Hello! When I got back into the comic-collecting hobby in 2021, I decided to track what I am doing via this RU-vid channel. My goal is to get better at collecting and helping others avoid any mistakes I make. Thanks for dropping in!
Find me on my website improvecollecting.com/ or Instagram @ImproveCollecting
Check out my comic ballpark grading tool here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GfJVIJ9-nhk.html
Link to my grading tool video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GfJVIJ9-nhk.html
Here is the Amazon link to the book I used to learn how to clean and press books: amzn.to/3pvdcPy
Nicely done! I also recently did cpr on an ASM 252 newsstand I had previously gotten a 9.6 on after a press. A year later I had learned a lot more about pressing and I resubmitted for the Tom Defalco and Ron Frenz signature series. Got the 9.8!
If you want to maximize the value of each book, yes. However, I have pressed numerous raw books and made a profit without slabbing them. It's not 100% necessary and I wouldn't do it if grading it meant making less than a certain amount. For most this would be around $50 to $100 potential profit. I actually don't do it now unless it makes at least $300 profit. PC books I make an exception though.
I may try to figure out a way to do that, possibly something like 75% up front and then the rest spread over 6 or 12 months. Of course, the cost of the information is worth a LOT more than $200. If I charged say, $16 per month then a lot of people would just steal the info and cancel after the first month for cheap. Not saying you would do this, but it's a risk. I teach people to make over $250 per book, if profit is their goal... $200 per year in that context is dirt cheap?
@@ImproveCollectingComics yeah that's a good point, and it's hard to push out the best info "later" in the commitment... so yeah people would grab the info and quit lol. Good point.
It's great to here you videos as you really speak to each individual collector and in my case newbie. One of the huge helps was the temperature and time of the Pressing. As you suggested to go to Kaptain Mikes site I was able to find some temperature and times to help as a guide for different Eras of books. I was using what I believe to hot of temperatures now. I think it's better to press a book a few times instead of using to much heat or pressure. Gently working the comic back to it's original or even better condition. Thank You for your help Jim.
hello .. I have a ?.. do you press for your subscribers and if so how do I get in touch with you? I have a few books that my friend tried to press but I know you would do a better more thorough job. books are not worth a lot just neat covers...let me know thanks
Yes, at least one has signed up from the UK so far and a few more from Europe. I am not sure about shipping across the pond for grading but it's something I can look into for you
I appreciate the feedback. The value given in the community is hopefully worth a lot more than the $200. Reach out anytime and we can discuss. jim@improvecollecting.com or @improvecollecting on Instagram.
This video is a testament to the skills you have developed over years of practice and the love of getting comic books and vintage paper back into better presenting conditions with your skills. Congratulations on the 9.8 definitely worth your efforts ❤
Hi, I have improved and updated since recording this video. It is now available to members of my cleaning & pressing community. Learn more at improvecollecting.com. Thanks!
Moisture and the ball bearing I think, but this was over a year ago. I have discovered a much better way to get rid of gouges now. The info is shared in my new cleaning and pressing community. You can learn more at improvecollecting.com. We are in our Alpha launch right now.
With all the issues with CGC, why are they still the most used grading company? Serious question. I would think that as a collector, you would want to use the best service out there. From what I've seen, CBCS should be the leader. They have stricter graders from what I've seen. I keep my collection raw.
It may be headed that direction, time will time. Fingers crossed that there is better quality and customer service across all the companies. Hopefully PSA helps with the competition and makes everyone better
