PSA Upcharge Rant: Higher Prices, Longer Turnaround times, Upset Collectors

[@mookiechillson]

Nice thumbnail! The up-charge trap is real! I think one thing this does is further cement PSA as the premium brand in relation to SGC, which is something Graig was predicting three months ago. It’s just not good for collectors.

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks for the help with the naming! Your awesome! Yes I agree, if you have one card that is $75 for grading and another that is $15…. Makes you think about price for that card. Can’t even imagine when ppl crack and resubmit! Thanks for the comment!

[@scottmaz2428]

Awesome video my friend. Deep Thoughts. PSA is brutal. Enjoyed

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks Scott, I agree they want too much of the pie! Thanks for watching!

[@AdamJUlrey]

Dude just watched the bench clear media you did with Mike I couldn’t agree with you more great job and way to not back down I pay 8.80 for CGC and love it I love the slabs so like Mike said them don’t use PSA so that’s what I do I use CGC and SGC and do MAG PRO for stuff I want slabbed with not a ton of value ….i hate PSA

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks man, I appreciate the support and encouragement! 😀

[@Valuevintagecards-Aaron]

Great topic, my friend. I have a lot of ungraded cards because I often view the tradeoff of grading fees vs new cards as being an easy choice for new cards. Great discussion!

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks for sharing! I totally get it, only so much budget to go around! Thanks for the kind words and watching!

[@Bluejacket66]

“We do need your approval in order to proceed with the adjustments, but if you do not agree to them then we will have to return them raw and with the original grading fee applied” 😂😂😂 Collectors Universe continues to absolutely laugh in the face of their customers and will continue to come up with new gimmicks to continue the screw…. I haven’t sent a card to PSA in 10 years and on my word, never will again unless it’s an absolutely vital reholder

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

I approve of this message and agree wholeheartedly. I would only like to add… “F THEM”😂

[@ClementeCollector]

Dave, LMAO! I tread that and thought similar, I’m so glad you wrote that! Best comment I’ve read! I don’t blame you, thanks for watching!

[@MrFisherbike]

1000000% agree Dave

[@TJ_Is_Online]

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC 👍

[@TJ_Is_Online]

Well said Dave. Too bad CU acquired SGCNot many options left. I’m hoping that CGC w/ JSA works out to give collectors a viable option.

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi Theo, I appreciate your enlightening me on the up charges from PSA. I buy the occasional graded card but I have never sent a submission to any grading company. It has got to be so expensive that it takes a lot of the joy out of collecting for me. I’ll stick with raw cards for the most part. As usual you provide entertainment and knowledge and I thank you! Best Wishes, Peter

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks Peter, I appreciate that! I enjoy having mine in SGC, as you know. But I don’t grade everything, just my Clemente cards. But if SGC ever went over $20, I’d stop myself. As you said- collect the way that makes you happy!

[@ACD1994]

Thanks for the information, Theo. Some of these collectors will continue to defend and support PSA no matter what. I've seen people say that up charging for their cards, is a good thing. Because it makes the card more valuable. I don't know. Seems crazy to me too, but what do I know.

[@ClementeCollector]

Yeah, that’s how psa gets you! I gave you a good grade, you should be happy! Then hold your card ransom. lol! Thanks for watching!

[@scottspaulding2158]

the up charging is part of why I don't grade. My budget is already so low and to add in the fee plus the up charging seems ridiculous to me.

[@ClementeCollector]

A lot of ppl feel that way now. They are really pushing collectors out. Flippers and modern seem to be doing the most submissions now.

[@CleanCheapShots]

My comments on a live right after the acquisition was that, PSA buying SGC was a bad thing. You never want a monopoly. Competition lowers the prices and motivates companies to do better. That could be through technology, customer service, product services, etc. For those that grade, I think we are in trouble.

[@ClementeCollector]

Yeah, I agree Drew, scary place the grading industry is in right now. I’m not sure CGC and Beckett can push on this gorilla in the room. Thanks for watching!

