Grading These Comics Wastes Money

[@ramblingrob]

I’ve been collecting for nearly 30 years and I have never seen the appeal in grading and locking a comic up. Each to their own but I always wanna be able to read my collection. Great vid man

[@damon6126]

Same. Every now and then, at different times a year, I'll pull my boxes out and flip through and re-read several issues. Everyone enjoys their books for different reasons for sure. :)

[@ramblingrob]

@@damon6126 100%! I don’t know what I’d do if I could flick through one of my books lol I’d feel like I’d be giving the old Han Solo treatment lol

[@DylanMadd]

Right! Plus, I just don’t trust them. I’m in CA and what? I need to send them in the post office to FL..? That part makes me pause and I haven’t even gotten to the grading/paying fees (they’re more expensive to get back - aren’t they? - if it’s a valuable comic?). Anyway, whenever I feel like I *must* sell one or some, maybe then. Recently a friend’s son was starting to collect and it felt pretty great to hand over a Stan Lee signed Wolverine issue I had. Without a certificate, it’s just for fun anyway. I know it’s real b/c I waited a long time in line to get it when I was 12. That’s a better situation to me than sealing these things up forever.

[@ramblingrob]

@@DylanMadd That’s awesome that you did for your friend’s kid man! Gifting someone comics is a magical thing!! I got my first comics from my cousin when I was visiting him in the States, I’m from Ireland, and he gave them to me because he didn’t want them anymore and nearly 25 years later, I’m still collecting 😂

[@DylanMadd]

@@ramblingrob it was Batman 89 and the stories in comics that got me into the whole thing! Saw a chance to inspire that next gen and took it! Keep on reading those books! I totally agree. That’s what they’re for!

[@GODemon13]

I have zero interest in having my books graded. A graded book locked up in an unopenable case is no better than just a picture of the comic.

[@RegieCollects]

Probably not a great video for you to watch but thanks for stopping by anyway.

[@jbbrolic]

Im with you but I'm a reader, not collector or speculator. I do find the world of comic speculation bizarre and interesting (I wouldn't pay more than $2 for many of these modern "keys") which is why I check out this type of content.

[@blackstaff798]

That's because comics have become another variation of pop art, in the same way, famous artists like Warhol (and especially) Lichtenstein took throw-away culture like soup cans and move star portraits and elevated it to where it's considered fine art. It's part of the reason why the original cover painting of the Dark Knight Returns just fetched $2.4 million dollars.

[@rickyhousewright5588]

I think I'm just too old to care about grading [45], I can't wrap my brain around buying a $10 book for $300. just because it's sealed up in a case with a stranger's grade opinion slapped in the corner, lol.... I only collect vintage and if they have some damage, it doesn't bother me, if the pages are yellow or some kid wrote in it, I'm ok with that, in some cases I like it more that way because it adds some history to the book [I'm weird, I know, lol]...but don't get me wrong, I understand as a seller or investor the high-grade copies are what you want, and there's nothing wrong with it, it just isn't my thing

[@migspit]

I agree I have a decent collection with quite a few desirable silver and bronze age issues and runs but they are all raw, I like to actually look inside and read them. I'd consider slabbing a Detective 27 or something mega expensive but when I see people slabbing books that cost more to do so than the actual value of the book I just think it's insanity.

[@jeremyrodrigues6541]

Love it 🙏 i just started this for read fantastic stories and watch amazing arts, i think with this freaking gradings people just come crazy and lost pleasure... Hope there stays many people like you and me.

[@devensanders4873]

I took over my dad's collection I don't mind a small damage I even buy damaged ones from thriftstores and more🎉

[@AnthonyOldhandGarcia]

Last year 2023, i was working outside sweeping outside the perimeter of the building i work at, as i was sweeping on the side of the street i saw what it looked like white paper or plastic faced down to the street looking at it closely saying to myself "This looks like a comicbook, or maybe something else?", i picked it up and sure enough it was a comicbook. 1992 Spectacular Spider-Man #194 'The Death of Vermin' Part 1. When i picked it up it was beat up because cars and people were walking and driving over it, the comicbook was already bagged and board but it tire marks and shoe prints on them. When i got done with the job outside i went inside the building and opened up the bag and pulled out the comicbook the comic cover was hanging on loosely where it was about to come off completely off the book which it did as the full front and back covers came of the staples of the book. The cover of both sides are attached but couldn't be mended back onto the book with it's staples already on them which is a good thing as long as the book itself is attached together. The pages of the book on the other hand are complete with no rips or tears, only bad side was the cover as it had tears and some rips with wrinkles and holes where the staples came out of the book from. As a comicbook collector i kept it as is 'raw', because of what had happened to it i appreciated the fact that i get to find a comicbook on the street of all places especially near my job where i can read it to enjoy. I guess some kid or someone had dropped it or maybe when the sanitation truck went by picking up the garbage the night before when the neighbors went out to take their garbage out? I wouldn't know but i was appreciative to have stumbled upon a comicbook i could keep. Funny thing was that my co-worker took that day off that morning where he himself usually takes care of the perimeter at work in the mornings, if he hadn't taken off work i wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to find that comicbook in the middle of the street like if it was trash where he'd could have by passed it without even noticing it, especially when my co-worker starts his shift an hour before mine in the mornings. An addition to this story there are no comicbook shops nearby in the area where i was at. But all in all i'm blessed. Amen. I thought about getting it graded just to preserve the comicbook and cover as it's in bad shape though still in raw condition it still readable and wouldn't care too much of the grade either because it's a comicbook that has some history behind it as this story i'm sharing is one of them as it is priceless. Low to mid grade overall i'd still be happy with it.

