Just wanted to check in with how people who are members feel the service has been.
I sent in my first lot of games to VGA since becoming a Platinum member on 8/21/12. Package arrived the 23rd, no invoice yet. I'm just curious if people who have paid for memberships have noticed a noticeably faster turn around time or not. Would suck to spend $300 and not see a difference in turn around times.
All 5 games are Premium and standard casing, hope they aren't super far ff from 2-4 day turn around.
Update: invoiced on August 28th. Completion date was to be September 4th. Contacted them on the September 5th asking if they had shipped and got:
"Per the graders, the three Asian NES games must be graded under the Qualified scale; however, it is noted on your form, that you do not want us to.
Please confirm - otherwise, they are ineligible for grading."
Now, I specifically sent the Asian games under the V-QC1-1 qualified scale, though I didn't check the box about them being graded qualified if they were deemed unsubmissable under the standard grading. Sent another email today to see what the deal is.
Spent $300 on a platinum membership, projected turn around time even for custom sized premium tier games is projected at 4-6 days. Not too happy to be honest.
Edit: Got an email from Kim that they are in transit, as well as a tracking number. Not a big deal all things considered, but I'm not pumped about the turn around time after paying for a membership.
At this point I'm not sure if I should get this game graded or have VGA make me a custom sliding bottom case for this (I think it its got at least a 70 I would send it in). I really just want to get it protected. Does anyone know if Stack Up is the same size or if VGA already makes cases for these?
At this point I'm not sure if I should get this game graded or have VGA make me a custom sliding bottom case for this (I think it its got at least a 70 I would send it in). I really just want to get it protected. Does anyone know if Stack Up is the same size or if VGA already makes cases for these?
At this point I'm not sure if I should get this game graded or have VGA make me a custom sliding bottom case for this (I think it its got at least a 70 I would send it in). I really just want to get it protected. Does anyone know if Stack Up is the same size or if VGA already makes cases for these?
Here are some of my own pics. Do you guys see at least a 70 here? Still debating whether I should get it graded or just have a custom acrylic made for it. Any input would be appreciated.
My eye is only trained at the 85 and up level, no idea what a 70 looks like. In all honesty though, no way would I recommend grading that. If you absolutely have to have it for your collection, go for it though. But I personally would save the grading money and wait for a nicer copy to appear. There will be some out there at some point, and Gamecube values are still tame compared to other platforms.
I took a look through the rest of this thread and found the answer to my last question(which is probably why no one answered it) but I have another question. Looking for opinions here. I have a game that would almost definitely get a silver level grade because of scratches on the factory seal but the box is absolutely mint and I have no doubt it would get a gold level grade on the qualified scale without the seal. What would you do/prefer in this situation?
^^I would personally never open a title to qualify it unless there was no other way to have it graded (questionable seal). It also ruins the value of an item as well if that is a concern of yours. I would personally spend more on a 75-80 copy of a game versus a qualified 85-90 NO QUESTION.
But that's one of the worst 85+s I've seen. Ultimately grading is subjective, just a VGA opinion is worth more than anyone else's opinion. I think most would agree that some VGA games are subject to interpretation. A good eye is usually within a + or -, but sometimes you get a grade that just confuses you.
Damn that's pretty fucking visible, definately not something that should be recieving that high of a grade. I mean, aren't these guys supposed to be all professional and shit, taking every single angle into consideration and decreasing the grades for even the smallest of flaws? They don't seem to be living up to that level of expertise and it all feels so sloppy and unpredictable. The question is if it's really worth going along with them at all?
The question is how nice is that wrap. Its probably very clean to balance out that grade. Again, my Fire n Ice has a similar bottom left corner like SMB2 above but the wrap is FLAWLESS. And it got a lower end 85+ (per vga report). I'm not saying the above should have gotten an 85+, I mean, by looking at it the bottom right corner has a crease too.
Also, I know a few of us have been wondering if VGA has tightened up recently on grading. Spoke to Kim, nope, same.
Also, I know a few of us have been wondering if VGA has tightened up recently on grading. Spoke to Kim, nope, same.
Regardless what they tell you I know there is a difference. Second time I've graded a gold game to recieve silver. I guess when you hire more employees you get more differences in opinion.
While I agree that a single picture does not tell the story, you can't make a blanket statement like "That SM2 is def not 85+" without having the game in your hand, it's not possible. Every other corner could be sharp and the wrap could have no marks...I also agree that VGA has been extremely tight on the grades lately, I have had enough things graded to know the difference between an 80+ and an 85+. We aren't talking small differences.
