My long opinion on grading.

[@MarksDodgersCards]

Nice video Jason! I grade for basically three reasons: (1) authenticate card, (2) preserve card, (3) test my eye for grading, (some cards I want to display look better in a holder along with others. I don't grade too much, but like you I have a mix of both. One thing about Beckett - the older slabs have subgrades for vintage and I think their standards are much stronger with the older Beckett slabs than more recent ones, just from my anecdotal observations. Agree to be good deals to be had on some of those!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Thanks for watching Mark! I do think the sub grades are a nice feature, that I forgot to mention. Thanks so much for watching my friend!

[@markstein1916]

They've severely moved the goalposts with 3rd Party Grading. Yesterday's 5 is today's 3. It sorta renders the whole thing useless. Fully agree with you that PSA = pure insanity. Appreciate your takes, and keep up the great work!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Thanks Mark! I am hoping this video is just a helpful base education for those just getting into the hobby.

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts on grading, Jason. Hope you have a great rest of your weekend.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@Hodges1455 Thanks Brian! It was a long one and I don’t typically throw my opinion out there too often. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@OC-MC_Joe]

Well said and great overview! Don't really differ on anything you said. Looking forward to your live you mentioned in the video before this one.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Thanks brother! I think we share a lot of the same opinions when it comes to the hobby. We need to catch up, give me a call.

[@Redneckclector]

Great job Jason! I enjoyed your breakdown and hearing your thoughts. You are spot on with the fact that there is no wrong or right answer, only what is right for you.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@Redneckclector Thanks Joe! I am actually watching your video right now lol!

[@Redneckclector]

@ that’s funny!

[@stevegallo8483]

Great job Jason! To me grading is about personal preference. That means whether or not to grade and what company to use. I personally have not sent any cards to be graded, but I do have some graded cards in my collection. I have slabs from SGC, PSA and Beckett.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Thanks Steve! I agree, at the end of the day it is a personal preference. Having options is a good thing, but I do know it can be confusing for some new collectors.

[@BaseballTimeTraveler]

Excellent, Jason. Very informative. I, like you, grade some of my cards for future family needs. You have such an impressive and expansive collection, my friend. Happy New Year and all the best to you an family.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@BaseballTimeTraveler Thanks Rob! So happy to see you back in action my friend!

[@SouthernCollector14]

Fantastic video Jason. This was so informative, maybe not for the seasoned collectors, but for someone just jumping in the hobby. There are many people in that category. I was one of them a few years back. I would have loved a video like this one. I see people post these type questions on collector Facebook groups I’m following. I will send them to this video. Great job my friend

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@SouthernCollector14 Thanks Tony! That was the goal. To help newer collectors who may find grading to be confusing. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch Tony, it was a long one lol!

[@SouthernCollector14]

@ I thought the time was perfect. It was needed for all that info you were sharing. Mine are very often over 30 minutes long.

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

Very well done, my friend! I think we have a very similar mindset on grading. Your approach to review the grading companies and the industry as you did was awesome! Great video

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@Valuevintagecards-Aaron Thank you sir. I never claimed to be an educator. That being said it’s always good to share a little knowledge for those just getting into the hobby.

[@Godlikecollectibles]

Loved the video Jason, great topic. I agree CGC has the clearest case for sure.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@Godlikecollectibles Thanks for watching Lou! I was pretty long winded doing this one lol!

[@Godlikecollectibles]

@ The topic was good so it didn’t feel long.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Great video, Jason! I love doing submissions and reveals. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting for my grades to pop with SGC! I also think it's the quickest and easiest way to add value to my collection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, my friend!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Thanks brother! I typically don’t offer my opinion too often, but I often get asked about grading from new collectors or people who want to pursue grading. I figured I may as well throw it out there.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Great informative video Jason. Lots of important information.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@thedetroitcollector Thanks Eric! Once in a while it’s good to get a little information out for those not as familiar with the in’s and out’s of the hobby.

[@diamondgems45]

Enjoyed it Jason. Looking forward to the Live event.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@diamondgems45 Thanks Bruce! Excited for the live. Should be a good time.