[@ACollectorsDream]

Thanks for sharing Theo, I’ll stick to SGC.

[@markstein1916]

I'm with you, Orlando! SGC Slabs look much nicer, their prices are better, their turnaround time is far better, their grading is infinitely more consistent, and they are much easier to deal with. It's the ultimate no-brainer!

[@ClementeCollector]

Yes me too!

[@whitesoxfancardcollector]

Great points Theo! I worry that SGC may be forced to change too.

[@ClementeCollector]

Yes me too! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@vintagesanctuary]

Theo, I am grateful we were not up-charged for watching your most excellent rant! 😆👊 On the one hand, some of the PSA charges seem ridiculous to me. On the other hand, having a $500 raw card graded by PSA can make it worth quite a bit more and make it so much more liquid, plus pretty much negate returns from buyers, that I can understand PSA wanting to capture some of that added value, and not give most all of it to the collector. I think SGC's fees are quite reasonable, given the quality of their service and their quick turn-around times. Great video, my collecting brother! 😊👊

[@ClementeCollector]

Haha, I’ll up charge you with hitting the like button 2 extra times! Yeah I get your point, but $75 for a 45 day service, just seems like too far. They just want too much of the pie and they don’t spend enough time on each card and give us grading notes for such a premium cost. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@vintagesanctuary]

@@ClementeCollector Great points! 😊👊

[@hammerforty-four]

Finkle and Einhorn...nuff said. I no longer need any grading company to jerk me around. My collection. My grading. My displays. As soon as Zion or another company gets a vintage slab for the early 50s Topps there really isn't a need to bow to these damn companies. When we quit spending, they'll adjust. Take your collection back.

[@ClementeCollector]

Great points hammer! I think more and more vintage collectors are going that route, once sgc raises prices, it will probably be the rest. You’re right, quit giving them money- is the only answer! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@doug_sports_collector]

Good video Theo, I've had good luck with SGC.

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks Doug! Yes me too, but hopefully they don’t follow suite in up charges!

[@thedrewavintagelegacy6455]

Im going to link thos in the next video i do talking about collecting raw cards

[@ClementeCollector]

Gooo for it! Thanks man!

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. Thanks for sharing, Theo.

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks man!

[@adamscardcloset9020]

Yeah I’ve been hearing rumblings about this. Agree with the comments people have been making

[@ClementeCollector]

Yes, some great comments so far! Thanks for watching Adam!

[@EddieJonier]

I could not let this out of my eyesight I know a guy got his cards.back raw he was very blessed to have them. Ack in his hands he said I guess I got educated not payed after all these years

[@vintagecollector5340]

This is a prime example of what happens when a business gets too big to fail. My problem is that I mostly collect photos and PSA is the only grading company who authenticates them.

[@ClementeCollector]

I agree! Yes, they are the place to go in the photo space. They are also the only company that grades topps coins and bottle caps. It would be great if the other companies did those things also! Thanks for watching!

[@COBRA-ky8qc]

If you think it's not authentic then don't buy it when you send it to PSA you're just getting an opinion and you're paying for it.

[@TheCardHunter]

Good insights

[@ClementeCollector]

Thanks man!

[@LonelyBasementBaseballCards]

Not sure what’s hard to understand. Your paying for a service they can charge what they want. It’s always been a scam. Keep your cards raw. And while we’re at it can someone explain to me what BBCE actually does that adds value?

[@ClementeCollector]

It seems like a lot of collectors are feeling that way these days! Imagine telling someone in 1980, in 2024 we will pay a company $75 to encase a single trading card. Seems crazy to think about. Thanks for watching!

[@AdamJUlrey]

This is why I have no PSA Slabs in my collection I will never use them they don’t give a crap so screw them

[@ClementeCollector]

I totally get it! I showed your slab on my last video! Thanks again man!