While I agree that a single picture does not tell the story, you can't make a blanket statement like "That SM2 is def not 85+" without having the game in your hand, it's not possible. Every other corner could be sharp and the wrap could have no marks...I also agree that VGA has been extremely tight on the grades lately, I have had enough things graded to know the difference between an 80+ and an 85+. We aren't talking small differences.
Ofcourse i judged by the best case scenario with everything else being pristine, i still think it's too much.
Aside from that though: doesn't a tighter grading kind off mean the same thing? I mean sure, you could argue that i'm wrong and that it is already tight but even so, doesn't it still give an unserious impression if the grading starts going from "very good" to "even better" without anyone knowing? All of a sudden collectors spread the word among eachother and everyone wants the "new" 85+ while the older is considered second class and less desirable for anyone that consideres himself a "serious" collector.
There already is a second class of grades. I believe it's titles graded prior to mid summer of 2010, or when the 85+ was introduced. I've had a 90 Mega Man 2 from before that 85+ period that was more like an 80/80+. I'm sure Bucky remembers that as he almost bought it until we looked at it closer.
The latest wave of grades could once again change the "standard" view, although if VGA gets it under control quickly it's a non-issue. Agreed with you on that point.
There's no doubt grading has been tight lately. I've been a VGA advocate for a long time and even I reluctantly admit something is up with grading lately. I still however will use them even just for authentication purposes.
Because I like to collect 85+ or higher it makes it even harder for me. I might have to buy graded for a while. At this rate I don't really mind paying the extra premium for it. I'll still submit raw though just have to be even more picky.
Do you guys think it would be cool if NA had sealed awards? Say like certain games that have very few known examples or just rarity factor of a game. Systems I think would work good as an award. Also sealed game series awards. What do you think?
While I agree that a single picture does not tell the story, you can't make a blanket statement like "That SM2 is def not 85+" without having the game in your hand, it's not possible. Every other corner could be sharp and the wrap could have no marks...I also agree that VGA has been extremely tight on the grades lately, I have had enough things graded to know the difference between an 80+ and an 85+. We aren't talking small differences.
I agree that is impossible to grade a game subjectively once it is slabbed. Stuff like subtle box bowing, tiny corner pokes, surface scuffs and faint stress marks are hard to see once a game is encased. That's why games are always graded raw, yet we as collectors are stuck with looking at the game when it is already slabbed.
However, it is blatantly obvious that SMB is not 85+. If anyone bothered to click the eBay link I posted, you'd see the high def photos there. Obvious large corner ding on front (ding is an understatement), large stress mark on bottom and back right bottom corner almost as bad the front. I don't grade much at the 85 level, but I question if that's even an 85.
On topic of grading, grades generally do get stricter over time. They won't admit it but it's just a law of numbers. Let's say in 2005 there were 100 85 games. In 2008 let's say 1000. Maybe now it's 10,000. At some point you realize, all 85s are not equal, and there is a difference between nice 85s and low 85s. That's when a split occurs and the + system was developed. VGA will have to do something in the future because 85+ is far too big of a class already. The difference between low 85+ and high 85+ is night and day, yet the market values them the same. Something will have to give at some point.
And besides, you generally develop stricter guidelines after you've seen more games. I look at some CIB games catalogged in my collection in 2008, and I think "Wow? I called that a 9? It's barely an 8 by my standards today." It's just natural progression of a collector...
So with all of this being said, has anyone ever tried breaking open a vga graded game and resubmitting it for grading? Technically a different person would have a different opinion which may change the overall outcome if graded a second time.
I agree that is impossible to grade a game subjectively once it is slabbed. Stuff like subtle box bowing, tiny corner pokes, surface scuffs and faint stress marks are hard to see once a game is encased. That's why games are always graded raw, yet we as collectors are stuck with looking at the game when it is already slabbed.
However, it is blatantly obvious that SMB is not 85+. If anyone bothered to click the eBay link I posted, you'd see the high def photos there. Obvious large corner ding on front (ding is an understatement), large stress mark on bottom and back right bottom corner almost as bad the front. I don't grade much at the 85 level, but I question if that's even an 85.
On topic of grading, grades generally do get stricter over time. They won't admit it but it's just a law of numbers. Let's say in 2005 there were 100 85 games. In 2008 let's say 1000. Maybe now it's 10,000. At some point you realize, all 85s are not equal, and there is a difference between nice 85s and low 85s. That's when a split occurs and the + system was developed. VGA will have to do something in the future because 85+ is far too big of a class already. The difference between low 85+ and high 85+ is night and day, yet the market values them the same. Something will have to give at some point.