[@peterb4871]

Nice video Jason. I have never sent a card off to be graded, but I’m thinking to start. SGC would be my choice.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@peterb4871 Peter you have an amazing collection! All of your prewar cards would look fantastic in the tux my friend. Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@stuke1976]

Great video, Jason! Good stuff.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@stuke1976 Thanks Scott!

[@vintageonvintage817]

Hey Jason, Very informative video for those who are not familiar with the grading process. Think you know my stance on grading, I enjoy sending cards in and prefer cards I really want to add to be graded. I like the way they look in slabs and eventually it will make it easier on my family when I am gone. The only real drawback is it can eat into your hobby budget.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@vintageonvintage817 Yes sir! I enjoy sending cards in for the exact same reasons. Let’s be honest, it’s fun!

[@JayAvgVintageCollector]

Excellent video breaking down grading for people who may not know. I prefer graded cards for some of my cards and ungraded for others in my collection. Pretty much, I look for graded for my player runs, HOF runs, and big cards. The player runs are just my preference to showcase them. The HOF runs and bigger cards are to protect myself from those people that are out there trying to scam people. Thanks for the video and thanks for sharing!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@JayAvgVintageCollector Great insight Jay. I agree with everything you stated. Grading helps protect the buyer especially the newer buyer. Thanks so much for supporting my channel Jay.

[@thedrewavintagelegacy6455]

You know I’m primarily a raw collector so all I can add is nice stands!😁 Seriously though I like your approach and thoughts. I find no matter where someone lands on grading topics there always seems to be people on the other side of the topic that gets wound up and angry be the world doesn’t see life through their eyes. It’s hard to approach this subject online but I thought you did a great job.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@thedrewavintagelegacy6455 Thanks Drew! I think the one point I try to drive home with new collectors is do what makes you happy as long as you can afford it. Grade it, don’t grade it, at the end of the day we are all collectors and this is supposed to be fun.

[@mtflesch2002]

This is great. Thanks JJ

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@mtflesch2002 Thanks Mike! I thought it would be helpful to those considering grading for the first time.

[@RipFan8]

Hi Jason. This was an excellent video on this topic. I really enjoyed your thoughts and opinions. I am similar in a lot of ways with how you grade. Thanks for sharing my friend, talk soon pal.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@RipFan8 Thanks Stephen! Once in a while I like to throw my opinion out there and also try to help those who are not as familiar with grading. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@The_Cincinnati_Kid]

Jason- well done. Very concise review. If nothing else this is a classic business example that it pays to be there first in PSA’s case. If I were to add one thing, I’d say SGC is preferable although not better than PsA for prewar cards. Personally, I don’t want to own a slabbed prewar card if it isn’t in an SGC slab. I totally agree with you on the upcharge for PSA when it hits a price threshold. That’s a highway ripoff. I do look for Beckett slabs. I’ve only once cracked one and sent the card to SGC. Only because it was sealed crooked in the Beckett slab and it had little eye appeal that way. Thanks for taking the time to share this vid!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@The_Cincinnati_Kid Thanks CK! I had a friend who is somewhat new to the hobby asking about grading, so I figured I would make a video.

[@The_Cincinnati_Kid]

@ well you did a good job. I learned something new. We can always learn from someone else’s perspective. So thanks again.

[@mtflesch2002]

When I looked at all me and my brothers cards, I thought I was going to be rich haha. Lots of good knowledge being dropped here. Thanks!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@mtflesch2002 Thanks Mike! We all thought we were gonna be rich from the cards of that era, they just overproduced the heck out of them.

[@scootscollectibles]

Listened to this while walking the dog. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts about grading and I'm with you other than not buying them. I really wont' buy a lot of graded cards. I have a couple of graded cards that I'm actually thinking of cracking out, but will keep the flip in the top loader for when the time comes I know what it was graded at. Is that stupid?!?! I asked myself about 1K but keep chickening out LOL. Take care!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@scootscollectibles Actually I never thought of that. Cracking them and keeping the flip. I don’t think it’s stupid. If you think you are going to enjoy them more ungraded then absolutely do it. Don’t let the opinion of others dictate how you enjoy the hobby. Thanks for listening Mike, it was a long one lol.