[@primusucks_]

I'm with you, I've got many thousands of comics and 99.9% are raw. I only bought a handful of slabbed books opportunistically and majority of those I already have a raw copy. the inability to enjoy the content makes graded stuff extra dumb to me. but I totally understand the need to determine an agreed-upon condition to determine value and insurance and all that for $500+ books

[@murrayc9615]

I've sent two submissions to CBCS (from Canada) and the turnaround time for basic grading was excruciating (I clean and press my own comics, so there are some savings there) I've had some amazing grades, and a few disappointing grades where I cracked the slab and sold it raw. One of my calculations is if the grade comes in WAY lower than hoped, can I still make a profit if I crack the slab and resell it raw? I have since learned its best to pay for the prescreening. I also keep an Excel spreadsheet to determine and track everything (cost of book, cost of shipping, cost of grade, estimated profit, actual profit, etc) and you start to see patterns. I don't get books graded that are "flavor of the month" like the Partick Gleason black and white Spider-man cover. Their values have gone WAY down since everyone has a copy now. My criteria to get a book graded is: 1. If I paid "next to nothing" for the book (e.g. I paid cover price for TMNT #1, 4th print when it first came out, and I made a HUGE profit after getting it graded at a 9.8) 2. If it's a "key" book that never goes down in value like the aforementioned TMNT. I have Moon Knight #1, but I'm not going to bother getting it graded because the turnaround time to get it graded is ridiculous, and values will fall once the Disney+ show runs it's course, and EVERYONE is currently selling them. I try to grade/sell books that are "hard" to find but are still desirable years after its initial release. 3. This kinda runs in line with item 1, but I set a preferred profit margin of a minimum of $80 profit from a worst case scenario. I would LOVE to get 9.8s all day long, but I always check values of 9.4s as my benchmark, and if the profit margin is $80, then it's worth my TIME to clean, press, ship, sell, and mail out.

[@jabezcreed]

You are a paragon of this hobby! I love the fact that you're keeping spreadsheets and doing cost benefit calculations even for your worst case. I know that in the future there will be so many slabbed books that never make back their CGC cost. That's all lost money for collectors, but CGC won't complain. All these spec buyers are gambling because they see dollar signs.

[@richb1016]

I’m glad you made this comment. I recently pulled my comics from the attic (I’m sure everyone would be cringing if they knew how they were neglected, just sitting in boxes in the attic. Lol). I found that I have a few that are worth a bit, including New Mutants 98. I am now actively looking at if it’s worth sending some in. Your first comment sold me. …. Now to get into the weeds of getting them cleaned and sending it off….

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. We all deserve Hell for our sins, such as lying lusting coveting and more. We can't save ourselves, but Jesus can save us. He died on the cross to save us for our sins and rose from the grave defeating death and Hell. You must put your faith in him only. He is the only way to Heaven. Repent and trust in Jesus. Romans 6:23 John 3:16

[@JohnSmith-gu3ub]

You're explaining really simple concepts but in a way that makes it sound like it's complicated. I send in whatever books I want based on what I feel like doing. I sent 40 books to CGC recently and several graded 9.8 and almost all of the rest graded 9.0 or higher. I didn't clean or press any of them. I'm a collector so I'll keep these books for years and they'll be worth more down the road and I've already doubled or tripled my money, so I do pretty well just having fun.

[@RegieCollects]

I would say that you keep doing what works best for you. Good luck.

[@kharm1011]

Pretty douche comment. Dudes making a video explaining pros and cons of grading books. Glad your happy with your decisions but why knock a guy making a informative video

[@christophertomasello1227]

Hey just wondering how long did it take for you to get back your submission of 40 books

[@chrisathanassiadis1317]

So you keep them until you leave this forgotten place? And how do you know when to sell? Your answer makes no sense

[@bmla88]

How much did it cost to get 40 books graded?

[@ianellis395]

Sensible advice, Regie. Your basic calculations are ones I use in determining whether or not to grade. I suspect that if more people considered this, there would be a lot less delay in the system. Of course, where this does not apply is when individuals just love the book(s) they have and want them graded for themselves, i.e. not to sell.

[@RegieCollects]

Ha. All bets are off. I literally said that in a version of this video that focused on the emotional side of the hobby. Nostalgia also plays a major roll in submissions. I tried to keep this one focused of course on the dollars and sense versus the "heart."

[@pabs3411]

Outstanding points. I was going to submit a few this year, but with the delays getting worst I have changed my mind. My books are not going anywhere...the slabbing can wait. Loved the video, thank you!

[@RegieCollects]

👊🏾 Appreciate you bud.

