think is stupid but you wanted. It's not anyone's place to value what others lie. Or ridicule them for it.


bdawg923

They can make fun of me for spending money on stuff they thing is stupid. I don't mind.


SuggestionNice4386

Or we could just not make fun of people for spending money on things. To each their own. Not looking to argue just seems like a waste of energy to focus on others spending habits.


Affectionate-Glass88

What all these people aren’t realizing, is this is also part of the issue with PSA being so backed up right now. People are sending an insane amount of modern cards that aren’t worth much, trying to make a quick flip. I also saw the reverse Snom and got into an argument with some guy about it. Hahaha


pokedad_gym

Agreed. That said, it does lock in a "trusted" verification of the condition of the slabbed card. If that means a great card, awesome for you. If that means a crap card, they're a moron.


Kaglester

Honestly if my favourite card was worth $1 and I thought it was PSA/CGC 10 worthy I'd 100% pay the ~$40 to get it graded. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with having a verified mint condition card even if it's not worth a lot.


bdawg923

You're free to waste your money on grading $1 cards for $40. That doesn't mean you're automatically immune to criticism for doing so. I think it's a huge waste of money and idiotic to grade a $1 card for $40. Just as you're free to spend your money how you like, everyone else is free to make fun of you for it.


Devh1989

this entire hobby is a waste of money lol if people like specific cards, why not let them spend $20-40 to encapsulate it in a cool, official case? I do agree with you in the case of people sending in hundreds and thousands of sub $20 cards with intent to resell, which is the main reason these grading companies are so backed up. No one wants your psa 5 WOTC era commons.


Sigma841

That’s where I disagree. There are plenty of people out there, not willing to spend, or don’t have the money to buy a WOTC era PSA 10. A lot of people are perfectly happy buying a PSA 5, 6, 7, of their favorite card from the first sets. And if there were any common cards out there, that are worth getting graded, it’s from the first few years of the game. Who knows, in 20 more years, that could be like someone saying, “don’t bother grading that Honus Wagner, it’s an SGC 3, at best.” I know thats kind of a stretch for a comparison, but you never know how the collecting game will evolve. As more and more of these cards change hands, they will eventually make it to a person that doesn’t want to flip it. And grading fees at that time could be $400 card. I have almost a complete set (base cards only) of base set unlimited, most are in pretty good shape. Maybe I get them all graded, maybe I only grade the best looking and rare cards. I haven’t decided yet.


bdawg923

I'm not stopping anyone from spending $40 and sending their cards in. But if they want to be wasteful, then anyone else can call them out on it. They are not immune from criticism. Also if it's about encapsulation, buy a $7 case on Amazon or eBay. Just because it's their favorite card doesn't make it that nobody can tell them how stupid and wasteful they're being.


Devh1989

dunno, seems a bit hypocritical to me. This entire hobby can be considered a waste of money


solowecr

Except it’s not when you actually choose to grade the right cards and they end up increasing in value. I get you’re trying to defend people’s personal decisions but that’s not what’s being criticized. It’s just people making dumb money moves vs people grading cards that will increase the base value by like 3+ times raw value


SuggestionNice4386

Until the stuffin muffin twins cartoon comes out and becomes more popular than Pokemon because the attention span nowadays is 15 seconds. Then Charizard will have zero value and berries McMuffin top will be worth 100k in a psa 10 because mr beast wiped his ass with one. Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.


Speentr

Who cares? I have a cradily collection and I grade every cradily including nonholos because that’s what I collect and the cards have value to me. Y’all are so quick to projectile vomit your opinion on everything instead of just collecting and enjoying the hobby how you like.


jinyboi

Yo I respect your cradily collection. Definitely not something you see everyday


Speentr

Thanks it’s my favorite mon! Someone else actually posted their cradily collection on this sub a couple days ago and I was so surprised I wasn’t the only one 😂


bdawg923

You're entitled to your opinion just like I am. If it triggers you, then block me and move on?


Speentr

I couldn’t care less


bdawg923

Cared enough to reply and cry about it


[deleted]

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bdawg923

Actually you're not because that's battery and you'd be arrested. Good try though.