[@vintagecardssteve8582]

Nice thoughts on Grading Jason. I am the same as you. I welcome graded cards into my collection but at the same time I do not think I will ever really send cards in to get graded. I understand the sale value of the card goes way up, but something about it all seems like such a scam for me to justify sending in the cards. Lol. I honestly prefer ungraded. Really like all the cards you shared but that Enos Slaugher on the 53 Bowman Color and the Devin Hester RC are my favorites. Enjoyed.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@vintagecardssteve8582 Thanks Steve! We have very similar views. I love that you noticed me sneaking in my Devin Hester rookie card lol!

[@ACD1994]

Jason, I think you did a really good job with this video! You present an out line, for both the pros and cons of grading, and why to grade, or not to grade. It is interesting to me though, that so many people on KZbin tend to take such an extreme position. With either, yes, grading is the greatest thing to happen in our hobby, or the worst lol. When the truth falls in the middle, imo. I've been meaning to ask you, however and maybe you will consider this as a video topic to make? But what are some of your tips and advice to people who not only have not made their first video, but also, do not have the super expensive high end cards? I watched a lot of the top 25 favorite cards videos. Most of them based on monetary value. Maybe there's a lot more of ''us'' (everyday collectors) I don't know how to stand out since there are so many museum like quality collections, which have most of the attention?...I didn't mean to make this such a long comment, my bad!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@ACD1994 Awesome idea Andrew! I was actually thinking about that when you and I were on a live the other day and I mentioned that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have an amazing collection. My next video will cover this topic. You may even get a shout out lol!

[@ACD1994]

@@EverydayCardCollector-Jason Yeah. Well I only have 33 subs lol. It may, not be about the numbers, and maybe it isn't, but I don't want to make videos, just for the sake of being able to make videos, you know? I already make my comments for that, haha.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@ Are you making videos? I didn’t even know that! I will sub now!

[@ACD1994]

@@EverydayCardCollector-Jason No...I am not. Sorry for the confusion. But I am thinking of maybe recording my first video...soon-ish. Any shout out or motivation helps. Thanks Jason.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@ I think that is absolutely amazing! You are so well loved in this community, your channel will blow up. Do you have an email address? I can shoot you my number and we can chat on the side.

[@CRTSportscards]

You aren't wrong there on when it comes to looking at that grading order total and then deciding its not worth it. I have done the exact same thing!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@CRTSportscards I love collecting so typically building my collection will always be a priority over grading cards. Thanks so much for watching and commenting, I really do appreciate it.

[@SPICY_BEAR]

I like Beckett slabs too, for the same reason - they tend to be a better deal! 🙂

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@SPICY_BEAR Beckett slabs for the win Dan!

[@whitesoxfancardcollector]

Great thoughts Jason. I might say investing in the cards of the 2023-2025 White Sox may be the wrong way to collect. 🤣😭

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@whitesoxfancardcollector I would agree. Typically the word investing does not line up with ultra modern lol.

[@whitesoxfancardcollector]

@; I’m happy you found the humor in it. Great video. Are you going to the Schaumburg show today?

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@whitesoxfancardcollector I am sitting on the coach right now debating that very topic lol. I will text you.

[@CollectingMaddux1987]

I like CGC, they also do autograph authentication now after buying out JSA. Similar to you, I don't grade much but I do like to for autographs. Again, mainly for authentication for when my kids take over my collection

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@CollectingMaddux1987 the CGC slabs do look the best. I did forget to mention that they are part of JSA. Thanks for watching Allen!

[@chrisolivo6591]

I like grading because the card is encapsulated and authenticated, but i take the grade with a huge grain of salt. My motto is ‘buy the lowest grade with the best eye appeal.’ That’s where grading works to my advantage in terms of saving my hobby dollar. I find so many vintage undergraded PSA 2,3, and 4’s with great centering and nice eye appeal. I also find modern PSA 9’a that look like 10’s for a much cheaper price. I wish the hobby gravitated back in the day to just authentication of a card and there was no grade. I think the high grades have pushed up the prices on cards we never saw during the days of Raw cards. But the grade is here to stay so you have to play the game.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@chrisolivo6591 I agree with your approach 1000%! That is exactly how I feel. I think a lot of the collectors are starting to lean on eye appeal and not the number which is a good thing. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment with your thoughts. Very well said my friend!