[@AdamJUlrey]

@@ClementeCollector you bet and I saw that ...Thank you

[@MrJmangini]

How bout people stop submitting? Any rocket scientist ever consider that?

[@ClementeCollector]

2+2= ummm let me think? Haha

[@homeroscollection]

What happens if the market crashes and that $500 card loses 50% of the value? Do they give you money back?

[@ClementeCollector]

No, because you did the $75 service for 10 days… they will say- whether the card is $10 or $1400, it’s a day service! That’s the big issue is the up charge is a one way street! Thanks for watching!

[@MrJmangini]

You people with your fancy PSA addictions 😂

[@ClementeCollector]

LOL

[@72jmunoz]

psa tramp stamp 😂😂

[@NelsonVaughn1]

I use my local shop for PSA submissions and sometimes I question the upcharge because it’s so high.

[@ClementeCollector]

@@NelsonVaughn1 The threshold is way too low, I really wish they would adjust it. But i doubt it, as it seems like their business is still very strong.

[@concretebuddy59]

Theo, PSA will keep pushing the envelope because we collectors keep handing them our money willingly. SGC will eventually get absorbed into PSA because that's what big companies do when they swallow up smaller ones. I have been through multiple corporate acquisitions in my career, and it's always ended up the same way. By the way, I have a hunch that most of their submissions now are modern cards. If that's true, look for PSA & SGC to start upcharging vintage cards. It's got to be easier to train an employee to grade a modern card than a vintage card. Consequently, the vintage grader will be a more highly paid employee. Just some random thoughts by me. I hope all is going well for you Theo. Nice video.

[@ClementeCollector]

Vintage has been longer lead time and a thorn in psa side. So I could definitely see that! Yeah I hope you’re wrong but I’m leaning your way on what could happen to sgc. Thanks for sharing some great points George!

[@markstein1916]

Hope to God you're wrong, as SGC is the ONLY TPG option I can stomach at this time. Sadly though, I'm afraid you are right.

[@Ewayne2010]

I paid for a 5 day service and I’m on day 7 of waiting with PSA. So breach of contract on their end. Will they refund my money no.

[@ClementeCollector]

That’s a shame! $129 plus shipping I believe, crazy they can’t get the card back in that time frame! Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@mikethesportshistorycollec1947]

I think I'll put that money in to cards and just buy some one-touch holders.

[@ClementeCollector]

Seems like a lot of vintage guys are going that direction! They must be getting soo much modern submissions, which means, even at these prices there future is bright. Thanks for watching!

[@TJ_Is_Online]

What difference does it make? PSA doesn’t care. They are inconsistent & slow when it comes grading. Now they are ruining SGC. They don’t care about us. I’m rooting for CGS / CGC especially after buying JSA

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

I agree with TJ, where ever he is

[@TJ_Is_Online]

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC currently , he is offline.

[@ClementeCollector]

TJ, yeah it definitely feels that way! CGC can’t seem to attract the sports card collectors, only the tcg collectors. I hope you’re right, competition is good!

[@JAMESGTERCOLLECTS2]

PSA has been a scam for years,yet people still trust them,don't get it. PSA stands for Please Send Again!!!!!!

[@ClementeCollector]

That’s a point I didn’t bring up, imagine paying $75 twice for a $500 card! That would be insane but I’m sure it’s happening! I’m wondering when there numbers will go down, the modern collectors seem to be really boosting them up, because a lot of the vintage community is fed up. Thanks for watching!

[@royakard8536]

I never have sent anything in myself. Honestly, I'll just buy a few graded slabs ever so often anyhow. The masses of card collecting is lockstep this direction without a doubt.. That is exactly why I'm not following.. Like I was with the mindless herd in the 90s.. I'd rather have more cards, which could be graded anytime anyhow.

[@ClementeCollector]

All great points! The smart money is always to go opposite of the crowd. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@markstein1916]

Spot-on!