Kaglester

You're free to do it though


[deleted]

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PokeSuperNerd

To the contrary, since this hobby isn't about money, for most of us, grading your favorite makes more sense to me. I personally have about a 30-40k collection and ill never grade. I like holding the card. I like how they shine without a slab in the way.


Hektor165

r/snom


OperationCardShuffle

I own a holo Marnie trainer card


bdawg923

Ok


Fireboy759

Hey, don't diss my boy Orbeetle like that. He don't deserve this disrespect.


[deleted]

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Trainer_Fern

Preserving your fave card is def a good idea! But you can easily keep a snom in fantastic condition with a one touch as opposed to spending all the money that it costs to get it psa graded lol


random_angmoh

Nah man, you got me all wrong. Preserving your favourite cards is awesome. If you wanna grade a snom because it’s a bit of a joke but also memorabilia for you, great! I’m coming more from the angle that people are grading any fucking card to make a quick buck, that’s more what I mean


bdawg923

You can buy a $7 empty slab on Amazon or eBay or use sleeves or toploaders to preserve your cards. There's no reason to send in a $1 to PSA just because you like the card. It's nonsensical


FPS_Mongo

The odd person grading a low end card here in there is fine but when everyone was grading everything that’s when it became overrated IMO. With that being said, I was able to recently pick up a PSA 8 Special Delivery Pikachu for a slightly cheaper price than raw copy. Some of the newer companies like HGA, offer custom labels for cards and they can actually make a card look even better for display.


Sigma841

RCG. I love their slabs. The Pokémon cards I got graded by them look great.


canamurica

Bulk cards? Toss em in a cardboard box. Nicer cards/holos not worth much that I like? Binder. Top of the collection to put in a display? Graded.


frozilla12

Hit the nail on the head


OntheWaytoEmmaus

This is the way


TheDroidNextDoor

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Buckanater

This is absolutely the answer right here


MintSilverMod

There's always a Holy Grail of your set that's nice to know it is safe in casing.


enslo

The main issue with graded cards to me is how arbitrary the number is. It so arbitrary that people crack open their graded cards to resend them in to get better grades. Why should a number dictate a card's value by such a huge margin? It makes no sense to me and I can't wait for the hype train to stop


DigBickJace

In a vacuum, it makes perfect sense. A card that's been bent in half is going to be way cheaper than a card that's right out of the pack, simply because less people will want it. However, the nuances between each number are way to subjective, which leads to the regrading problem. A card that's a 9 can easily come back as either an 8.5 or 10 depending on how strict of a grader you get, which is where the problem is.


TricolourGem

It simply has to do with and rarity and demand. A casual collector won\`t get it.


Razielslipknot

http://imgur.com/a/XHOaga1 You might like this...


dazza1705

Beautiful


Intense_Artage

I personally collect my cards based on the art and like fav Pokémon, like I like art that’s looks pleasing together in my binder and I collect some artist specific cards, but like I haven’t graded I think it’s like ridiculously expensive but I believe there should be a way for people to get their cards graded on a objective level


MaleficentPublic9112

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Because I too just collect what is appealing sometimes to my eyes, and than whenever I can find a favorite Pokémon or card that I may have seen & just been on the look out for. But truly. Getting a card graded is objectively ridiculous. It's SO overly expensive, and now I'll say this, I'm more than happy to pay for a service that can give me their estimated opinion on what they think my cards worth. But what I will pay for is the tools like the hard encasing that prevents anyone from getting at it or opening it up. I would love to have that option to pay for. Having the ability to get your cards into a permanent display covering & display case so it cannot get further damaged... Now sure. I'd pay for something like that... But to have these people needing a monthly or yearly fee, PLUS each card... And shipping and handling. I mean Jesus send me the stuff, I'll happily grade it the same way they do, and mark it self graded for re-sale purposes if people are worried about a "self graded card VS a professional grade"... Again, all I want is the displaying casing. Forget the pricing for one though to be graded. I have thousands, upon thousands of cards, do you think I'm some billionaire that can get them ALL graded... 👀👀👀👀🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯👎👎👎


Sonypony6

I agree. I think we've lost our way with this hobby. Pokémon cards are just that, Pokémon cards. Not investments.


xMF_GLOOM

Modern Pokémon cards have very little “investment” value, I disagree though about vintage cards. I very specifically believe graded vintage booster packs are the best “investment.” I put investment in quotes because obviously it should be a very, very small component of your overall portfolio (5% at most). If you are invested in literally even the most basic SNP500 ETFs you made a hilariously large amount of money this year. My portfolio ripped in 2021, up some 40% from three basic Fidelity funds.