[@whitesoxtom2657]

I like SGC for vintage and PSA for modern best looking slabs are tag just hasn't caught on yet

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@whitesoxtom2657 I have seen the TAG slabs, and your right Tom they are nice looking. I wanted to stick of the big 4, only because it can get very confusing for those just getting into grading. Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@eddyscardboardchaos]

I think we think alike on a lot of this stuff. I pretty much could have written this script.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@eddyscardboardchaos Thanks Eddy! The hobby is supposed to be fun. So do what you want to do with your Monet as long as you gain enjoyment within the hobby. Sometimes we get way too serious.

[@5714Collector]

Hi Jason, I am slowly getting some of my cards graded. I have a couple of Nolan Ryan's I want to submit at the next Chantilly show. Do you mail your cards directly to SGC and/or PSA. If so, do you insure them.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@5714Collector Thanks Jim! I do insure my package when I send directly to SGC. My buddy sends to PSA for me, but when he does I give him a declared value of my cards for insurance reasons.

[@BradleyBenjamin]

🐻 ⬇️#23🐐

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@BradleyBenjamin Love it! Thanks for watching Bradley! Snuck my Devin Hester rookie card into this video lol.

[@markstein1916]

Grading... Huh! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing (say it again).

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Lol! I can respect that opinion for sure. Thanks for watching Mark!

[@blixcards]

Nice breakdown, and especially good auto tips at the end... SGC won't upcharge anything after 2000, I sent several cards over $5K including a Topps Chrome Ohtani auto that was $10K+ and had no upcharge. They did upcharge a Leaf Jackie Robinson last year though... I graded 1500+ cards with SGC last year but it drove me back to PSA and I will only go back for specific cards and reasons. I re-joined the Collector's Club (which nobody has to join) that gets you exclusive monthly deals and everyday bulk discounts and I'll be grading bulk with them monthly to bi-monthly from now on. But then again I just became a card dealer the last few years without meaning to! It's my job right now. You do not have to pay a fee to grade with PSA by the way. The tiers are an issue though, but send in at lower and some squeeze by. SGC will avoid that entirely. PSA's greediness and knowledge of being #1 allows them a bigger piece of the pie when we sell PSA cards. I don't agree with tiers either unless it's a mega vintage card. PSA or SGC snobbery doesn't make sense to me though. You absolutely MUST adhere to and study each company's grading scale because they have major differences - and that 100% has to be part of the strategy. Another option that is sneaky though is grading a card or two through Gamestop or send direct-to-grading through COMC. The prices are fair and shipping home is far cheaper. Very worthwhile option to look into and I've done very well with it. SGC is grading through COMC at $16 a card by the way and I had 2 1966 Venezuelans come back graded 10 days before the target date! Granted I believe I was literally the 1st two cards they received through COMC haha... Enjoyed the video Jason!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@blixcards This is awesome information my friend! So much stuff I am not familiar with like sending through game stop or comc. I have had a few friends send some cards to PSA and sneak them in at a lower tier, but they are starting to get wise to it, from what I hear. Thanks so much for the detailed information. I love learning new things within the hobby.

[@blixcards]

@@EverydayCardCollector-Jason Oh it's 50/50 with PSA at least catching stuff. Sometimes they just let it slide though. But for the record, it's usually a good thing when you get the call from PSA, it means you have one nice card there! However, if it's a card you just want to keep and not sell until your will kicks in - that's where it kind of kills your buzz. That's where I think PSA is overstepping and being greedy. But just like the distributers in the hobby, they want a bigger cut of profits and in their defense (VERY slightly), they almost have to assume every card is graded to be sold immediately. It just sucks for us because it's a situation where you got the card at a great price, but putting extra money into it dilutes the good deal somewhat. I get that and that's why I had to avoid upcharges by grading all of my biggest modern PC cards at SGC. I couldn't have afforded to do it with PSA!