[@robot-hive2022]

I sent in 2 submissions this year, the first one was a 25 modern prescreen and I got it back in 2 months. The 2nd submission was 15 books and I got it back in 6 weeks. Don't let these KZbinrs scare you from sending in books. These people are trying to stop people like us from sending books in because their books have a long turnaround time. You have to realize these KZbinrs that put out vids are sending in hundreds of books they want to eliminate as many submissions as possible to get their books back sooner. . I'm not saying Reggie is doing this, he might or might not be but most people that put out videos that almost seem like they are suggesting not to send in submissions it's for their own personal reasons not because they want to help.

[@MintHunterComics]

Fantastic vid my man! I just had 49 books almost all get the 9.4/9.6 instead of the 9.8 so I understand this quite well! haha

[@RegieCollects]

Yes sir. 👊🏾

[@eagletigernole8019]

4th option: Learn to clean and press yourself! This was the logical conclusion I came to a while ago. Plenty of resources online to learn the process (Including Regie's video on it!). Save alot of money over time, drastically reduce time books are at grading service (if you were using pressing services before), enjoy the process of getting more involved and knowledgeable with comics.

[@RegieCollects]

Boom! Always a great option. In the spirit of transparency there is a cost to this option. Getting the equipment is only part of it. The other part is taking the time to educate one’s self. Both are worth it in my mind. Thanks for highlighting this bud. Well done.

[@mYAHWEH]

Yessss - it is fun to get involved and see the science and fruit of it. Same time, the horror of a mistake lol

[@stevemeyer6609]

Totally agree, same route I'm taking. Learning so much, saving money and speeding up processing time. I'm also going to pre-screen at 9.6 until I'm more confident in my grading and pressing. I keep a spreadsheet of costs for each book including what it will cost me in fees to sell the book. I target a minimum profit of $50 per book in the worst case scenario.

[@jthomascruz4890]

Loved the video as always Regie, the only thing I would add to it as something to consider when thinking about submitting books is to look into pressing and cleaning the books yourself. The amount of time and money saved by pressing and cleaning your own books I have found to be invaluable. I still have books at CGC currently that I submitted to CCS first for pressing and cleaning last May and June and they are still sitting at CCS. Conversely I have books that I just got back a couple of weeks ago that I submitted in late November that I pressed and cleaned myself. As far as cost I think the press and basic supplies pretty much pay for themselves after your first submission. The time it took to learn was negligible with all the great resources that are available. That being said I am only doing this for modern books, for Bronze age and older books especially those keys I am still going to utilize a professional cleaning service. As always thanks for the great tips.

[@RegieCollects]

Excellent point. I needed to keep the video focused and pressing yourself was one of those time saving elements that I was thinking of but even that has a cost. A cost for the equipment and a cost to education one’s self on the proper technique. In an effort to keep the video short and focused, I rolled this into a comment about saving time. 😉😂 Maybe I’ll put a “card” in that links to my pressing videos. 🤷🏾‍♂️ That could work

[@mYAHWEH]

This just what I am doing too, I press and clean anything I intend to sell raw- quick turnaround time or some for cgc. I do have a pile of more valuable comics I am sending to to a pro-presser. Even then not all of those I am sure I shall send to be graded but are valuable enough to I have someone else do it for 10-15$

[@pcantu3]

It is a struggle to consider to grade or keep a raw comic. Grading has that concrete price, but often they grade very tough and you lose out. Honestly I have moved to just buying the grade I want, you spend more but at least you know what you will get. P.S. Newton rings on a newly graded comic sink.

[@adamlessard5591]

I disagree. Just pay $8 for a prescreen...if it doesn't meet the minimum grade you require, you just the $8 fee and that's it 👍👍

[@markandrews6142]

As usual, awesome content. Stabbing to me really comes down to keeping the book safe and stable and having a Graded book that I know exactly what Grade it is regardless of market fluctuations. If it's a 9.8 or a 3.0, if it's Graded, that's the grade it is.

[@RegieCollects]

It is what it is. 👊🏾

[@MrTripcore]

Don't stab your books

[@VidTubeWatch]

Great information and advice Casey...I mean Regie. LOL. It was great being in the live stream awhile back. I always enjoy your content. One of the best if not the best channels of this nature. Keep on collecting and sharing.

[@RegieCollects]

Salute brother. Appreciate you.

[@davewarrant8673]

Oh good, I'm not the only one waiting for Regie to say "...and this week's Number one is...."

[@timsgotissues3581]

Some good advice here, and certainly something to consider. I'd like to point out an intangible or two, though. That feeling you get when you send a 9.8 to CGC, only to get back an 8.5? That's valuable. Failures teach scrutiny, and sometimes that's more valuable in the long run than profit lost on a book or two. The other thing is entry into the hobby. Flipping modern comics is relatively easy and mostly safe, and for some people, making forty or fifty bucks is a huge win. Do that ten times, and you can buy a pretty decent key. The first time I made $100 on a book I was ecstatic, and it's how I got my (then grail) Superman #100. Anyway, I hope you have a great day. Thanks for another great video.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for contributing to the discussion. Congrats on the grail.

[@j.brucebogle4128]

Sentimental value climbs into this, too, brother. I’ve got an absolutely wrecked copy of She-Hulk #7, but I’ll be sending it in for grading as it is the VERY FIRST COMIC INEVER BOUGHT when I was a young one. As in the actual, physical book tiny me purchased. Sentimental value is a thing.

