Why You Shouldn't Grade Your Comics

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[@pingadol1555]

If you go back to when CGC started I'm sure many books were not worth grading but people did. 20 something years later you wonder how you see some silver age books in 9.8. 50+ years old after printing. You have to start somewhere. I was 8 years old when Hulk 181 came out. I had no clue back then what it would become what it is today. If you want to grade something grade the damn thing. If it works for you so be it. Do you! Let me tell you something no one knows when your number is up and if that collection gets passed down way before your time your family will be in a much better position with the books graded. Way too many greedy vultures out there. Start by grading your keys at the least. Solid keys. Most importantly learn how to grade. This will help in making the financial decision. Study graded books already encased that you see online.

[@michaelemond7315]

I think the "makes my collection too bulky" is an important one. I got my "must have keys" in graded form but now lean towards buying raw to save on space. My exceptions are still "expensive key" where the grading provides some insurance it is a certain grade and was not restored (and no missing pages inside). But when they are in the $50 range I don't need that.

[@toddboyce3599]

I've definitely had books graded that makes zero financial sense. Back in 1994, one of my best friends from High School self published a comic. 5,000 print run and he didn't sell very many of them. I recently sent one to CBCS and one to CGC and they came back 9.4 and 9.6 respectively. Going to send one to PSA when they start taking submissions. I will then have the trifecta (Sorry PGX) of the only graded copies of this title and the total combined value will be less than a dollar. But my long time friend is thrilled that his only published work is now on a comic census and that's priceless to me.

[@Dan-cy9hb]

My rule of thumb is that if it is worth $250 or more in its current raw condition, I'll get it graded. Otherwise, not worth the cost.

[@haylu6766]

I like to read my books. Baseball/hockey cards are different. Comic books should be read. So much pleasure.

[@Invalidspin]

I agree with you 100%! If the graded price is lower than the cost of the raw book + cost to grade, I am not grading it. Not sure how anyone can justify grading in that case… Another example is if the value is slightly more than the cost of the book and grading, it’s still not worth it.

[@elizabethscott584]

Thanks for the video Dave. Totally agree! Most of my collection is raw. If a book is a key and valuable then consider the grading. However the plastic doesn’t give a regular book value.

[@comicwarriors3735]

Totally agree. I told so many people this exact same thing so many times.

[@stevenbrown9374]

My goal is to have a full run of Something Is Killing The Children graded. Because I'd absolutely love to have that collection.

[@multitaskingmanshed320]

Very sensible advice, I agree with you 100 %

[@xboxgamer3389]

Here’s the issue I have when I started seriously collecting nobody cared about your modern books nobody Now on Elite 11 or some other page I’ll see Ultimate Spider-Man Miles Morales books listed at $299 and people buy them We’ve created this situation by speculation or overvaluing everything like Gwenpool is trending as a hot book Why cause she’s now a Fortnite character this season Or like that Arthur Adams 1 in 50 Godzilla people are calling that a low ordered book I see people asking graded price for low print hard to find book If they’re not worth grading we should stop putting so much value in the modern stuff but if someone is going to pay $700 for that book in a 9.8 it gives people the idea I should grade mine

[@gorgeousgeorge5173]

If I can't open the bag, hold the book, smell the paper, I don't want it. Now if its Action #1 or something like this, I get the slab. Otherwise I'm all raw.

[@Kurenai1819]

Totally agree!👍🏼

[@rushdiehard8784]

the comics that come out every week have no investment whatsoever over the last several years...even decades. im happy that people still buy them and read them....keep the hobby alive!

[@artofbusiness7593]

To: CBI - Dave, I’ve been buying / selling comic books for many years. Yet, this entire episode is why I so very much respect you, your brother and Father. These are the bare essentials of Collecting comic books, that need to be repeated over, and over, to a New Generation Y and Gen Z. Thank you, for this video.

[@scooobydoo27]

I agree with most of the same reasons that you have, though I question the "protection" bit. Put books into Mylar + long-term backing boards + archival paper and they're going to be just as safe as slabs. And, IMHO, they'll look better framed or in a top loader than in a slab. But I have slabs for 2 reasons: ensuring value and, because I bought it slabbed. At some point, I will sell the keys from my collection and I know that in slabs, I have a good degree of confidence of knowing what price range that they'll sell for, which is not true for my raw books. As for the slabbed books that I bought, it seems that everyone is slabbing anything of value over $50 these days. There are a number of Bronze and Silver Age Marvels that I'd love to put on the wall framed, without slabs, because I love the covers, but it's almost impossible to find raw copies in 8.0 or better, because they've all been slabbed.

