Why I Don’t Use PSA (or others) and Prefer SGC: A Collector’s Perspective

Hey there, fellow card enthusiasts! It’s Ken, and today I want to talk about a topic that might ruffle a few feathers in the collecting community. Yep, “why I prefer SGC over PSA for my card grading needs”.

So…grab a cup of coffee (or some Evan Williams bourbon egg nog….) and let’s dive into it.

The PSA Conundrum

First, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: PSA. Widely considered the industry standard, PSA has its fair share of loyalists. But let’s be honest – grading with PSA has some significant downsides.

Long Turnaround Times: Ever sent a card to PSA? If you have, you’ll know that waiting for your graded card to come back can feel like an eternity. We’re talking several months (at times). Imagine waiting that long only to find out your card didn’t get the grade you hoped for? Talk about a buzzkill. And get this – the long wait isn’t necessarily due to inefficiency. I wouldn’t be surprised if Collectors has let PSA know that it’s okay to take longer and charge more to keep up the guise of PSA being more “elite.” But that’s just a load of BS. (My opinion)

High Fees: PSA ain’t cheap. Their grading fees can be pretty steep, especially when you’re dealing with high-value cards.  I love my cards, but I’m not about to take out a second mortgage to get them graded. On top of that, PSA is notorious for its upcharges. If your card is deemed more valuable than initially expected, they slap on an additional fee. It’s like finding out your favorite restaurant charges extra for breathing their air. I don’t think that’s cool at all, PSA.

Basic Grading Labels: PSA labels are, well, basic. They provide a single numerical grade and that’s it. No detailed sub-grades, which some other companies, like Beckett (BGS), offer. It’s like getting a report card with just one grade – doesn’t exactly give you the full picture. And speaking of Beckett, we’ll be publishing a separate article about the mess BGS is in later. If Beckett does go under, Collectors will truly own the grading market. Then what? I can’t stand to think about it.

Card Movement in the Case: Some collectors have reported that cards can move slightly within a PSA slab due to the mounting process. It’s usually not a big deal, but it can be mega-annoying knowing your prized card is jostling around in there.

Aesthetic Appeal: I’ll be blunt – PSA labels are boring. They lack the visual appeal and detail that some collectors (myself included) prefer. It’s like putting a masterpiece in a bland, plastic frame.  You can argue that doing it this way makes THE CARD the center of attention. But that’s not what I want…  I want the Card, the Slab, and the Grade to make people admire it.  To protect it, sure, but also to make people want what I have.

Enter SGC

A Quick Look at some of SGC Graded Cards:

Now, let’s talk about why I prefer SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) and why I think they deserve more love in the hobby.

Faster Turnaround: SGC is often praised for its significantly faster grading times than PSA. Sellers looking to turn around their inventory quickly, this is a huge advantage. No more waiting for months on end.  What you get from SGC in STANDARD turnaround time, would cost you HUNDREDS of extra dollars to PSA to get it back “express”

Here’s the best example I can give:

1. Dec 3rd -My latest SGC submission was started online for 10 cards.
2. Dec 6th SGC emailed me confirming receipt.
3. Dec 12th, I checked my app, and the autographs were graded.
4. Dec 13th I received my card grades and an email that my cards had been mailed back.

And this was the STANDARD service…at $16 per card.  So, add $2.50 per card to ship it to SGC and and another $2.50 for them to ship it back…that puts my total card grading investment FOR AN ELITE SERVICE at $21 per card and a 10 day turn around.

PSA would have charged me $75 per card BEFORE SHIPPING for a 10-day turn around.  That’s not “superior service” that’s robbery and, in my opinion, a bit of an ethical issue.  If they are that successful and charge that much…get MORE GRADERS.  GET BETTER TURN AROUND TIMES.  (Unless of course, there is really a conspiracy… More on that in a bit)

Cost-Effective: SGC generally has lower grading fees, especially when you’re submitting large quantities of cards. For a collector on a budget (like me), this is a big win. More money for cards, less for grading fees – sounds like a good deal to me.

Stricter Grading Standards: Some collectors believe that SGC is more critical when it comes to evaluating minor flaws on a card. This means their grading might be more accurate and stringent, which is great if you’re looking for that extra assurance of quality.

Market Recognition and Subjective Grading: Sure, PSA is widely recognized, and many buyers might value a PSA slab more than an SGC slab. But here’s the kicker – grading is subjective. Variations can occur even between different graders within the same company. So, why not go with a company that offers better service and value?

SGC’s Superior Slabs: Let’s take a moment to appreciate the aesthetics of SGC slabs. In my opinion, SGC’s slabs are the best looking in the industry. They have a sleek, black design that makes the cards pop and adds a touch of elegance to any collection. The clarity of the plastic is top-notch, and the labels are detailed and visually appealing. It’s like framing a piece of art in a high-end gallery – it just looks right.

The Collectors Universe Conspiracy

Now, here’s where it gets interesting – and a bit suspicious. Collectors Universe, the parent company of PSA, recently acquired SGC. Different brands, same ownership.

So, why acquire SGC?

Market Dominance: Collectors Universe already owns PSA, the leading grading company. By acquiring SGC, they further solidify their dominance in the grading market. It’s like playing Monopoly and buying up all the prime properties – you win either way.

Vintage Card Expertise: SGC is renowned for their expertise in grading vintage sports cards. By acquiring SGC, Collectors Universe can tap into this knowledge and appeal to a broader customer base.

Customer Base Expansion: With SGC under their wing, Collectors Universe can attract customers who prefer SGC’s grading standards and reputation. It’s a clever way to cover all bases.

Operational Synergies: Combining SGC’s operations with Collectors’ existing infrastructure could lead to cost savings and improved efficiency. More profit, less hassle – what’s not to love?

So, what’s my issue?

Many collectors, especially the baseball card and sports card “bros,” talk down SGC and swear by PSA. But Collectors pulled a fast one here. If some prefer SGC for price, turnaround times, slab appeal, etc., Collectors wins either way.

It’s a bit suspicious, don’t you think? By owning both companies, Collectors can control a significant portion of the market, benefiting from the strengths of each brand. It’s a smart move, but it does make you wonder about their true intentions.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, collecting is about personal preference. For me, SGC ticks all the boxes – faster turnaround times, cost-effective grading, and stricter standards. Plus, I just prefer the look and feel of their slabs.

I want to make it clear that I’m not anti-PSA; I’m just pro-SGC as the premier grading service. PSA does nothing for me, and every time I hear a collector say, “I grade with SGC for my PC but PSA for sale,” it infuriates me.

Why? It’s better looking, it’s cheaper, it’s quicker, it’s stricter. Why in Hank Aaron’s sweet, sweet name do you prefer PSA then??!! USE SGC and PUSH SGC, and you will change the stigma. And those are the MAIN reasons I use SGC:  Price, Speed, and Quality. 

Doing something just because it was like that or has always been done that way is just more BS. Take risks. Stop following.

Lastly, I can understand people’s trepidation with certain “pop up” card companies going under. Just look at CGA and the issues they’re having. You can find info on their Facebook page reference below.

It’s a poop show: they went from telling people they weren’t going to make it, to waking up the next day saying they “fired their PR guy” for even letting them post it…??!! As the leader, you were responsible. Those were your words, Jeromy. You’re where the buck stops. So, great leadership. I’ve never seen a company act like a crazy, bi-polar girlfriend…until now.

So, while PSA might be the popular choice, don’t sleep on SGC. They offer a lot of value, and with Collectors Universe owning both, it’s clear they see the potential too.

Happy collecting, and remember – it’s the journey, not just the destination, that makes this hobby so rewarding.