[@Hobbiest34243]

As a former coin guy the term I used when grading stuff was and is ‘Paying for your education’ back in 2007 I didn’t understand and I do now. We did a lot of cost averaging in grading. I’m new to comics and I am fully aware of turnaround times at CGC. I treat comics like coins. That’s the way I see it.

[@dougbratton7309]

On the nose, sir! The market timing factor is so important to the math on grading, particularly if you are getting a comic graded in order to sell it. Great tips. 👊🏻

[@RegieCollects]

Yes sir. It’s simple on the surface but there are some real factors that must be considered to make an informed decision.

[@papasplaceofultimatecoolness]

Really good, well thought out video, Reg. Great tips. Thank you!

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you bud. I spent a little time on this one for sure.

[@aybee27]

My formula is to add the cost of cleaning, pressing, and shipping, then also, in addition to that, add the raw value (because, really, that is part of the expense of converting a raw book to a graded book--you are giving up the raw comic, and thus, you are giving up its raw value). I add all those things together, then look at the values for a graded book and see what is the lowest grade that matches my book. Then I ask myself, "does my book *safely* meet or exceed that grade?" If it does...ship it!

[@jesnyc146]

This is the most sensible way to look at slabbing a book for resale. I wish more people thought it through. I've seen videos where they slab an $8 book on speculation or $1 true believers. SMDH

[@HarmsWayChad]

Thank you so much! This video really does help me with what books I want to send to grade. Mainly want to stay away from Spec and only get my older books graded.

[@Teacherguy06]

Been getting down about the extremely long turn around times. Considered selling raw now for the first time in years.

[@charliewade1057]

I just discovered you, dude. Thoroughly appreciate the logical and mathematical based presentation. Your discussion directly addressed several issues I'm currently facing. Keep it up!

[@RegieCollects]

Welcome to the channel brother. I try to take a practical and common sense approach to thing. No magic or wizardry yet I think it resonates with people. Hopefully you’ll subscribe. 👊🏾

[@best9642]

Man, can I refer to as Rev Regie because you preach that real raw truth that money just cannot buy. I love how you always encourage us to look at all sides and angles of the situation.

[@RegieCollects]

At the end of the day, Nosh. I do not know what will happen but I will throw out a few things for people to consider as they decide what makes sense for them. My hope is that with various viewpoints that people can make better decisions because they have here a counterpoint. Be safe out there brother.

[@paulbradish]

As someone rediscovering the hobby from my childhood this video is super helpful and brought up a lot of great points I hadn’t thought about re cost/value analysis. Thanks Regie!

[@RegieCollects]

You are very welcome bud. Welcome back.

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Great video. I've never submitted any book for grading. Eventually I have too, sitting on some real timeless pieces. But your logic makes 100% sense. Thanks man!

[@tomlennox3359]

Thanks for a great tip. I came to just buying slabs instead of waiting on the turn around and just selling the raw books that I'm not gonna read. This video just confirms my independent findings over the last 2 years. Logic and real time numbers can't be ignored when it comes to grading books. Over a year is a little bit of a hard market to sell. Slabs I think will rise in value altogether from the lack of fair turn around. We are gonna see a different kind of market this March to May.

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@CupOComics]

Excellent information Regie. Thanks for taking the time to do this! ✌

[@SindainTSP]

Great video Regie! I just about fell out of my chair when I saw the " I LIKE IT RAW" graphic!

[@RegieCollects]

😝😉 Gotta have fun brother. I loved ODB.

[@SindainTSP]

Every time I hear the word "raw," I sing that song in my head.... Never fails!

[@DylanMadd]

Thx for the discussion. It’s really hard to justify putting my books in the mail and sending them to FL… only to be told I can’t get it back until I pay some % of whatever they determine the graded value to be. Most of them are from the early 90s; meaning it’s taken until now to see ANY value for the couple good ones. That said, they’ve been sitting in sleeves and a box since then.

[@CollectorAuctions]

I think one of the biggest takeaways you point out is that selling raw instead of getting it graded is a legit option. Time, cost, and risk of devaluing are big factors. For everyone submitting New Avengers #7 today, what happens when it turns out that what we saw in the Dr. Strange 2 trailer was let's say Council of Kang and not the Illuminati? So great points overall.

[@RegieCollects]

Boom! Sometimes taking a couple of bucks now is better than what potentially, might happen, maybe down the road...and around the bend. 😝🤣

[@rbruggeman7722]

I only buy CGC books I intend to resell at some point. They are not good for much else when you can't read them. I have done well with them so far, but the market was more or less can't miss for a long stretch.

[@MrRanman91]

the grading companies are making it harder for people to just send in submissions and wait, in hopes of selling the book. The quick turnaround time costs a lot more (and honestly isn't all that quick anymore), and waiting for over a year to flip a book that may or may not be hot by then is going to be difficult for many.

[@nickwebs7666]

DUDE, I almost lost it when you said "precipitous downfall" and you then proceeded to show a waterfall, LOL....classic. Great videos my friend

[@RegieCollects]

I’m not going to lie. I chuckled to myself while editing. Not everyone picks up on some of the crazy stuff that I say so I salute you for that. 😝😂👊🏾

[@richardsepulveda6327]

This is exactly the reason I subscribed, enlightening content no one else is providing, thank you 🙏🏽

[@RegieCollects]

Salute.