And besides, you generally develop stricter guidelines after you've seen more games. I look at some CIB games catalogged in my collection in 2008, and I think "Wow? I called that a 9? It's barely an 8 by my standards today." It's just natural progression of a collector...
Admittedly no I did not look at the pics. I do remember guillavoie saying that it was def not 85+ in his opinion as it was his game IIRC. I think those type of finds are anomalies and not a wide spread issue. That particular grade/game was discussed at length before. It's just an example for those who dislike VGA for whatever reason to say "Look they have no idea what they are doing." And yes grading def does get tougher over time but from what I've reviewed lately this seems to be a pretty hard line starting a few months ago.
I'm still going to send them games... hell, I just sent off 5 games to them to see if my thoughts are correct. I'm guessing some will go as low as 70 and one should get a 90... perhaps.
Comments
Originally posted by: MrMark0673
Just wanted to check in with how people who are members feel the service has been.
I sent in my first lot of games to VGA since becoming a Platinum member on 8/21/12. Package arrived the 23rd, no invoice yet. I'm just curious if people who have paid for memberships have noticed a noticeably faster turn around time or not. Would suck to spend $300 and not see a difference in turn around times.
All 5 games are Premium and standard casing, hope they aren't super far ff from 2-4 day turn around.
Update: invoiced on August 28th. Completion date was to be September 4th. Contacted them on the September 5th asking if they had shipped and got:
"Per the graders, the three Asian NES games must be graded under the Qualified scale; however, it is noted on your form, that you do not want us to.
Please confirm - otherwise, they are ineligible for grading."
Now, I specifically sent the Asian games under the V-QC1-1 qualified scale, though I didn't check the box about them being graded qualified if they were deemed unsubmissable under the standard grading. Sent another email today to see what the deal is.
Spent $300 on a platinum membership, projected turn around time even for custom sized premium tier games is projected at 4-6 days. Not too happy to be honest.
Edit: Got an email from Kim that they are in transit, as well as a tracking number. Not a big deal all things considered, but I'm not pumped about the turn around time after paying for a membership.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pokemon-Box-Ruby-and-Sapphire-Nintendo-GameCube-2004-/290770811987?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=I3wtk+DzNhscpQvoT91VivcN9pY=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Originally posted by: theguy1962
At this point I'm not sure if I should get this game graded or have VGA make me a custom sliding bottom case for this (I think it its got at least a 70 I would send it in). I really just want to get it protected. Does anyone know if Stack Up is the same size or if VGA already makes cases for these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pokemon-Box-Ruby-and-Sapphire-N...
Here you go man, these are for sale from VGA directly (cga is same thing.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Stack-Up-Acrylic-Display-Case-/260996341200?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item3cc4981dd0
Originally posted by: JD
Originally posted by: theguy1962
At this point I'm not sure if I should get this game graded or have VGA make me a custom sliding bottom case for this (I think it its got at least a 70 I would send it in). I really just want to get it protected. Does anyone know if Stack Up is the same size or if VGA already makes cases for these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pokemon-Box-Ruby-and-Sapphire-Ninten...
Here you go man, these are for sale from VGA directly (cga is same thing.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Stack-Up-Acrylic-Displa...
Do those fit the GameCube bix box release? Wasn't sure if they were the same size.
Edit: Just looked at the measuremens on the Stack Up case and it wouldn't work.
Originally posted by: jonebone
Thread:
http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=...
Listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Super-Mario-Bros-2...=
But that's one of the worst 85+s I've seen. Ultimately grading is subjective, just a VGA opinion is worth more than anyone else's opinion. I think most would agree that some VGA games are subject to interpretation. A good eye is usually within a + or -, but sometimes you get a grade that just confuses you.
Damn that's pretty fucking visible, definately not something that should be recieving that high of a grade. I mean, aren't these guys supposed to be all professional and shit, taking every single angle into consideration and decreasing the grades for even the smallest of flaws? They don't seem to be living up to that level of expertise and it all feels so sloppy and unpredictable. The question is if it's really worth going along with them at all?
EDIT: I got the game back and I do agree that it should be 85. I need to look a bit more closly next and not let my excitment warp my thinking.
Also, I know a few of us have been wondering if VGA has tightened up recently on grading. Spoke to Kim, nope, same.
Is an 80+
Originally posted by: Arkturus
Also, I know a few of us have been wondering if VGA has tightened up recently on grading. Spoke to Kim, nope, same.
