If purchasing singles, I think grading ensures you reduce some variability in what you’re receiving. However, for cards you pull from a pack and you intend to keep, why do you grade? I ask this question since in the current environment it seems like there’s a few factors working against making grading worthwhile:
**1. Cost:**the card condition doesn’t change just because someone grades it so you’re paying for a subjective #. I suppose you could be paying for the slab / protection itself but not sure I buy that given some anecdotes I read.
2. Inconsistent Grading: if the # itself is why you grade then does the subjectivity and inconsistent grading standards bother you?
3. Damage and Aesthetic Risks: while this is just anecdote and horror stories are what you’ll hear highlighted online, there is a real risk of your card being damaged. If not damaged, it’s nearly guaranteed that there is some level of aesthetic issues with the case. There is likely going to be dust stuck inside. You have a case that can/will get scratched or have other imperfections. If you use a toploader, you can remove and put in a new one. It’s stuck forever (other than paying and risking re-casing) in a slab. Why this process seems so terrible from these grading companies is beyond me but I digress.
4. Difficult to Store: difficult might be the wrong word but it’s certainly going to take up more space than a cardsaver or toploader, let alone a binder (but that’s not the same level of protection).
5. Delay: the long, long delay on receiving your cards back means you will be without for a long time and can’t enjoy your cards for that period.
I recently got back into the hobby and have a lot of cards that are without a doubt worth grading for resale value. I keep coming back to some or all of the above and can’t make myself spend the time, money and effort to grade. I just don’t get it.
For me specifically, the protection is why I would grade. While the slabs are big, I do like the protection they provide, especially a company like BGS that sleeves first. However, why in the hell do I want to pay and wait for someone to rush through the process and return a card that’s in a case with imperfections, maybe placed in there crooked and perhaps even damaged to boot. I could be overstating the risk though? I do wish one of the grading companies really stood behind a flawless slabbing process. Something that did a better job removing the risk of damage, dust/debris, perhaps included some sort of slab cover that could be replaced and ensured your slab didn’t get scratched. It seems like such an afterthought for them.
Anyhow, I’ll get off my soap box.
I’m curious why folks who don’t plan on selling decide to grade their cards. Do you think any of my points are completely off base? Do you think any of it should be addressed by the grading companies?