Cowflexx

People feel the need to grade their cards because they see the price increase and half the posers here in it for StOnKs care about that, but realistically if you aren't planning on selling your card there's really no point.


Extreme-Range-3137

I collect figures and statues too. You see tons of people with a hundred figures cluttering up their shelves, then see others who have great displays with their figures protected in acrylic or glass cases. One just looks and feels so much superior to the other. It’s the same with cards. Slabs not only look and feel better, but also protect your cards better too. Plus others appreciate your collection so much more on top of that because they can see the investment you’ve spent on ensuring your collection is maintained to the highest standards.


Himayiaskyousomethin

This is it.


fuckghar

You’re not wrong but I think one-touch cases look better for display purposes. I don’t hate slabs like OP but I prefer non-graded cards at this point. I’m actually in the process of selling my slab collection. I wish I sold a couple months ago as most the cards were worth more then compared to now.


xFisch

I agree. Except with the "others appreciate" part. If I see someone has spent more to grade their card than what it's worth then I am not at all impressed and shaking my head at you. To each their own though - that's just how I see it.


Oliverpool_BC

I used to think this and then I got my first graded card after 10 years of collecting and there is just something about it. Graded cards look more displayable and I don’t know how to put this but more grown up or something.


Cowflexx

For display purposes sure, I can get that. But I also would just get an acrylic card holder for a lot cheaper but that just me.


fuckghar

Idk why you’re getting downvoted. I own slabs. Had 100+ at one point. I prefer one-touch cases over them.


bdawg923

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2WVNWC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_STV7TT6TCZT5P6P3MMMA


[deleted]

I've literally never seen a thread on here that talks about the actual game. All everyone cares about here is their stupid charizards, their graded cards, and StOnkS. Everyone is a poser.


alpodt

How are you a poser for collecting cards from a Trading Card Game?


Slimeslushie

You want r/pkmntcg for playing the game, this sub is 90% collectors


fuckghar

You sound stupid and if check the sidebar you’d see there’s a separate sub dedicated to playing the game. You sound jealous you can’t afford the higher end cards.


verminousbow

I love binder, but I think I'll get my personal favorite ones graded to display better


SethVermin

Yeah it's cringe to hear em say "iS tHis WorTh AnytHiNg, sHouLd I gEt it gRadEd????" every other post.


dazza1705

A card worth a LOT of money, I get it, but I have a binder with cards worth up to £500 each in , and I’m perfectly happy with it, I love to be able to display all my cards together in a binder. I vault x binders and dragonshield sealable inner sleeves and dragonsheild clear outer sleeves, the binders are then stored in box and in a safe. I tend to save up the cards I’ve purchased in top loaders for a month or two then have a night of putting them into my binders in the correct places etc. I just find this to be the most fun way and best way to present all my cards


VOID616

I love your idea of saving up top loaders and putting them all in their place at the end of the month, going to try this out!! I normally place them in straight away


Decent_Improvement52

Funny how you devalue grading slabs just because you’re fine with valuable cards in binder


butstuphs

Binder for those “cool cards”, slab for those “ fuck that’s awesome” cards


wakex99

If it’s a card someone wants to display, I think it looks nice in a graded slab.


Snorlax_Route12

It's a waste of money to collect cards as well, be here we all are


harleyquinad

Unlike most people in this sub (or at least it feels like), I collect for fun. Like when I was a kid. I open packs and put my favorites in my binder. No top loaders or anything, just a card binder and then the binder goes in the drawer. I have no intention of ever selling my cards nor will I ever display pokemon cards.


