This I agree with. I did recently send in my SiKtC foils (3 of) just because, even though it’s hot today, I know they book has room to grow and I know they are 9.6/9.8s. So guaranteed more profit $$ than raw. ROI doesn’t factor if you have a limited number of copies. It’s all about the bottom line how much money can I make with these three books.
My first prints (I have 2 of) I’m keeping raw as they have a spine tick or two and I think I can do better raw in the 9.2/9.4 range than graded after all expenses incurred. But that could change.
I get your point if you have $500 to spend and you can buy 100 copies of a $5 book or submit 10 copies for grading…which do you choose. That’s big boy(or girl) business 101.
But what I’m saying is you are limited in quantity of say only 10 copies…and that’s it…and you are good enough at grading to know what you’ll get back and net profit will be more grading vs. raw…ROI no longer matters when you’re trying to decide how to make the most money of those 10 books. Net profit is weighted more.
Now, what I will say is since grading takes 10 months sometimes with pressing…there is always a risk that the value drops over that time and the profit you thought you’d make backfires. But that’s part of the risk vs. reward game we play.
Naomi is a perfect example. It was at an average of $300 in 9.8 when I sent in my 5 copies…by the time I got them back (all 9.8s) it was $150…I sold one copy to pay for my investment. Now I wait…as it’s turned into a waiting game for news…which seems like the time to sell is near…watching closely.
I’m not slabbing comics anymore unless they’re like silver age or older and I want to keep them for myself but I probably won’t even do that. As for modern stuff you can lose big money getting books graded and coming back a 9.6 and I’m tired of paying someone to grade my comics when I know full well how to grade just fine. Been doing it for longer than cgc has been in business. It’s a big scam and everyone just fell into it and I really don’t even know why.
When they first came around I was adamantly against it and then I fell into it myself for a little bit but I’m back out again. To each their own but I’m not paying for any professional grading anymore no matter who the company is. I may buy some slabbed items to keep or resell if they are bargains but other than that I’m done with sending in any comics to any of the companies
I actual buy graded comics because if the restoration check. I trust CGC and CBCS to do the job. Much better than I could.
Aside from that I examine the book inside and make my own judgement…and will buy lower grades if they present better than higher grades of the same book.
How would you lose big money getting a modern book graded? The 9.6 value is significantly lower than 9.8 but you still only paid $25 getting it graded. You can always crack it and sell it raw so unless you are talking about them being negligent and damaging your book there’s not a lot of cost to the grading.
I’m surprised you haven’t gone to my eBay listings/sales and pointed this out!!
But mostly because i like quick profits and work high volume (fast turn around for what I’ve invested). Even though it means Slabbing I could make more, it’s more $$ invested and no guarantee of better ROI as many books are hot today, but cold tomorrow.
In other words, strike while the irons hot 95% of the time. But 5% books I know will hold value and I’ll make so much more profit through grading.
Also I sub higher value books and it de-risks scammers as well. Selling raw books at $100+ is very risky IMO.
So like a stock portfolio it’s best to dabble in a bit of everything and manage your investment $$ wisely within your means.
And it’s CW… value just gonna keep on dropping… shoulda sold them RAW! I sold several of my raws at the inital hype of almost $130 each… I win, you lose! Muhahaha. (I don’t actually win though, since I’m still chained in Anthony’s basement)
This exactly!!!
One big, giant, pyramid scheme for Moderns.
That said, I’m still making stupid money with the pyramid scheme and until it breaks (or if it even does break), I’m not going to be left out of the profits until the stupid money ceases being spent. The draw to that 9.8 with that dopey vanity label is just too powerful for many to resist. And I’m here to help them with their problem!
More risky raw. Easier to scam someone selling a NM copy to swap it out with their banged up toilet paper copy…and crush the box…”your comic arrived damaged…I want a refund!”
eBay sides with the buyer every time.
At least with a slab it has a unique ID number and solid case to prevent tampering. Much lower risk.
And what’s stopping anyone from just saying they didn’t get the package? Unless you do signature required, anyone buying an expensive slab could just claim “never arrived” and eBay or credit company sides with them. The last few times I sold two slabs I had that were over $200 I threw signature required with full insurance as well just to be covered.
So I still think the risks on getting a book slabbed are still higher since what you’ve pointed out can happen with any “sale”…
The best way to determine this, on a book by book case, is to do the research. If grading costs brings your investment over the FMV, then it’s not worth it. Reverse the premise for the argument that supports having a book graded to maximize profit.
Each book will have a different investment cost, therefore each book needs to be done on a case by case basis. Other factors like the selling windows, potential growth, etc…should also be considered for each book.
I’m dealing with an insurance claim. A big box of graphic novels burst apart and I got a piece of cardboard with the label returned to me as the rest was just lost. It’s been a hassle doing the claim so far.
