Taking A Closer Look At PSA Slabs & Grading, National Strategies, And More!! MidLife Midweek Q & A!!

Подписаться 6 тыс.

Просмотров 2,1 тыс.

50% 1

I look forward to Wednesdays each and every week, because I love going through the Q and A!! So many great questions each and every week, as I share my opinion on a wide variety of topics. I realize that some of my opinions are popular, but others are far from it. In this episode, I discuss PSA grading standards and the evolution of their slabs, my approach for going through the national, and PSA's recent partnership with Fanatics. Don't hesitate to post a question in the comments below!!
Use this link to submit you favorite pickup from the month of July: docs.google.co...
A link to my full video of the 10 generations of PSA slabs can be seen here: • A Detailed Analysis of...
Some of my other recent videos:
The National Card Show- Day 1: • The National Day 1- Th...
The National Card Show- Day 2: • Day 2 At The National:...
The National Card Show- Day 3: • The National Card Show...
PSA's CEO Shares Big Changes at PSA: • Several Big Changes an...
Multiple Pickups at an Epic Card Show: • The Best Card Show I'v...
Has the Card Collecting Community Lost Their Minds: • Have Card Collectors L...
Avoid this Common Card Collecting Mistake: • Card Collectors Can't ...
Why to Buy the Card and Not the Grade: • The Best Advice: "Buy ...
Buying HOF RCs Before they're HOFers: • Buy Their Cards Before...
A Recent May 2023 Card Show Vlog: • Rocklin Card Show Vlog...
Going back in time to see what vintage cards were worth in 1986: • Baseball Cards Have Go...
Why We Should Be Buying PSA 1s: • Here's Why I Think You...
Better understanding the supply and demand of sports cards: • How to Predict the Fut...
A Recent Card Show With Tons of Vintage and t206 Cards: • This Card Show Was Loa...
My Analysis on whether Rookie Cards are Overrated: • Are Rookie Cards Reall...
My Dad's Estate Sale Find of a Lifetime; A Shoebox of Vintage Cards: • Finding a Shoebox of V...
Why PSA is Still Beating SGC: • The Reasons Why PSA is...
Top 5 Undervalued Vintage Rookie Cards: • Why Are These 5 Vintag...
Consider following me on other platforms:
Twitter: @MidLifeCards
Instagram: @MidLifeCards
TikTok: @MidLifeCards
Email me at: MidLifeCards@gmail.com
#vintagecards #baseballcards #sportscards #thehobby
All statements and opinions shared in this video (and all of my videos) are for entertainment purposes only, and are not investment advice. I consider Sports Cards to be a hobby, and not an investment. If you're interested in investment advice, I recommend connecting with a certified financial planner.

Опубликовано:

9 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 118

@BringingTheHeat-VBC Месяц назад

You know I love your old school approach to finance. "Someone" taught you very well. Your students are so lucky to have you. They may not know it now, but they will someday.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

We're lucky to have YOU, Mr. Petty.

@brentrichardsbaseballcards Месяц назад

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC True. And his wife and kids are super lucky to have such an amazing responsible husband and father. Much respect 🤛🏻💪🏻

@BraydonMedlin Месяц назад

Graig you are a true gentleman and a scholar thank you for each video! Your students are lucky to learn these lessons from you. Im glad you ardressed this topic as I stopped watching some of the more commercial channels that I believe promote irresponsible behavior with spending especially with the younger crowd. Just a note of appreciation.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

That means a lot. Thanks so much.

@hattricksaucerpass5109 Месяц назад

I really appreciate you sharing everything! I love finance, just wish I would have learned more sooner but we do the best we can. Grandma taught me the envelope system of budgeting. Later learned about giving every dollar a job and that really helped me save for my child’s college and grow my savings. Your students are lucky to have you. I also love old cards and am new to the vintage scene. So much to learn though. Mostly a hockey guy, but looking to branch out. Thanks for your great videos!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

The envelope system is a great one!! Old school, but it works!!

@jimfalkler9361 Месяц назад

Hi Graig. I enjoyed the Q & A. This is a fun weekly series. Keep up the great work.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Hey, thanks!

@DaveBauer165 Месяц назад

Thanks for your advice regarding walking the show and the kind words. Great video as always!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your friendship.