[@royltsonofyah4860]

As a Presser And Cleaner who only does it to maximize CGC slab profits... and thats all I sale. Reggie You Nailed It!!! You covered everything extremely well!

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you bud. I try.

[@MrTommyMayo]

Hats off for the Big Baby Jesus nod. WU TANG IS FOR THE CHILDREN!

[@RegieCollects]

I thought a few might appreciate that.

[@spinnerrackstudios]

Good video. And of course you may have to factor in selling fees depending on how you sell the book (i.e., ebay fees.) But I think there is one other item that is overlooked, and that is the value of your time. On some of these modern books with these relatively thin margins, when you factor in all the time you spend on the book finding it, sending it in for grading, listing it for sale and shipping it out to a buyer, well from a purely monetary standpoint, your time may have been better spent working at a regular job, especially if you are paid by the hour.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

[@willthebeast8002]

I'm on the fence with Slabbing books. On one end I'm all for the 3-Ps, Preserving, Protecting and Presenting a grail, keyword here is GRAIL. However, there's something to be said about the fragility of comic books in there "Raw State" that makes them precious and special. I have a relatively small collection, with only a handful of what I would consider grails in decent condition, I don't think I'll grade them anytime soon, if at all... Mainly because I don't want be a "Slab-Junkie", and the logistics etc, are kind of off putting..

[@Klung1]

Outstanding post! Thanks! I didn’t know the posted turnaround time was over a year at this point.

[@marcloev2072]

Practical and pragmatic information. When selling a raw book I ALWAYS analyze the choice of the immediate raw value sale proceeds verse the expected Net proceeds in 7-9 months if I go through the grading process. The large unknown is the changing value of the graded book over time. 100% chance it will be either higher or lower than present value. That difference has a “risk associated cost” that must be considered in the calculation. The shorter the grading wait period the more accurate the calculations. So your point on time is a critical one in the decision process. Terrific video Regie.

[@RegieCollects]

Well done brother. You are definitely ahead of the curve. Salute brother.

[@HydraCollectables]

Really enjoyed the production and edit of this Video Regie 💪 As a fellow KZbinr I can see so much more here than just the information given. 10/10 👍

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you Luke. I’ve been grinding bud. Trying to step it up since the start of the new year.

[@mauisam1]

Sadly there was recent comic book convention in the Ohio / Great_Lake area and person many times got dealers saying that the CGC grade of his book was not actuate and they thought the book to be a lower grade.

[@RegieCollects]

I’m not exactly sure how to respond to this comment.

[@Connorgrey1416]

Great tips. Made me rethink a few things. Timing especially. I really appreciate it.!!

[@johngregorywynn6075]

Prescreen modern books when at all possible...I have a bunch of SpiderGwen 1 at cgc right now.....never use grading company for pressing

[@googleearthguru6536]

Great video. Would like to see a video diving deep on variants. What are the green and red flags, when to grade, etc. this is the most frustrating/confusing topic in the modern comic collecting market. Keep up the good work.

[@RegieCollects]

In my mind the guidance for variants is no different from any other book. Hold it to see what happens with the value. Evaluate the cost versus value ratio. Grade if the value exceeds cost in a meaningful way.

[@Thee_Taterhead]

Thanks for the info Regie! I’m newer to collecting and this was a very helpful perspective to consider.

[@RegieCollects]

You are very welcome. I have a ton of content here on the channel that is designed to help folks like you. Appreciate you.

[@thomasmauritsen687]

Man you really hit me there with the timing- the fact that it could take over a year really makes you think.. if it is an UFO#4 or Hulk #182 then yes it makes sense. But for now books, in this fast changing market... it seems smarter to just flip it quick. Thanks for the video, very helpful!

[@Chris-es3wf]

Thanks Regie. I just pulled my long box out of the closet 25 years later with some 80/90's spider-man winners and you make a lot of good points... especially on the timing of grading. Stuff thats super hot today (ASM,etc.) may be yesterday's news in a year. You've almost (but not totally) scared me away from CGC with that 12 month turnaround time. Never had anything graded but time to take the leap. 😁

[@RegieCollects]

I wasn’t trying to scare people versus provide them with some facts and details to consider. 👊🏾😝

[@TownsEndComics]

This speaks directly to my biggest mistake when I started selling my collection. Great content! Thanks!

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@adambomb215]

if you are collecting purely for a personal collection and want to protect your comic books, is there an alternative to protecting the books in something like a graded slab? I like the look of the books in slabs and am not worried about just getting 9.8s back if I send them in. Love your videos

[@RegieCollects]

There are tons of options. You can purchase Comic Skins or use a product called Gator Guard (gatorguardcomics.com/pages/store.html)

[@juanmendez6556]

Amazing video! thanks for all the hard work and putting this info out for us.

[@RegieCollects]

Salute.

[@Panthro22]

Absolutely EXCELLENT video!! Thanks Regie! I always wanted to know the difference between CGC and raw books!

[@RegieCollects]

You are welcome bud.