[@threeriverscardcollector5962]

the whole grading scheme is a joke right now, so much so that I'm starting to collect raw again. I'll still use PSA if I'm selling stuff, but if it's PC and I want to grade I'll only use SGC or CGC these days

[@ClementeCollector]

Yeah me too. Shame that some ppl feel PSA or nothing, it’s really giving them so much business right now.

[@markstein1916]

Preach!

[@jpacrylicstudio145]

I refuse to use PSA and repeatedly say it on every video I see that people talk about them and their tactics. They have major issues and instead of fixing them, they buy their biggest competitor that has been gaining on them in a hurry. They also thought that using a new slab would make all of their issues disappear, but their new slab has a flaw that makes it look cracked. I will not cry for their demise, which I think is coming faster than they think.

[@ClementeCollector]

Yes, I saw the crack issue! That’s a real shame! Yea it sucks they bought out there competition, SGC might be changing a lot very shortly, after they see what prices some are willing to pay for grading. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching!

[@kirkt.1596]

Just enjoy the beauty of the card. Why hand your money over to any of those grading companies.

[@ClementeCollector]

I enjoy using SGC for my Clemente cards but $15 is prob my max per card. I do see why it’s attractive to do none and buy more cards! Thanks for watching! 😀

[@markstein1916]

I've been asking that same thing since PSA came into existence!

[@kirkt.1596]

@@ClementeCollector I always enjoy your channel.

[@ClementeCollector]

@@kirkt.1596 thanks so much!

[@reubensnyder4656]

I got uncharged $290 on my last bulk submission. In all it was over $600 to get 10/11 cards graded.. They didn't charge me for on card stating it had to go to psa/dna

[@ClementeCollector]

Wow, $60 a card? That is BS! What a shame!

[@markstein1916]

Quite simply, do not use PSA.... problem solved. Send a message with your wallet, that you do not support monopolies. Especially those that are tone-deaf, inefficient, inconsistent, corrupt and overpriced.

[@ClementeCollector]

Mark I agree, but as you saw in the data, over 800k sports cards graded in May, absolutely insane! I get emails from them to come back, they must need to continue to feed the beast. Thanks for watching!

[@markstein1916]

@@ClementeCollector ALWAYS a pleasure to watch, as you are the true "voice of reason" in the hobby. And even though PSA has run amok, it's encouraging to see all the comments from your viewers below. If common sense prevails (and the word continues to spread) I bet the sales of One-Touch Holders will go haywire ; -)

[@ClementeCollector]

@@markstein1916 a lot of great comments your right! I thought I’d have a lot more- “your wrong!” But haven’t even had one yet! I wouldn’t think to highly of my opinion but I appreciate it! 👊🏻

[@KyKane]

I agree. ..

[@stuke1976]

PSA is King, it's great to be King. I see Fanatics just changed the name of PWCC, is SGC next?

[@ClementeCollector]

It’s possible, but I hope not! Buy out your competitors and take full control!

[@SreyAun-sd1eb]

They are the experts? You drank the koolaid.

[@ClementeCollector]

I should have used air quotes! lol, I really didn’t drink the koolaid 🤣

[@mackeymintle66]

This is another example of why monopolistic Capitalism is a problem. Inflation is more caused by the few companies that control the grocery stores, or the Chicken nugget factories… SGC may be re-branded, within the umbrella company, or they may try to make it seem independent, for a fee years… Who knows? All I know is, huge corporations “legally” gaining control over 70% of the supply of (insert products here), is an aspect of our economic system that has been solved before…😊

[@4softcorners728]

This sounds terrible!!! Why the hell did you guys talk me into graded cards?!? 😂haha

[@ClementeCollector]

Now you’re addicted! Do you even show raw cards anymore? 4 plastic corners 🤣

[@jon-eriksuermann9844]

I don’t understand the upcharge. Why does a cards “value” determine how much it costs to get graded when the level of work doesn’t change?

[@ClementeCollector]

Keep an eye on benchcleae media, I was on today, it should post tomorrow. I brought up this point.