@brentrichardsbaseballcards Месяц назад

Man! You put some serious work into this, bro! Thanks so much for your great videos 🤛🏻

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks Brent. I felt like there were some important topics to share with people that I haven't covered in some time.

@brandonerhart687 Месяц назад

I know that you were explaining your financial decisions in regards to what you wanted/what worked for you, and it is so nice hearing that the approach you took worked out. Similarly, my wife and I just bought a home earlier this year, and my goal is to be able to make 2 extra mortgage payments a year and apply them to the principal, so that as our kids go to college, we can help out. And I do budget for cards as well 😅

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Awesome. Such a smart way to minimize the amount of total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.

@cineM4RL Месяц назад

I’ve actually had a couple really cool ebay experiences. I once bought a card, and the seller couldn’t send it yet… because he was on a road trip pitching for the Nationals. When he got home he sent it and an autographed card. I also bought a star wars card that was an artist proof (by itself super cool), and the seller turned out to be the artist themself. They sent me a bunch of original artwork and became a real pal of mine.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

That's really awesome.

@kfordham281 Месяц назад

My household operates our budget in a similar fashion. The only big difference is instead of paying the bank the extra principal, we invest it into a mix of stocks/bonds in order to get some growth from that money. When that account reaches a value higher than our remaining mortgage, we’ll decide if we pay it off or continue what we’re doing. You lose flexibility when giving the extra principal payments to the bank, but I certainly understand the mindset of being debt free!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I think that's a really good option that you're doing.

@frankhpuser5478 Месяц назад

Greg I completely agree with you on this matter. I have a 1952 topps Indians team set that reflects this. My higher ranking PSA 5 set has way less eye appeal than my updated set filled with mostly newer grad 4’s. I will send you pictures.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Awesome!!

@jude999 Месяц назад

Bought a PSA 8 1975 Brett at the 2000 fan fest at All Star game in Atlanta. I broke it out at that time. I resubmitted the exact same card a few years ago, 20 years later, and it came back a PSA 6.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

More evidence that grading has gotten harder.

@vintagecollector5340 Месяц назад

They were hoping you would crack it and resubmit it again.

@Brad-mj3tg Месяц назад

That is nice of you to say. Thank you.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

:-)

@stevezeppieri Месяц назад

Preach on teach! Graig we can listen to you forever. Never stop!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I appreciate you, my friend.

@tonyleebrick9050 Месяц назад

This might have been the best question and answer period you have ever had on your show. Great questions and solid answers.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks Tony. I agree that there were some really great questions.

@crazykev6491 Месяц назад

Having the date graded linked to the card would be gold.. and I’m kinda surprised it’s not already

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I agree. Seems easy to do.

@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards Месяц назад

Great episode as always 👊🤙🤙

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks D.

@mackeymintle66 Месяц назад

A healthy relationship with money is very important, to allow oneself to thrive and provide for a family. Your methods are, to me, spot on. I’m happy you put this onto “film”. It’s a courageous act, to most, I imagine. Talking facts, wading in the murky weeds of the “grading swamp” needed to be talked about as well. All the facts laid out are one of the reason new collectors hit land mines and get “Caveat Emptor-ed” 😂 making them feel scammed. 😢 I am all for simply showing the date the grade was assigned. I’m guessing they’ll eventually let VIP members see the data first. 👍

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Appreciate this comment. Thanks.

@SacramentoKingsCards-kg8rm Месяц назад

Allowing your hobby to fund your hobby (for the most part) is a common strategy I've heard...and still one I can't fathom for the average person who is employed full time and has a family. I teach like you, and the work and parenting in my day begin at 5:30am and end between 7-8pm. On weekends, between events, religious services, family/friends, and spending quality time with the kids, I'm lucky to get to go to a show for a couple hours a YEAR! I couldn't imagine basic flipping to fund my collection, not to mention a RU-vid channel or podcast or something. Props to you, I don't know how you do it!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I am very efficient at how I use my time. That's the only way it's possible. I don't miss any of my family events or kids' events for my hobbies. Also- where they are in life right now makes it possible.