[@CodedCrusaderFB]

Incredibly informative video. This is an all-in-one course for someone interested in getting involved in slabs. Thank you!

[@RegieCollects]

Salute. And, thanks for the shoutout on IG.

[@mikebernardino6826]

Thank you!! I agree on this 100% especially when there is a year turnaround.

[@thekongstocks]

WOW! Regie Collects has One of the Best Speaking Voices in the Industry -period.

[@mikebutler3239]

Very good content. I spent 275 for my new muntents 98 and it worth 1000 to around 1600 hundred. Very good buy what do you think?

[@RegieCollects]

It's impossible for me to answer that question. I don't know if the books are raw or graded. I don't know when you purchased or how you are valuing the book now versus then (e.g., a pricing guide or ebay sold). Either way, congrats.

[@ObiShinobi-bg2tk]

Ol dirty!!!! Lol great video reggie!Reggie!! I have books at cgc now , but I'm being very patient .

[@AlextheComicHoarder]

Great thoughts on the process. It’s always good for folks to understand the upside and downside to sending some books in. For me personally; I’d it’s not worth sending in under the walkthrough I’m not sending it now. I can wait until cgc figures out how to shorten their turn around time.

[@RegieCollects]

Lol. I heard that. Definitely a sensible approach.

[@robcharette1915]

I have just been grading keys from my personal collection that I bought at comic stores years ago that cost me a dollar or two that I an pretty sure will grade high. My original investment is so low its unlikely to be a loss even if it grades less than 9.8. You can also use CGC pre screen to only pay for books that will meet your grade requirement. Saves money if you are sending a lot of books at once which is the best way to save on shipping.

[@RegieCollects]

Even if your original investment is low you still have the potential to lose money and time. Even with a pre-screen you are paying $9 per book, plus shipping to and from when that book is rejected by CGC. If you send it for a clean and press, I believe that you will also incur the cost for a clean/press, plus the reject fee, plus the shipping, plus the months that book is away. You have the potential to save yourself money by evaluating the book in advance before submission. Another cost saving route is to just buy the book at the grade that you want.

[@robcharette1915]

I agree. I screen them first and look for obvious defects. I pretty much collected the top notch raw copies i could get even back 30 years ago before grading ever started. So most of mu books have come back with very high grades so I feel lune i have a pretty good idea what to send. Then i of course check what these books are currently selling at to make sure its worth it to even grade. I am not concerned too much with wait times because they are not getting sold anyways just getting added to my comic portfolio. Shipping costs and grading costs I believe will continue to rise so I feel like if i can afford it now I’m going to do it. I also like knowing they are sealed and protected better. Thanks for replying to my comment and keep up the great content.

[@gordonmahon6485]

Great points. There are a lot of things to consider regarding grading comics. Thanks for another helpful video.

[@HomeGrownComics]

RIP O.D.B. GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS

[@RegieCollects]

🙏🏾

[@mesomorpheus]

I don't know how you all see it but when it comes to the collector, Regie is for the collector. He teaches the collector! CGC & CBCS slabs are good but sometimes RAW is the best! 😉 Thanks for the clear and concise information, Regie. Much appreciation to you and everyone in the comments who gave a nod and/or paid homage to the late ODB of Wu-Tang fame!

[@RegieCollects]

Stand up! I try as best I can to give folks information to make informed decisions. I won’t tell you what to do but I will make you think. In my head, if I can do that then you, the collector, will potentially make a better decision. Thank you.

[@heikegroessler2536]

Hey Regie, Really enjoyed your video exposing EGS, but there´s another EGS "European Grading Service". What your thoughts on them?

[@RegieCollects]

I spoke about them briefly when I found out about them months ago. I helped to launch EGS years ago. I spoke with the owner for months before the launch. I was one of the first customers. I’ve never even held a Euro Grade slab.

[@psychedeliccomics]

Right on Regie. My head has been spinning thinking about these same things as far as selling.

[@colinsmith1071]

That is a beautiful SW1 signed. A very hard book to find at a 9.8 (9.6's loss so much value), plus signed. wow man. Amazing!

[@RegieCollects]

Salute.

[@EddieD4224]

Thanks Reggie! As usual your video was super helpful and methodical!

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@scottward4517]

Because of all the long wait times , for the first time, I have started to consider buying books already graded. I just hate having my book out of my hands for so long. CGC has started making me nervous because their website only tracks orders for 8 months. After that I have call in because my order disappears from the website. I wonder why they can't just update the website to keep the order as long as it takes to process. When I asked CGC customer service they just say they are aware of the issue. I get it, but man it makes me uncomfortable to have books out with CCS/CGC and not be able to seem them.