[@CleanCheapShots]

This is always an interesting topic. You said it well at the beginning, "there is no right or wrong." There are a few reasons why I grade cards and specifically with PSA. 1) Protection - It some odd way, I want to preserve history; 2) I want my family to have a better idea of what my collection is worth. I believe you covered that as well; 3) Competition (AKA: The Set Registry). I like to compete and it is fun to see if I can move up the ranks. I agree that the grader is just giving you his opinion. I compare them to a referee or an umpire. They are just giving you their opinion on the call as well. Really no different. As to the grading companies: I agree that CSG has a great looking slab. Very nice and clear. I don't use Beckett, but I did like when they gave sub grades. That was a nice feature. For vintage, I only use PSA. SGC has the worst looking slabs in my opinion. I don't like the font and they are heavier and bulkier than PSA. However, they have great customer service from my understanding where PSA has the worst. Lastly, something many don't talk about is the magazines that you get from PSA when you pay the membership fee. I have been able to pay for my grading submissions from the money I make off of selling their magazines. I get them graded and then flip them. In the end, I am sure I am not breaking even, because of the number of submissions I send in, but I don't pay much for grading anymore. Great topic. Again, no right or wrong...just opinions.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@CleanCheapShots Love your thoughts on this topic Drew! I was not aware of the PSA magazine, and you are right I have not heard others mention it. Thanks for the info my friend. I know it’s cliche, but I think sometimes we take the hobby way too serious. Collect what you want, grade what you want. It’s your money and if it enhances your hobby experience than it’s a good thing.

[@CleanCheapShots]

@@EverydayCardCollector-Jason Thanks Jason. Appreciate the opportunity to throw my thoughts out there.

[@marksantucci4230]

If a video is exciting I give creators over 20 minute mark. Ive seen cards graded very bad about 4 years ago or so I was watching Mike Baseball collector's friend show Lexi Lafienere rookies 9 of them were graded a 9 or a 10 1 of them was graded a 2 hello how horrible that grade was? recently a Wil Chamberlin was graded a 9 there were lot's of things wrong with that card I was watching Jeremy Lee's live stream we both think that card is a 6!!! that makes sense I agree 1,000 percent I would rather buy more cards than get cards graded. nice Jiminez , nice Campy , sweet Eddie Matthews , nice Bill Mazeroski , nice 1953 Enos Slaughter , Devin Hester , around the 28 minute mark your very correct for psa to charge based on the condition insane ? so if a card is 500.00 or so they don't charge 17.00 they charge I think a 100 or so not sure? I think some people like to know a grade say for example you have a 1974 Bench you can say the card is an 7 somebody else can say it's a 5 or a 6 at the end of the day it's your card but what there saying is you might think a card is a 7 you might think your correct but they also could be correct. Now we all can tell the difference between a 4 and an 8 , as well as a 2 and a 9 a 1 and a 6!! but it's hard to tell the difference between an 8 and a 6 or a 9 and a 7 or so. what do you think about these cards say a 1975 Jim Rice rookie a 1972 of number 21 jersey 21 not card 21 not the Braves team card a 1973 Carlton Fisk 1974 Cecil Cooper 1972 Jim Hunter 1971 of Mr. October 1977 of Dennis Eckersley 1978 George Brett 1978 of Mike Schmidt a 1975 of Nolan Ryan 1983 Rickey Henderson 1985 of Cal Ripken 1984 of Wade Boggs 1981 Alan Trammell 1982 Paul Molitor 1984 Dwight Gooden are any of these cards worth getting graded? I see you have newer cards graded is it worth having cards graded say a 1989 Mattingly or a 2004 Yadier Molina somebody was saying that newer cards are either going to be an 8 , 8.5 , a 9 or a 9.5 so no reason to get a modern card graded, that same person was saying if I have an 1964 Yaz as an example that card can be in any condition so they have older cards graded. my take after seeing thousands of cards I can figure out the grades for me i'm not a fan of grading all my cards are in hard plastics , sheets and binders, one touches and a couple of snap it's.

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

@@marksantucci4230 Thanks so much for watching Mark. I love the list of cards, if they are worth being graded, I believe that’s up to the individual collector. I lean towards your opinion of grading. I really like a simple one touch for display purposes. I do buy graded cards, but the number is simply an opinion. If the cards meets my standards and fits my eye then I will buy it. I have sent off for grading and I’m sure I will do it again in the future, but I typically I would rather spend my money on building my collection rather than grading cards.