@willg.2045 Месяц назад

Great answers this week, Graig. Loved the personal finance talk. Here's a question: often you have talked about how competition is good in grading (and I agree with you). Have you patronized some of the reputable but non-Collectors owned grading companies like Beckett and CGC either by grading with them directly or buying cards in their slabs in order to support competition? Personally, I like getting BVG slabs since I think they are generally undervalued but almost never see vintage cards for sale in CGC slabs.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Great question. I'll use this one soon.

@mikewrobel2881 Месяц назад

Long ago, I was advised to shy away from cards with PSA serial numbers beginning with "090", that these cards were grader by someone deemed sketchy. After hearing this and being on the lookout, I find lots of high dollar, high-grade cards with "090" flips offered by large auction houses.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

No doubt about it. There are people trying to unload 09 serial number slabs. My guess is a big part of the reason is because people are starting to use their eye appeal radar more than the grade on the slab.

@mikewrobel2881 Месяц назад

@@MidLifeCards I was speaking specifically about "090" prefix assigned to a particular grader.

@richboyce8025 Месяц назад

Great information Graig! I was under the impression that a slab sent in for a new holder automatically gets regraded.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

No. At times PSA will require a grade review if the slab is damaged. But, if it's undamaged, and you send in a card for reholdering, it will maintain the existing grade.

@juhosevic Месяц назад

One concept I learned in my MBA program is “Game Theory” within corporations / monopolies. There is a very complex set of actions and signals that can hurt or help an enterprise. Don’t want to get too into the framework and scenarios, but I think Fanatics is playing their cards very well and PSA is flexing their status as a complementer to Fanatics. I can guarantee fanatics assessed their profits are greater by working with PSA. If fanatics spreads itself too thin and dives into a grading market dominated by PSA (collectors) they’ll lose. Buying Beckett past and present would not be so wise IMO. It’ll signal a negative feedback alert to the company’s substitutes, complementers, competitors and customers.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

I know that Fanatics' profit margins have dropped significantly of late, so margin is key for them right now.

@debragiovine9797 Месяц назад

Hello Craig. Nice explain

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Thanks so much.

@rascal3013 19 дней назад

I feel the biggest problem with all the recent PSA inconsistency has to be all the new graders they had to hire. Learning all the textures and subtle differences between decades of cards is literally going to take years of experience. My biggest complaint is the stricter grading with no change in grading standards posted on the PSA website. It's fine to make changes and grade stricter but you MUST change your posted standards and they have not.

@MidLifeCards 18 дней назад

There's certainly a learning curve to grading vintage cards.

@billyballgamesportscards Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Graig. Great video! Tom and and I did circles around the dealer tables to keep from missing stuff too. We covered pribably 90% of the tables with at least a tertiary glance. We kept going back to tables that were willing to deal to check out their new inventory everyday.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

They certainly made it tough to stay streamlined, but there's always a way.

@mikewrobel2881 Месяц назад

Sellers who are actively grading cards are biased and would naturally say that cards in more recently graded slabs are better.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I agree.

@blixcards Месяц назад

Great answers all around as usual, Graig! I believe the only way to live the true American Dream is to live frugally and within your means until you are debt free. I appreciate the advice on a car loan. I've purchased my last 2 vehicles outright with cash and never considered your loan option but if I ever go the new car route again, that makes too much sense. Thanks for covering my question so extensively with your trademark analysis and for also filling in the blanks on the details I forgot to mention including the non-consecutive #ing era. Ironically enough, however, the era I seem to subconsciously choose is around the 24,000,000 # point. Where they started going as consecutively #d as they could (I believe?) per the current #ing routine. Also, not so ironically, that is when the hologram first appeared on the new slab at the time. At least the copies I like have the mini hologram. I'm not sure it's a coincidence!

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Good stuff. I talked to Dylan about it today, too. You cracked the code.

@blixcards Месяц назад

@@MidLifeCards "PSSHHH" (in my best Chip Diamond impression) I just stumbled on that randomly, and now I can't unsee it. I'm not taking any credit that's for sure. I'm just blessed in hindsight. Just watched VintageCardWonderland's Venezuelan Retirado Part One video and his Honus Wagner is another jaw-dropper. I was in awe, and sure enough... I Highly recommended the Vennie series he's doing.