[@RegieCollects]

I think that they fixed this a few months ago. I can’t tell because many of my older orders have been processed. Good flag either way. 👊🏾

[@martinmorales4645]

Awesome information as always Regie! Thanks

[@fightthegoodfight52]

Solid insights bro! I agree, we do have to consider various factors when it comes to what we send in for grading. I have just over a dozen graded books (less than 1% of my collection) and all were purchased already graded. I'm pretty amazed at what I paid for several of them--even getting a couple of them at or less than the cost to get them graded. I'm sure the seller took a loss on those. At some point, I will look to offload some of my duplicates/speculation purchases and selling them raw is the most appealing option to me right now. Especially given how long of a turnaround time there is for grading. As far as protecting our comics, there are great options out there that provide similar protection to that of slabbing--Gator Guards, Ultra Pro One touch + Comic Preservers and Comic Skins come to mind. I have over 50 of my favorite comics on display using Ultra Pros and I'm sure I'll be getting some of those Gator Guards at some point as well. 🙂

[@jabezcreed]

If you think about it, what are so many people really protecting? If I'm rich enough to buy Amazing Fantasy 15 or Action Comics 1, I am absolutely making sure it's graded, slabbed, insured, and locked in a bank vault! I don't need CGC to protect the 9.8 grade on my presumed NM quality Action Comics 1020 because it might be hot one day. If I do want some protection, you've outlined all the good ways you do it - quality storage bags, boards, boxes, and or cases.

[@RegieCollects]

I think he’s offering up practical solutions for people that want some protection for books that they decide to not slab because the value doesn’t outweigh the costs. Just because a book isn’t slabbed doesn’t mean that it can’t have some “value” (e.g., sentimental and nostalgic). For example there are people that have books that remind them of deceased family members and they want those books displayed so a case with UV would allow them to display the book without fear of UV damage. Hope this helps.

[@fightthegoodfight52]

@@RegieCollects You're spot on bro! A large majority of my collection are nostalgia buys! My Space Ghost comics or my Spider-man and His Amazing Friends and many others might not be worth that much from a $$ perspective, but their value to me go far beyond that. I have no plans to get them graded, but I do want to keep them protected and display them in a safe manner! 🙂

[@michaelcooper9725]

Don't forget those seller fees if applicable! 🤦‍♂️

[@murrayc9615]

That's a good point. I got a little less than what I hoped when I sold some slabs directly to an LCS than selling online via Facebook or Instagram

[@Maximus8021]

Always appreciated Reggie!!

[@l.taylor8158]

This was tremendously insightful. Really appreciated it.

[@gka_3579]

Great timing once again! I’m to do my first CGC submission 🔜 Who would you recommended as a solid cleaner/presser on the East-Coast?!

[@RegieCollects]

Good stuff bud. I’ll be releasing another video soon that will provide some additional tips. Stay tuned for that. I do not recommend pressers hence that note in the video. 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vZoZxtjMSkZsU

[@Tabris172015]

Great and informative video. Extremely valid points and neutral all around with the reality of grading to sell and potentially profit via a quick flip. Also seems to indirectly call out the almost over value of a 9.8 market when a .2 grade level is so highly subjective depending on what is being looked at an potentially missed by a grader. I can't fathom the hundreds or thousands of dollars in difference books are getting from a 9.6 to 9.8 at times - age aside for some of them. And things getting so bad people are complaining about newton rings taking away value now and small wear scuffs here and there from handling and shipping. Broken case, yes, little bit of wear that doesn't effect presentation get out of here.

[@RegieCollects]

I personally do not believe that value is lost from a scuffed case or Newton Rings but that’s just me. I am open to all sellers that wish to discount books due to such things. Lol

[@marshamcphee5837]

Do you suggest always cleaning and pressing? I thought that was frond upon. I just had mine graded and not cleaned and pressed. These books were my son's collection who passed away. He had collected over 5,000 comic books.

[@RegieCollects]

I am sorry for your loss. 🙏🏾 I personally would never grade a comic without a clean/press. If I am going to spend my hard earned money to get a book graded, I want the best possible grade that I can get. A clean and a press is a sure fire way to do that. Cleaning and pressing has been around for decades. There are some folks that frown upon it but you can’t name a thing that 100% of people agree upon. 😂 Am I right? It’s your money, your collection, you decide what’s important.

[@marshamcphee5837]

@@RegieCollects Thanks

[@RegieCollects]

Feel free to message me on IG if you ever want to talk. I speak a lot of folks in your situation. Happy to help, if I can. 👊🏾🙏🏾

[@guyverGODZILLAheiseiERA]

i got about 50 comics that are worth 200 ish , so that 55 buck rating ( all signed btw) and sealing is fine small price to pay for protecting the BATMAN HARLEY by alex ross from the 90s

[@bdav1967]

Great information in this video! I think this video will help out many people and making a decision on when to submit a book to get graded or when to keep a book as raw and still selling it for profit +if that's what you're into). Thanks for making this video!

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@artyman72]

Good info and advice…..all points we need to consider in this process!

[@blazefh]

Great clip! Ty for posting… I always prescreen myself

[@richardzaric2524]

Thanks for the video. I've been burned before thinking I'd get a higher grade and then realizing all those expected profits went up in smoke.

[@RegieCollects]

Brother, we have all been there. Trust. Hopefully, with this approach we can save someone else from those fires.

[@leeniren3706]

Very good points but there is one other reason why one may choose to grade and slab a book. Sentimental value is very important just because of book may not have lots of cash value do a mini out there that we just love and want to preserve so we can look at it and protect it long term

[@RegieCollects]

I didn’t overlook that point. 😉 I literally spoke to it in the first 50 seconds and have already created videos on the emotional side of the decision to slab. This video needed to be focused on the “head” and not the “heart.” Hope this helps.