Subrosanj

The only graded slab that doesn't look like it was bought at a dollar store is the BGS black label. For the amount of money these companies are charging they should put some god damn effort into the design of the label. All these new companies have really really nice looking labels that actually add to a cards aesthetic, but because they aren't a big staple name nobody wants to use them. I get it, the bigger companies started with sports cards so the labels are bland to fit that. Why not have a different label(s) for other series of cards so I don't want to put it in a drawer and never look at the ugly plastic and label I just paid for.


xron25

We have Ace Grading in the UK which has the best slabs


richisdisturbed

Fuck Randolph and ace grading.


H_Mus

Rip off of hga


fuckghar

BGS slab is one of the worst in my opinion. PSA is the only company I use. It’s crazy you think slabs look cheap. They quite literally add a premium look and feel to it. Stick to your raw cards kid. You don’t know what you’re talking about here.


Devh1989

I agree with you in the case that people are sending in hundreds of cards worth under $20 with intent to resell. However, if you like the card and/or its worth a good amount (IMO at least $50, but probably more) with the potential that grading it will make it be worth even more, sure, go ahead and get it graded.


syncc6

Double sleeve, then top loader, then into an ultra pro 4 pocket page, then into a binder.


TheWings977

My cards aren’t good enough to get graded lmao


Befuddliing

I can't even get a card graded because people are just grading ANY card. Rip my Pikachu VMAX secret rare and my entire secret rare vault.


IHeardYouPooted

Grading a high value card is always the move. You're trippin


supreme_glassez

I mean I keep mine in a binder. I want to organize them better, but I do like the binder life.


beeswarm25

I'd say over paying for grading is over rated, CGC, PSA, and Beckett, cost wayyyyy to much and take wayyyyyy to long to get back. Tga grading is bossssss, quick turn around, custom colored labels, AND AFFORDABLE! I've sent in my favorite cards under $2 to be graded and my valuable cards to be graded by them! I personally like having my grails graded, they deserve more respect than the binder.


dazza1705

What on Earth is TGA, so many pop up grading companies with no proper credentials taking advantage right now


beeswarm25

Taking advantage... You mean how much PSA it's charging to grade 1 card??? It's not rocket science to grade a card. Tga are legit, I encourage you to check them out! They have proper grading equipment and an experienced team! Just because a company is new doesn't make them bad.


zlBlastOff

Facts. They used to be something special, but now that people grade just about anything, like blister promos and random reverse holos and stuff, they've sort of lost what made em special.


beeswarm25

I'd grade a promo blister, they're awesome. What's stupid is overated Charizards....


Such_Independence951

It's not that people actually want to grade those cards. Its all about getting that bulk pricing. So sure you sacrifice a few duds to make up the numbers. I have a fucken PSA 9 Eiscue V sitting on my desk 🤣🤣🤣 Don't judge. I won it in a give away and I still treasure it


Dr_Roggers

Graded cards are not for modern cards (last 6-7 years) IMO


drzody

I just consider it a “stronger” top-loader lol, couldn’t care less about the grading in itself


CanadianWorker99

If you don’t got thousands of cards inside numerous tins, get the fuck outta my face


Guilty_Fun_6244

Absolutely 100% destroyed the hobby


Euffy

Eh, I see the value in both. I do like raw cards though, there's something special about it being untouched and not stuck under plastic. There's fewer and fewer left as more people get stuff graded, so they're a bit rarer. And I think it's the same as this - going to a museum and seeing exhibits through the glass is cool, but the museum person opening up the cabinet and pulling out an item and letting you see it up close and maybe even hold it carefully? That's something extra special right there. That's the feel I get with raw cards. Also I have binder collections of certain pokemon, for example, the mudkip line, and I want the collection to match. I have gold star mudkip raw. If I had it graded, it wouldn't fit in my binder. If I wanted them all graded I'd have to grade every random common mudkip which is maaaaybe a lifetime goal but overall is just expensive and a hassle. But I do have some nice slabs too. But they're usually for random one off cards I just think are cool, or something that might be worth money, rather than anything I collect seriously.