[@plawrence3833]

plus you can purchase plastic enclosed cases that protect just as well as slabbed but much cheaper

[@MIKEYC123]

Thanks Dave I'm learning I live real close to cgc Sarasota my shipping is real cheap funny sing they don't take drop offs I made some mistakes grading non-value books but I'm learning and got real good ones now coming back thanks again

[@JSSBrooklyn]

Thanks for the video - excellent advice overall

[@poing333]

I THINK YOU'RE RIGHT

[@travisgrant8188]

Hi Dave. I think graded comics should be for the more rare harder to find comics. Stuff you don’t see everyday. But that’s coming from a guy who owns a x force 1 in a 8.0. Lol look I bought it at case cost and wanted to own one for the novelty of having it in a slab. So sometimes I look for stuff already in slabs and if I can get it for case cost I grab it if I want to add it to the collection but I have really slowed down on buying slabs i think a lot of people were slab happy during the pandemic I am guilty of it but anymore I would rather have a raw copy than a slab these days. But don’t get me wrong I do feel like there is a place for slabs in the hobby for those rare comics it’s just up to the individuals whom slab them to consider it being rare to them or not.

[@Max-million]

If a comic book was just a cover I would say encapsulation makes sense for display or possible protection. The back covers are useless and when encapsulated we miss out on seeing all that beautiful art on the interior. Grading makes sense when you’re in the comic book business, not when you’re a collector who enjoys what’s in side a comic book. Did we forget about how important the work on the inside of the book is?

[@Invalidspin]

From an investment standpoint, I think iconic covers are a great buy. Too many people are chasing books based on movies and the volatility and fluctuations are ridiculous. Iconic covers will always be iconic and I think they are much safer buys. Protection, in the form of a graded case makes total sense and you get to see why it’s important (the cover).

[@jeffkeller9009]

Modern books it's best to buy graded, instead of trying to send one in and it not come back a 9.8. Alot cheaper if you want a graded book. Raw is better for sure!

[@bandoogiemanz]

i would have agreed before, but now, with no book limit for pre-screen you can just put the pre-screen requirement at 9.8 and if it doesn't make it, you just pay the reject fee. Either way, it helps by learning how to grade.

[@DanielGoldMcduckRose]

For real it’s a gamble Even thou 9.2 personally looks just as good

[@plawrence3833]

only if you have great certainty that that modern book at 9.8 will increase in value (as many won't)

[@xboxgamer3389]

But basically what I’m saying is you and your dad are both right Because if we didn’t grade everything there would be a drastic slowdown to the grading business But when we do grade everything we create an enormous amount of not hard to find near mint books But also census counts mean nothing because Avengers Annual 10 Wolverine 1 ASM-300 all very highly graded and people will spend $1000 on all three

[@Vp-jt3vl]

Great info!

[@robertbanning6393]

Great video, I still buy modern books but only loose unless I want to display the cover. Then, I consider it a purely decorative purchase.

[@thundergodd6086]

Thanks for the video.

[@horvathsogranfume658]

i like it raw 🤠

[@DocReasonable]

Certainly don't use CGC, unless you want your comics to be bent in several places.

[@thecomicbarn8145]

I had a bunch that weren’t worth grading, but I felt they were better protected in the cases so that’s why I think it was worth it for me.

[@plawrence3833]

you can buy cases that provide just as much protection (and at much less cost then grading)

[@davidmckinley5343]

Way too many comics get graded. I personally like to look at and read books. People that grade comics mostly just like to look at covers.

[@Kid-Comics]

I believe that not every comic is worth getting graded. I only buy SOME graded key comic books, since they are the only comics with any significance. Grading a non key is pretty much just throwing money in the trash. Now, there can be the oddball high grade golden age books, but besides those most books beyond that era without any significance shouldn't get graded. It's too expensive to throw in just a random book into a grading company like CGC just because you want to "preserve it." There are many more effective and cheap ways to preserve a comic without any significance towards it.

[@punyhuman67]

Great info.

[@hieinh]

I specifically want graded sonic archie but I did come across a comic of an an anime called urotsukidoji that has a good shot at a 9.6-9.8 so I think I'll grade that. Rare in high grade and it's that they made manga into comics in the 90s

[@jtomes3236]

Graded is cumbersome and kinda lame. I busted the 9.6 ultimate fallout #4 I bought. Double board and top loaded. Fits great in my boxes haha.

[@oscaralcantara3039]

That is right but they are comics need to be grade the good ones .

[@jameskm03]

You forgot the most important reason not to slab: you can’t read a slab.

[@jasonbrazier2864]

Looking forward to your auction results video

[@jasonbrazier2864]

Have a great weekend

[@NYCVega]

10000% agree.

[@stefansnow4386]

Agreed that not everything should be graded. But it is fun to send out books and get back a great daredevil #1 slabbed or a batman #181... stuff like that definitely SHOULD be graded IMO

[@robertbaker4811]

Yaay I'm first! What's your take on CGC's newest QC problems Dave? Bananagate it's been called lol

[@CoreySosner]

100% agree

[@joesmith9483]

i'll only grade for modern keys for 9.8 prescreens. Otherwise not worth it to grade unless gonna sell off a big book.