[@johnconiglio9278]

Thanks for video. Thinking of getting first slab book or buying a raw copy. I've been a Green Lantern for years and thinking of getting Final Crisis Rage of Red Lantern.

[@RegieCollects]

Good stuff! Jump in, the water is fine.

[@kevinanderson3753]

I’m in the process of grading my silver age X men. They are for my pc at this time. I know some books in them aren’t worth a big amount but I wanna have my 1-66 graded. Plus being in the case preserves it more.

[@RegieCollects]

As I alluded to at the start of the video there are lots of reasons to grade a book outside of the financial. Good luck with your goal.

[@kevinanderson3753]

@@RegieCollects yep! Love your videos! Very informative.

[@JGSoCal-e2n]

Best video on grading!!!! All the people complaining now days should watch this!

[@GLDn1]

That 9.8 spawn behind you to the bottom left is getting me.

[@rodneysamson1686]

Always a pleasure watching your channel. Nuff said

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@Samshorror]

I found this informative. There is one other option outside of slabbing your comic. They actually make one touches for comics. So if you only care about protecting your higher end books there you go!

[@stevewhite4533]

Great point of view, there is also a thing to consider, if the book you send into grade drops in value by the time you get it back is a risk to consider.

[@KAR-f2e]

I love this channel. Very informative.

[@woodenjedi]

Great vid Regie, always fun to listen to your content. 🇸🇪🙏

[@RegieCollects]

👊🏾

[@Supertomscustoms]

I wish CGC and CBCS would put minimum FMV and/or ages on their submissions. I know it’s a money maker for them but it sure would have helped with all the backlog of they didn’t accept all these spec books that just came out. Might actually give them a bit of a prestige too if they didn’t accept anything and everything.

[@nothanks7567]

i used to get high end magic and sports cards graded but the costs and turn around eventually became untenable bc imbeciles flooded the service with trash pokemon cards. imagine not being able to get graded 30 year mtg card that is one of only a few thousand ever produced or a 60 year old baseball card that only a few survived because thousands of people submitted mcdonalds pokemon cards produced i nthe millions just last year. its infuriating.

[@philtasticcomicsandart]

I’m catching up on my yt vids - such a great video with a lot of practical tips. One thing I’ve done when considering sending in a modern book I go to shortboxed first. You’ll be surprised how many modern books are selling for less than the cost of grading. AMS variants in particular. Keep it up one G - peace love and comics 🤙🏻

[@RegieCollects]

Salute

[@DylanMadd]

I’m reading some of the comments and gosh, it feels like a lot of people have the same concerns about turnaround time, the cost & generally the hoops you have to jump through for the pleasure of the grade not being what one hoped for. I remain unclear on the actual cost of mailing one of my very prized issues through the mail for a ‘wait and see’ in a year. Why don’t these companies set up shop in a few major places? Maybe even regionally if not in at least some other metropolitan areas.

[@RegieCollects]

Well there are several reasons. Adding locations add cost and complexity. You also have the potential for a decline in quality. Lastly, this video was filmed months ago and turn around time is currently days and weeks and not months to years. Hope this helps.

[@DylanMadd]

@@RegieCollects yeah. I’m mostly just whining. Thanks for the info!

[@BladeRunner90]

Wow 😯 another Great video. You always put thins in proper perspective. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@RegieCollects]

Thank you bud. I try.

[@vonslagle]

Hello Regie! Really great stuff! I have a question that I cant find an answer to that I think you might know. I just got a CGC membership and the free shipping kit is on it's way. Do the bags and boards they send fit Golden Age comics or should I get golden Age mylar bags from E Gerber? Thank you!

[@RegieCollects]

Who is David? Kits tend to include silver age bags/boards if memory serves. If you are send books to be graded and the are already bagged, I would not waste the money on placing them into eGerger Mylar. CGC just throws the bag/board in the trash.

[@vonslagle]

@@RegieCollects Excellent! Thanks Regie!

[@jerrysmith9555]

Grading is not for everyone. I don’t turnaround books. I collect.

[@rromo21]

Great video! What are some other 3rd party companies that clean and press?

[@RegieCollects]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@liger_style7761]

😂🤣😂🤣 REGIE ACTUALLY PUT UP 'OL DIRTY PIC WHEN TALKING ABOUT RAW BOOKS!! HILARIOUS!👍🏿

[@RegieCollects]

Gotta have fun bro. Plus who doesn’t love ODB?

[@liger_style7761]

@@RegieCollects very true man!! Everybody loves Big Baby Jesus!! 😂

[@toasty-toast]

I did the math you did a few months ago and figure me out I was barely making money when getting books cleaned, pressed and graded using a LCS as my intermediary. Learning how to clean and press books myself improved the viability of making money. I also started to assume no book will be a 9.8

[@RegieCollects]

It’s amazing what happens when you do a little math. The process of cleaning and pressing is also really rewarding. Salute for taking control.

[@sjromo1965]

Great clip. I occasionally see these graded comics that are selling at real low amounts and wonder if someone just overestimate the rating before submitting since there is a minimum amount invested in grading & shipping. Thanks

[@RexTorres-trackwrex]

Fantastic content. Great information contained throughout.