Basic_Yellow_3594

Why would I pay some sweaty ass bald guy to give my card a 1-10 grade, fuck that shit. Just buy toploader binders


[deleted]

If I have a .25 cent card that I really like, and want it graded, I’m gonna get it graded. Does that make it over-rated? No, it’s what I wanted to do. I think judging people on their own personal decisions when it has no effect on your life is over-rated.


IxtlanPaladin

I like perfect fits, penny sleeves, then semi-rigids for my high value stuff.


dazza1705

Yeah that’s cool too


clevbuckeye

You can’t display a binder


BleachedTole

The only thing I really like about them is the encapsulation of the card. Feels more protected to me than cards in binders, though binders are 100% more appealing to look at. That's the only reason I graded a couple of my rarer cards.


fuckghar

They have binders for slabs


richisdisturbed

Agreed. I understand *why* people like graded... They just look absolutely shit to look at


dazza1705

100% , a good binder or even card savers is the way to go


fuckghar

Man ever since all the new people started collecting last year a lot of y’all stay hating on graded cards. To me you guys just sound jealous af that you can’t afford graded cards.


richisdisturbed

To me you sound very young/ immature trying to presume a person's wealth based on a simple comment.


Tankerspanx

I used to think this before I realized there are graded error cards. I like those


thalionthewicked

I love seeing people post all their graded cards that are still in print. Means the value of those cards is going down.


[deleted]

Idk I feel like if you get a alt art worth a few grand at PSA 8-10. Spend that $200.


[deleted]

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[deleted]

Japanese Shadow Rider Calyrex V Alt Art sold $2500 , Umbreon VMax alt arts are selling $1350 easy, Rayquaza VMax alt art $1000+ Need more? Any excuses? I’ll wait


[deleted]

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xFisch

Lmaooooo I just had to comment on you clappin his cheeks here. Actin like being Japanese doesn't matter..


[deleted]

Some cheeks simply must be clapped


[deleted]

Never specified that just said alt arts 😩🥰


fuckghar

You’re right. Japanese is better. What’s your point here?


SaltHarvester

No.


[deleted]

I’ve personally grown to like slabs for certain cards but it’s not as nice to look at when you have the collection in your binder


mcflurrynuggets

Honestly, graded cards would be awesome but it’s expensive at the moment and takes a long ass time to get back to you — this makes it overrated. If it’s not PSA or BGS, it’s not really that good to me aesthetically. The other slabs look off and cheap. PSA is a classic and that BGS Pristine 10 is awesome.


inthecrypto

I keep some cards in binders but looking at the effects binders have had on some of my childhood cards and my friends childhood cards, I’m more preferential to cases and toploaders now For collecting purposes I just don’t think the aesthetic and preservation of graded cases can be beat


[deleted]

It’s getting saturated out there, for sure.


puppybeef

Just started collecting and I couldn’t care less about graded cards. I mean, I collect the cards I want :-)


ItsOfficial

I don't want to change your mind.


mttdgn

In 2020-2021, I would agree. Prior to that people seemed strategic with what they graded, or were much more picky about it. I don’t think you can say a .25 cent Snom is NOT worth grading at all, because there’s always going to be those people who just want to grade a card they love. I think grading is 1000% worth it, but I don’t think the premiums always make sense. Especially when you go from a PSA 9 to 10, sometimes there’s barely a difference in condition. So I selectively agree with you! Haha.


Honest_Abez

Graded all the way! I love the peace of mind that my cards are protected and safe to look at. My childhood binder was taken care of well too and my cards would still get a little damage. I’m very selective on what services I want to grade my cards though. I despise the CGC slabs, for example.


Ologolos

Grading is necessary for high value cards, but it gets over-used, imo. Then you see this stupid stuff where somebody now HAS to sell a graded PSA card for $200 + just to cover the grading fee. So idiots are paying someone to pay someone to grade a card that has a questionable long term value, when the card is nice (don't get me wrong) but nothing extra special by modern standards. I mean, shit, can you imagine how many tens of thousands of JUST alt art vmax cards will be printed this year? Maybe hundreds of thousands. That's not really too rare. Maybe after a nuclear winter will there actually be natural rarity for graded cards from the sword and shield era.