[@jon-eriksuermann9844]

@@ClementeCollector will do

[@keithroller3131]

Psa sucks to get grades, I’ll buy cards already slabbed, I’ll send raw to sgc! Period

[@ClementeCollector]

Right on! A lot of ppl are feeling that way right now! Thanks for watching Keith!

[@RL3sports]

Just admit it. PSA is a scam. People wont stop using them. Gotta have their card graded. SHEEP

[@ClementeCollector]

A lot of the comments I got on are people that feel very similar to you, so there’s definitely a group growing as time passes! Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@EddieJonier]

What happens if you got 150 000 card

[@ClementeCollector]

LOL

[@mackeymintle66]

Like this comment, if you’ve never sent a card in to PSA for grading. 😅👍😎

[@michaeldenzer6024]

But i do know what my grades will be. 10s crossovers...Chaching!!!

[@KyKane]

I got a jordan it's maybe a 3 I'm scared to death...what do I do?

[@ClementeCollector]

I assume you mean the rookie. A PSA 3 recently sold for $2300, a 1 sold over $1500, so you are probably over the $1500 threshold nomatter what they grad it. Psa you would have to pay $129, 5 day service (under $2500). SGC would charge $85 for 5-10 day turnaround (under $3500 max). An sgc 3 sold recently for 2k. So you are in the conundrum of psa adds more value to the card, then the increased grading fees to sgc. I would say- if it’s in your PC for the long haul- grade it with whatever company you like the best between psa and sgc. If you don’t need any piece of mind on it, get one of the new mag holders mangini and Dylan are buying and put it in there and just enjoy it. Hope that helps.

[@KyKane]

@@ClementeCollector I don't really really like any of them how come you didn't mention beckett? a few years ago I sent them a card they said it was trimmed. I measured it ,seemed precise. Anyway I got this one for 1600 but it came with a ton of like an auto a patch a slab graded in every pack so I can't lose. I need to get it graded so I feel better an if it was fake they would refund. What to do what to do...?????

[@ClementeCollector]

@@KyKane I didn’t mention Beckett for the Jordan because they are kind of dead right now, not grading a ton of cards and I would think the card would hold less value then sgc graded. But do some research to confirm. What to do with the patch? If Beckett said it was trimmed, you can try sgc, they have fast turnaround and should be only $15.

[@KyKane]

​@ClementeCollector that one I sent to beckett I ended up getting someone to buy for less. Wish I'd of held on to it. I was talking about the new one I pretty well know is real. It has a little color fade I'm guessing 2-3-4 but correct me if I'm wrong. A base authentic is pulling more than a 3? Or did I look at it wrong on last sold on ebay?

[@KyKane]

​@@ClementeCollectoralso I been out the game so long..is sports card investor a good place/app to be looking at?

[@HighPopProfessor]

To play devil’s advocate here, the higher value cards are a bigger risk for PSA’s guarantee. This is the true reason for the up-charge - not because it’s any additional work for them. Let’s play a little thought exercise here - Imagine BGS had this same guarantee. If they did, they would be out $23000 for the fake Jordan PMG that was recently authenticated through them and sold. That’s a lot of up-charges to make up for that $23k “whoopsie”.

[@ClementeCollector]

Here’s the counter argument. Who slabs the cards that PSA pays people back because of a fake? PSA does! They made a boo boo and the customer has to cover! $75 for 1k-1500 is a bridge too far IMO! I go on Mikes show tonight and he takes PSA’s side in the conversation, check it out!

[@HighPopProfessor]

@@ClementeCollector I see your point, and I also concede that the upcharge for the purpose PSA is saying it’s for makes the most logical sense for cards at a higher price point - say, $2500 and up vs $500.

[@ClementeCollector]

@@HighPopProfessor right on!

[@72jmunoz]

i keep saying you people need yo get that psa tramp stamp off youre backs tomany probs with thesse guys coup de tah time

[@ACD1994]

😅

[@ClementeCollector]

🤣