@DonOlszewski-th1ir Месяц назад

Great info Graig. I really like what you share about the grading companies and how fanatics is concentrating their efforts on the hobby. Keep it up. Thanks

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks Don. Hope you're continuing to improve!!

@davidbobo9740 Месяц назад

Slab History 101 . I needed this class .Thanks Greg

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Glad it was helpful. We've gotta all look out for each other.

@thelicoricefarm Месяц назад

Caveat Emptor *as you say, there are serial numbers beginning with 9 (AND with 8) 21:52 that were graded long, long ago.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Glad you shared this.

@3gslabs483 Месяц назад

Another great Q&A!! Love these videos. I did watch your video on comps and it made me think about one thing that Ebay is doing and is suppose to be switching to so I will question you about it and get your thoughts. Question is this: Will shill bidding finally be squashed with eBay going to immediate payment being processed at the end on an auction? Let's hope so!!

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Good question. I'll use this one soon.

@Brad-mj3tg Месяц назад

Just buy the card and compare to others in the same grade on VCP. You can see right away if it is nicer or weaker for the grade than typical. I don’t concern myself with the age of the slab - there are strong and weak for the grade in all eras. Here, Here! Open the mall style map! I love the rectangle idea of hitting everything. I use the picture and booth number system to remember where stuff is too. Balance between in person and online is always tough - avoiding something exciting that comes up to save for the regional shows is something I generally fail at. Great Q&A thanks for the thoughtful responses. Enjoyed meeting you. I was the one who showed you the really sharp Carew rookie I bought on Thursday.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

That was a BEAUTIFUL Carew RC. Congrats.

@atlcardcollector Месяц назад

Hey Greg I got a question for you. This more of a finance question compared to a card question but it could apply to cards. The question is do you do bank churning? For those who don't know, that's signing up for bank accounts to get bonuses. If you do do you have any referral links? If you haven't tried it you can make some nice coin to buy cards or anything else you want/need to to. BTW it's totally legal and the only draw back is you'll have to pay some extra taxes at the end of the year on the money

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

I'm not a bank churner and I don't do a lot of the games to get benefits from the credit card companies. I know that works for some people, but it's a lot to keep straight and not worth it in my opinion.

@JoeWoodCollector-Doug Месяц назад

Another great video Graig , thanks for all the time spent to answering pertinent hobby questions. I really like your idea on sending yourself pictures via text on cards you have interest in at the bigger shows.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks so much!!

@JayAverageVintageCollector Месяц назад

Hey Graig! Future question. Dave and Adam’s Card World is about fifteen minutes from my house. They are an absolute monster for sales. I once considered myself lucky to be so close and have that type of selection. I have not been there in years though (since I began collecting vintage only). I stopped in the other day to pick up some packs of modern basketball. To my shock, and annoyance, I found that they no longer sell packs!!! What in the world???? Boxes or cases only. I know that card collecting has evolved into breaks and mass openings, but doesn’t it seem like that squeezes out the traditional collectors? I feel like I’ve been cast aside for the big money spenders. Do you think that the bigger shops like D&A just don’t care about the little guy anymore? I mean, it sure seems like they don’t and why would they when they are making bank the way they are. Just curious as to your opinion.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Believe it or not, I have an opinion on this topic. I'll share it soon.

@ACollectorsDream Месяц назад

Great answers, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks, Orlando.

@joemofo5689 Месяц назад

Just subbed 🍻🇨🇦

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Thanks so much. That's always a great compliment.

@eddyscardboardchaos 19 дней назад

I just now submitted my July pick up, hope it's not to late to make the cut.

@MidLifeCards 18 дней назад

I got it in. Thanks for submitting it, Eddy.

@larrygitlin6017 Месяц назад

My question is how do you take a good Picture of your card if you do not have a scanner? I cannot find a place where I do not have some sort of reflection off the front of the encapsulated card. Very Frustrating.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

That's a good question and something I struggle with at times as well. I'm actually in the process of working on a better way to do this, so I'll try to show my new process if it works well.

@DonHamlin Месяц назад

Nice work, really enjoy the deep dive on some topics.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

I appreciate that. Thanks so much.