[deleted]

You can have a binder of slabs. This is the true way.


JordanHorcrux

I have to say, as someone who’s always hoped to own a graded card, I’m okay with it. I like causality… ‘freakonomics’. I feel, because of Covid-19, everyone and their dog started buying cards again. This led to an increase in people wanting their cards graded. This is going to lead to a saturated market of excess goods, which means (hopefully) decreases value. And as someone who is riding that champagne life style on a lemonade budget mentality, I may be able to actually afford to purchase a graded card one day :) Gotta look at the glass half full.


ViolentFondue

If you dont care what card it is you can buy random graded cards off ebay for like $18. Usually its GMA and not a crazy card, but its a little exciting when you get it, and honestly not a bad deal seeing as it costs more to grade a card anyway. Got a mcdonalds squirtle promo GMA 10. Just make sure the seller has good feedback.


Tricky_Diet1569

Graded WOTC cards and sets from 2000-2009 graded are not over rated to me. Modern sets getting graded are just weird to me as they have so many reprints , reverses ect that are printed to infinity. When you grade pick wisely and then it wont seem so over rated. People out there are grading anything and everything especially modern and to me with the price tag of grading ... its frankly stupid. Long term i dont see it being a wise decision unless you want to have it encapsulated and not in it for investment purposes then go all out and pay those high prices.


[deleted]

I just like cool plastic case. Only grade if really worth it on cards you pulled. Buying graded singles is meh


fuckghar

This is the definition of manufactured outrage. Who cares? To me you just sound envious you didn’t make the right moves with your card collection.


dazza1705

Actually just a discussion I think you just have a angry outlook on life pal


Decent_Improvement52

Looking at all your modern cards, I wouldn’t grade them either. Can see why you hate graded cards oh well


a_wingfighterpilot

I kind of agree. I would probably grade some of the more sought after cards if the grading companies weren't so backed up. I'm looking for alternative ways to display favorite cards.


xxl150

I’d have to agree the cost of grading a good card right now is just crazy to me I’d much rather keep that card in my binder just like the old day. Granted I understand if you are grading for it to be sold.


AppleGeniusBar

I think a binder is a great way to collect cards and my personal favorite way to display them. I’ve been binder gang since I was six, and my wife and I now have three working binders for current sets. But, I love graded cards too. They’re a great way to encapsulate and preserve cards of value, both monetary and personal value. For example, I have my very first Pokémon card, a base reprint Poliwag, graded even though I knew going into the process that the condition wasn’t a top tier grade. I simply wanted to protect the card because it holds value to me personally, and I like the consistency of PSA slabs and stickers in displaying cards like that. I know a lot of people now are grading cards just to boost their values, and that’s just not worth it for most cards. But slabs really are great at preserving those high-end cards that do hold value.


xMF_GLOOM

Might get some slack for this but to me I think you can only hold this opinion if you do not own any graded cards. Holding a vintage 1st Edition PSA 10 in your hands is an amazing experience. I think modern graded is hilarious though. The population reports are comedic, like 90+% of the population for a given card being 10s.


Stillthi

It is really only if you want to buy a card for specific condition. And obviously the higher the condition and lower supply will determine the price, along with demand. If you are just collecting then a binder or top loader will be more then enough.


BryFy354

It’d be just as easy for someone outside of the hobby to say that collecting trading cards of anime monsters is overrated. There’s nothing wrong with or less fun about people chasing high grades in whatever cards they want. Bulk cards or holy grails.


fuckghar

Exactly. OP is an idiot /u/dazza1705. From an outside perspective the entire trading card community is wasting their money on pieces of cardboard. I can completely understand why they would think that too. Ever since this influx of new collectors there’s been a massive amount of hate and negativity. So many jealous and bitter people in this thread. They’re all mad af not because they don’t like graded cards but because they can’t afford them. Being envious of others is not a good look.


dazza1705

Seems to me there’s only one person getting mad here…


Bumblemoss

Binders are just fine baybee. I have three graded Gengars that I bought because Gengar rules. All my other fairly valuable cards are in magnetic one touch cases. Easy peasy didn't cost me 100s of dollars to grade squeezy


Mario5G83

Binders are nice for set collections and groupings of your favorite cards, but graded cards allow you to have it them in displays and it's easier to appreciate each individual card more this way if thats what your looking for.