[@Encarte69]

Simple solution to housing my Bloodshot run... buy another house! =) NEXT PROBLEM DAVE?

[@voltorb7953]

I think if a book is golden age and has visual appeal or key significance it should be slabbed. The raw books that I have from the 40s and 50s will be 100 years old sooner rather than later. By definition they will be antiques and encapsulating them will keep them from deteriorating. I hope that PSA puts acrylic or something in their cases to protect against UV rays.

[@richardolney1822]

I believe PSA said they will have UV protection.

[@plawrence3833]

you can purchase enclosed plastic cases that provide just as much protection but at a much lower cost..concerned about protection from UV rays?...just keep away from direct light exposure

[@l.greenemachine66]

I don't want to grade every comic book I have, but I do like to grade the keys and runs like the maximum Carnegie run.That's what I'm working on now.I just need chapter 3LO.L

[@jarredsmith9187]

I agree with you 💯% Dave, unless its a big key don't grade it. However i do gave a question Dave,I just got Superman's girlfriend Lois Lane #70 CGC 4.0 and i am running out of run to store books so id i crack the book ob and bag and board it ,and put the cgc label in the bag will it still hold its value?

[@kryptonsprophet6253]

I've been learning a lot from your videos.

[@franzarnettvalois5308]

Hw bout signed comics?

[@kevinhurt5331]

I sell a bunch and I’m at the point cgc graded books take 3x as long to sell as raw books. I’ve got a massive spawn collection I planed on grading most of them to sell off. But now I’m at the point I’d just rather sell them off raw it’s faster and less headaches. My main problem is I have so many duplicates I don’t wanna flood the market. I have nothing under 100 all from 100 to 356. I thought about reaching out to you cause most the 200s I’ve got up to 50 copies of some issues. I’ve sold most the graded ones I had but it took forever suggestions?

[@Dragomo-David]

Thanks for the video Please, can you make a video of at least five modern books that is worth Grading

[@chicosuave2966]

I like my books raw also. If I ever buy a slabbed book, it would be a old book like Batman #251or Batman #244. These are a couple of my Grails

[@stampscapes]

What's the minimum FMV that you figure it's worth casing? 3-4x the grading cost or something like that?

[@bandoogiemanz]

Everyone is different. I'm on the lower side, but I basically try to shoot for at least $100 profit after all fees and expenses. Sometimes it's less, sometimes it's more, but that's usually my target line. But, that's for books that I paid $100 or less for which is most of my inventory. If I pay, say, $250 or more, I want at least 100% profit. As you can tell, I don't really dabble in big boy books.

[@von6164]

I don’t grade anything. I buy my comics raw and I have the opportunity to read them if I like. If I was a reseller maybe i’d grade all my keys

[@michaelsaia997]

I agree with you Dave. Not ALL books should be graded. I see many channels that are eager to display their just off the printing press GCG graded books and shake my head. Most of the modern books are never going to be worth anything. Graded copies are always going to have better eye appeal but at what cost? General rule for me is if it won't grade out and sell for 4x the case cost (including shipping) then it's not worth grading. Keeps me and my budget in order.

[@scooobydoo27]

I disagree that "graded copies have better eye appeal". Framed copies or copies in top holders look far better to me than slabbed copies. To me, I slab existing copies to ensure their value for and that's it.

[@michaelsaia997]

@@scooobydoo27 Framed copies are nice too. I agree that encapsulation is the best way to go for preservation.

[@scooobydoo27]

@@michaelsaia997 I'm thinking more of protecting the investment than the physical copy itself. A book BCW or Bags Unlimited's Mylar bags + archival acid free boards is going to protect it as much as the slabs. There's even the extremely stiff 4mil Mylar bags for those that are really paranoid about corners bending. Or top loaders. All that is still quite a bit cheaper than getting it graded and slabbed. But knowing that my 9.8/9.6 graded copy will sell for something near market prices is a peace of mind that encapsulation gives me over non-encapsulation.

[@psychedeliccomics]

No comics should be graded. I just do not like it. Only thing is I am slabbing to sell as I just do not care for comics now a days. I loved them as a kid in the early 70s only.

[@sade281]

Who the hell wants all graded so much space and getting it graded it’s like 25 / 30 bucks for a books that anit worth nothing !! I don’t see the point only grading if the books is worth it or it has some sentimental value to u

[@sade281]

I hav the whole ASM run I hav 1-19 graded - and a few keys out of 950 books if I graded all of them it would take up a whole room 😂

[@eggplantcomics8336]

Love your videos but something is weird with the lighting

[@acballer1831]

You just made my point exactly……99 out of 100 new books shouldn’t be graded they look good but are worthless…..

[@oscaralcantara3039]

I love comics I will grade the comics I think the are worted to be grade it.

[@RickyCamacho-cx9rx]

So what is it, grade or no grade, you are confusing, bottom line grade whatever the hell you want to grade. Not everybody is in it for the flip.