Discuss comic grading and how to evaluate books
|
Mouthdj Posts: 1
12/15/2018
|
Hey y'all,
Can someone break down the process of getting comics graded (in Canada...if that matters)? I haven't collected in years but have a decent collection of books from the early-mid 90s. I'm just starting to look into the values of some of them and whether or not I should even get them officially graded. So far, it looks like I have to mail my books in to get it done? I'm a bit too paranoid to just pop them in the mail! Is there a way I can physically drop them off? Any tips on what "tier" I should use?
Can you give me a run down (start to finish) of what the process is like so I have an idea of what I'm in for?
If there's any other information you'd like to pass along, I'd appreciate.
edited by mouthdj on 12/15/2018
|
|
|
0
link
|
|
Ronbatman Administrator Posts: 2530
12/17/2018
|
DJ,
CGC and CBCS are trusted resources in the comic book industry. They both receive thousands of books each year for grading, so your books are safe. People send them Action #1, Amazing Fantasy #15 and other very expensive books. Everyone is paranoid the first time they send them in.
My General thoughts on 3rd party grading
Don't send in a book that is valued at less than $100 in the grade you own.
Before you send a book in check the front and back for grading. (I once sent in a book that had a folded corner on the back cover)
Send a group of books instead of just one at a time. It's easier to do the paperwork.
If you're going to keep the book for a long time, go with the slower/less expensive option
If you're going to flip the latest hot book, go with the quicker option
You can check the status of your books online.
I hope that helps you.
|
|
|
+2
link
|
|
Oxbladder Posts: 487
12/17/2018
|
You either have to send them in or take them to a convention where either of the two grading companies are set up to take submissions.
First you need to go through the books you are considering to get graded and come up with a baseline grade. Then you have to go online and get an idea of realized prices for a book in that grade. You don't look at graded book values just the ungraded (raw) realized prices. Once you have an idea of that value you look at the maximum values allowed for the various tiers. If your book falls in that range then you submit under that tier (be careful as there may also be year restrictions for submitting under the different tiers). Then you fill out the forms. Pack your books securely (both sites should give directions on this) an ship them, insured, to the grading company of your choice. Then wait. If you ship to CBCS expect to wait a very, very long time. CGC should be about a month or two. You should be able to track your books through the grading process depending on which company you send it to. I believe that you get charged by both companies once the books are checked in at their respective facilities. For us Canadians grading is an very expensive process so it is actually better bang for your buck to send more than one book at a time for grading even though it will cost you more. Shipping is very expensive, more so coming back than going there depending on how you ship. I don't believe either company gives you a return shipping option. DO NOT ship without insuring the books. You can also save yourself some money if you take your shipment to a Canadian Border Services office before shipping and telling them that you are sending the books to the US for evaluation and they will be returned. there is then a form that they will get you to fill out and you attach it to the box. The rgading companies should then attach this form when they return your books and you will avoid the taxes and service charges upon reentry into Canada.
This is a really short breakdown because I know that both companies cover most of the submission process on their site.
It is also important to note that not all books are worth getting graded. I would only get books graded that are over $100 even then probably only if I think the grade would come back in the 9.6 or greater grade. That is if they are from 1980 present. There are not many books from the 90's that fall in these parameters.
|
|
|
+1
link
|