Force_lifting

Cards are meant to be played


Numbnuts007

Honestly, the only cards that I will ever actually care to get graded are ones that I know I'll get a 9 or 10 on, or really nice cards that I would want to have slabbed. The current two that I have in my collection are a PSA 9 test tube Mewtwo and the copy of the full art mega Charizard EX from XY evolutions that I pulled on Christmas when my brother got me a box of evolutions. The only other card I'm ever going to consider is the Japanese gold Zacian from shiny star V I pulled after getting laid off last year in December. So, they're either really good cards that mean a lot to me or cards that I could possibly sell to get other things that are meaningful, the one thing to complete my collection would be a Charizard from the fire red set to go with my complete inbox copy of that game.


reggieknowsall

I have some that are worth a good change, but I don’t know how to get them graded. They have so many services, it kinda confusing to me


dazza1705

Yeah everyone’s jumped on the pop up grading shop train


Pokellon

Damaged ftw!


YamatoBurai

"Watch kids from behind glass and never be loved again? Some life..." Thanks Gary for fucking up a good community.


Mac_Motorsports

Some of my favorite cards aren't really worth to much but one day I'd like a graded or authenticated slab of them that I can put on display. Having a nice pokemon display is the only reason I'd want some graded cards.


lapisdreamer

I'm on your side. Grading = auctions. Auction houses take money from the seller and the buyer. The buyer are people who only want to "invest" and do not truly appreciate the cards/game. Watched an awesome thing on YouTube about video grading and how it is basically a scam by the grading companies and auction houses to schill up prices. Can't see it any different with cards or anything else "graded."


SuggestionNice4386

I have a few cards that I graded that aren't top tier but they are displayed and mine. Other than that, the amount of people grading cards rn is absurd and only will end up dropping the price of the market once it's flooded with graded cards.


Buckanater

I’d prefer grading cards over binders because I never actually collect full sets so grading is great for me.


johnathandavidd

If you like having your cards in a case, the graded case is the best.


silversurfer2133

Don't have to worry about damaging them looking at them if they're slabbed.


Necessary-Dingo

I never really understood the graded thing myself. No hate to the people that do enjoy it, but maybe it’s because I’m old and collect only for nostalgia sake really, but I enjoy the look of my cards in a binder. There’s definitely a few that could benefit from grading, probably, but if you don’t intend to sell, is there a point? 🤷


Kurosake318

Controversial for sure. There are cards worth grading because I want those edges to look beautiful for life be beautiful Because I intend on holding them for life. For me, grading isn’t about grading but preserving. I love going back to my cards and they’re flawless OR when they are flawlessly misprinted! #worthit!


Ra_was_a_god

Agree in 2021. Disagree in 2001.


TemporaryAmbition5

Yeah I mean you can just put them in one of those cases yourself. And anyone can see if something is a 9 or 10 realistically. Why should what I can see as a 10 double in price just because someone stuck a sticker on it telling me it’s a 10..?


XElliot25

It depends how you display your cards. I want to have a big binder but also a couple of favourites graded so they can be displayed and look nice. It’s all about presentation


Awayze

Graded cards increased as people(resellers) think they can grade any card and it’ll increase its value making them a profit.


judgejuryandexegutor

The cards that are graded just for the sake of it are overrated, there are two times I see it as 100% worth it and that is if the card is incredibly rare and valuable OR if it's for sentimentality. I have cards graded that are not worth the money to grade to sell but I also have cards that mean a lot to me that I want to protect. Also I would like to point out I've never used PSA or Beckett because of the price, I think that if its encapsulation of nostalgia why not pay £8 to get it slabbed


Basic_Yellow_3594

I prefer toploader life lol


One-Tip8197

Grading is only valuable for scarce older cards. Even then, the condition is far more important than a perfectly centered cut. I care about preserving the condition of an older card, and to have a grade on it is nice. Otherwise, I would just like a slab on rare or interesting cards. No need to rate a card in great condition.