@markstein1916 Месяц назад

The practice of re-holdering into newer looking slabs/flips is just another money grab by this highly inconsistent and corrupt company. Mad respect for the extensive research you’ve done and your ability to communicate it. But for gosh sake… Buy the card and ignore the holder with its randomly-assigned number. It’s sad that people put such stock in a slab. It’s akin to buying a painting for the frame rather than the artwork itself. And to take it a step further, it’s like buying a piece of art based on someone else’s opinion, rather than your own.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

You don't need to convince me of that. By looking at my recent purchases, I think most people know I buy the card and not the grade. Others, however, may not be doing that...and hopefully this information is helpful for them.

@RipFan8 Месяц назад

Hi Graig. I always enjoy listening to your thoughts and opinions. Talk soon my friend.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Thanks Mr. "ph"

@debragiovine9797 Месяц назад

hi Craig Can you also explain about the generation of SGC graded slabs too,

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

There are really only 3 generations of SGC slabs. Some would argue there are 4. Their serial numbers are more sequential and usually tell a good story.

@mrmjmiller Месяц назад

Without question PSA is grading harder. Having owned a 1000 cards in PSA 8 holders I used to know the criteria for a card being an 8. I couldn't begin to tell you now.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Must be nice for them to do whatever they want whenever they want.

@RL3sports Месяц назад

Good stuff Graig. Thanks for the glimpse into your financial strategies. As for letting the hobby pay for your collecting. I don't really notice the cards I don't need. It's good that you pay attention to those things. I need to work on that.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

I'm always trying to sell the stuff I don't love anymore and buy more of the stuff that I do.

@RL3sports Месяц назад

@@MidLifeCards I was talking about underpriced cards at shows that you think you can flip.

@mikewrobel2881 Месяц назад

Your eyes are more important than the serial number.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

I agree.

@jimmaser Месяц назад

Question for next week. What are your thoughts on the diamond sticker program from MBA Mike Baker Authenticated? I have seen a few cards with the sticker and it seems to bring a sizable premium. Is it a legitimate premium to add to the value of the card to allegedly have a card in the top percent of those graded in that grade? Thank you

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

That's a good question. I'll add it to the list.

@ACD1994 Месяц назад

Hi, Graig. With the National being in Illinois area over the next 3 years, could you see this as an opportunity for Fanatics Fan Fest being able to gain ground by going to multiple areas throughout the U.S. Where as, the National generally stays in, just same few locations? Would love to hear your thoughts, and if you would attend a Fanatics event for the experience if it, eventually comes to your neck of the woods. Thank you.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

Good question and an interesting question. I'll put this on the list. Thanks, as always.

@ACD1994 Месяц назад

@@MidLifeCards Thank you as well.

@MichaelRader-vu1tt 29 дней назад

Question: Ebay is easy to use, but expensive to sell stuff. Is there a selling platform out there that is almost as good as eBay that charges fewer fees? I am so tired of being charged ridiculous fees on eBay.

@MidLifeCards 26 дней назад

That's such a great question. The reason they can get away with it, is because there aren't many good alternatives. Facebook has grown to become a pretty good place to buy and sell.

@garwin8285 Месяц назад

I always wanted to attend Strongsville show. Is it worth it?

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

If you're there for the cards, do the National. If you're there for connections and friends, I like Strongsville.

@SconnieTradition Месяц назад

Hey Graig - I tried uploading my July pickup multiple times on both my phone and PC the same way I did last week but my photo won't upload. Not sure if your GDrive is having issues or if its just me, lol.

@SconnieTradition Месяц назад

Finally got it. All good. 😂

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Glad it got worked out!!

@richboyce8025 Месяц назад

Not happy with PSA at all. It took them almost half a year for one of my cards to be graded with disappointing results at the end (card 7/ auto 9). I can understand how it being a thicker card could get a lower grade, but the auto grade is questionable. Maybe they don’t want lower graded cards to get a “10” on the auto.

@MidLifeCards 29 дней назад

Their turnaround time has become inexcusable.

@TheDadsAreHere Месяц назад

Hey Graig, great video. I hit you up on twitter with a link to my new channel. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on improving. Thanks Zack.

@MidLifeCards Месяц назад

I almost never check my twitter. I almost forgot I have a twitter account. Can you send me a link on Instagram?

@TheDadsAreHere Месяц назад

@@MidLifeCards sent! Thanks again!