10/11/2005

I continue to support the grading services of BGS, PSA, and SGC. All three companies are equivalents in my mind, per the brief and simple explanations mentioned below and in the content of the "First Time Vistor" link.

My current involvement in the sports card industry revolves primarily around on-line activity, however, I continue to attend "The National" annually and "The Sun Times" shows in Chicago semi-annually. Rather than making secondary market purchases, I've gone back to concentrating on grading cards myself -- roughly 100 every other month -- which as you can imagine, keeps me busy. More times than not, new inventory doesn't even make it to my site anymore, as it's already been sold prior to me having a chance to make the update. Knowing this, I encourage you to join the many others that e-mail me with their wants in advance, as I always have much more to offer than what's listed. And if I don't have what you're looking for, I can get it, or at the least, get you started in the right direction.

eBay auctions continue to be added when I find the time. Be sure to bookmark my seller's list for all of the details.

Some highlights of the current Sterbz Sports Cards inventory:

• My last "high-end" certified MINT Michael Jordan RC:
  • SGC 96 1986-87 Fleer #57 (S/N 1125986-001) - Front Back

• PSA GEM MT 10 Tony Gwynn 1983 O-Pee-Chee
  This card has been described by many as one of the toughest modern day cards to obtain in Gem Mint condition. Amidst many offers, I've decided to keep the card for now, and simply entertain offers as they come in, for it's rarity will only continue to be emphasized as time goes on. Facts speak louder than words, so here are the staggering figures that justify the condition sensitivity of this card:
  • PSA - 3 GEM MT 10's, 72 MINT 9's; 453 submitted (~17% MINT or better)
  • SGC - 0 PRISTINE 100's, 0 GEM 98's, 2 MINT 96's (I own 1); 163 submitted (1.2% MINT of better)
  Wondering where my reference to BGS is? Well, look no further as it obviously can't go without mentioning. BGS has recklessly placed 2 "GEM MINT 9.5"'s in the market. Two words - buyer beware !! These cards were brought into the market by Canadian dealers who laser cut them from manufacturer sheets. That's right, BGS graded cards that were cut in the secondary marketplace (not at the manufacturer), and as a matter of fact, PSA and SGC would not grade them. This is the exact reason why the high-grade BGS mid-80's OPC hockey market tanked like it did. Think about it . . . some things (perfectly clean-cut OPC cards, namely) are just too good to be true.

  If you'd like to express your opinion, whether it be in agreement with me or not, I encourage you to e-mail me. To date, my statements have only been supported.

As always, thanks for all of your bids, positive feedback, and overall support.

Sincerely,
Chris Sterbenz
"Sterbz"

• Bookmark my seller's list by holding down "CONTROL" & pressing "D" while viewing the webpage.

  As you've probably noticed, I'm an eBay veteran who's been auctioning items since March of 1997. I end all of my auctions between 9:00PM and 11:00PM EST, with some consistency between those items ending on the same night. Your satisfaction is my #1 priority, and as you can see, my feedback speaks for itself. Bid with confidence, knowing that you're dealing with a reputable person.

• The BGS Page 10/11 @ 6:00PM EST

  BGS - #1 in retail prices realized, #3 in the eyes of collectors.

  Retailers: They're tougher and more consistent than PSA, but still fall short of SGC in this respect. Given that dealer-to-dealer transactions are the greatest on BGS cards, price fluctuations are also the greatest. In addition, for those collectors who want to purchase BGS cards, they'll have to pay a premium since there aren't nearly as many MINT or GEM MINT examples available in the marketplace.

  Collectors: The validity of their service is still being monitored due to instances such as the one I mention above regarding OPC cards. Also, many feel that BGS shouldn't even be in the grading industry to begin with since publishing a grading card price guide and providing a grading service is a complete contradiction of interests.

• The PSA Page 10/11 @ 6:00PM EST

  PSA - #2 in retail prices realized, #2 in the eyes of collectors.

  Retailers and Collectors: PSA remains the most widely recognized grading company in the industry. They've encountered some difficult times, but after being pressed by all of the competition, they've pressed right back, maintaining a reputable dealer and collector base. Cards graded by PSA are also the most liquid, so any thoughts of them becoming a non-factor can be dismissed.

• The SGC Page 10/11 @ 6:00PM EST

  SGC - #3 in retail prices realized, #1 in the eyes of collectors.

  Retailers: The most common point of view is that since SGC doesn't give preferential treatment to any bulk submission dealers (i.e., the more cards you submit, the greater the % of high-end grades you get), no dealers want to support them. Thus, there are very few dealer-to-dealer transactions, and total volume and demand is lower. To many of the industry's elite, it makes no sense, and that's why SGC's still in the game. To the bulk submission dealers, however, it's a simple concept -- don't reward me with grades for spending thousands of dollars with you, and I take my business elsewhere. Sad, but true.

  Collectors: What a dream . . . you can get the same card, guaranteed authentic and graded in the same or better condition (again, SGC is the toughest grader), in the nicest holder, for a fraction of the price. Remember also, that SGC's reputation has rarely been questioned, and that vintage SGC cards realize prices that are just as high, if not higher, than PSA or BGS (you can't bulk submit vintage cards . . . ).

• My Wantlist 10/11 @ 6:00PM EST - I'm always buying!

  Please make sure you read through the "Important Things To Note" section before making any offers.