Regardless what they tell you I know there is a difference. Second time I've graded a gold game to recieve silver. I guess when you hire more employees you get more differences in opinion.
Originally posted by: MinusWorlds
While I agree that a single picture does not tell the story, you can't make a blanket statement like "That SM2 is def not 85+" without having the game in your hand, it's not possible. Every other corner could be sharp and the wrap could have no marks...I also agree that VGA has been extremely tight on the grades lately, I have had enough things graded to know the difference between an 80+ and an 85+. We aren't talking small differences.
Ofcourse i judged by the best case scenario with everything else being pristine, i still think it's too much.
Aside from that though: doesn't a tighter grading kind off mean the same thing? I mean sure, you could argue that i'm wrong and that it is already tight but even so, doesn't it still give an unserious impression if the grading starts going from "very good" to "even better" without anyone knowing? All of a sudden collectors spread the word among eachother and everyone wants the "new" 85+ while the older is considered second class and less desirable for anyone that consideres himself a "serious" collector.
The latest wave of grades could once again change the "standard" view, although if VGA gets it under control quickly it's a non-issue. Agreed with you on that point.
There's no doubt grading has been tight lately. I've been a VGA advocate for a long time and even I reluctantly admit something is up with grading lately. I still however will use them even just for authentication purposes.
Originally posted by: MinusWorlds
While I agree that a single picture does not tell the story, you can't make a blanket statement like "That SM2 is def not 85+" without having the game in your hand, it's not possible. Every other corner could be sharp and the wrap could have no marks...I also agree that VGA has been extremely tight on the grades lately, I have had enough things graded to know the difference between an 80+ and an 85+. We aren't talking small differences.
I agree that is impossible to grade a game subjectively once it is slabbed. Stuff like subtle box bowing, tiny corner pokes, surface scuffs and faint stress marks are hard to see once a game is encased. That's why games are always graded raw, yet we as collectors are stuck with looking at the game when it is already slabbed.
However, it is blatantly obvious that SMB is not 85+. If anyone bothered to click the eBay link I posted, you'd see the high def photos there. Obvious large corner ding on front (ding is an understatement), large stress mark on bottom and back right bottom corner almost as bad the front. I don't grade much at the 85 level, but I question if that's even an 85.
On topic of grading, grades generally do get stricter over time. They won't admit it but it's just a law of numbers. Let's say in 2005 there were 100 85 games. In 2008 let's say 1000. Maybe now it's 10,000. At some point you realize, all 85s are not equal, and there is a difference between nice 85s and low 85s. That's when a split occurs and the + system was developed. VGA will have to do something in the future because 85+ is far too big of a class already. The difference between low 85+ and high 85+ is night and day, yet the market values them the same. Something will have to give at some point.
And besides, you generally develop stricter guidelines after you've seen more games. I look at some CIB games catalogged in my collection in 2008, and I think "Wow? I called that a 9? It's barely an 8 by my standards today." It's just natural progression of a collector...
Originally posted by: jonebone
I agree that is impossible to grade a game subjectively once it is slabbed. Stuff like subtle box bowing, tiny corner pokes, surface scuffs and faint stress marks are hard to see once a game is encased. That's why games are always graded raw, yet we as collectors are stuck with looking at the game when it is already slabbed.
However, it is blatantly obvious that SMB is not 85+. If anyone bothered to click the eBay link I posted, you'd see the high def photos there. Obvious large corner ding on front (ding is an understatement), large stress mark on bottom and back right bottom corner almost as bad the front. I don't grade much at the 85 level, but I question if that's even an 85.
On topic of grading, grades generally do get stricter over time. They won't admit it but it's just a law of numbers. Let's say in 2005 there were 100 85 games. In 2008 let's say 1000. Maybe now it's 10,000. At some point you realize, all 85s are not equal, and there is a difference between nice 85s and low 85s. That's when a split occurs and the + system was developed. VGA will have to do something in the future because 85+ is far too big of a class already. The difference between low 85+ and high 85+ is night and day, yet the market values them the same. Something will have to give at some point.
And besides, you generally develop stricter guidelines after you've seen more games. I look at some CIB games catalogged in my collection in 2008, and I think "Wow? I called that a 9? It's barely an 8 by my standards today." It's just natural progression of a collector...
Admittedly no I did not look at the pics. I do remember guillavoie saying that it was def not 85+ in his opinion as it was his game IIRC. I think those type of finds are anomalies and not a wide spread issue. That particular grade/game was discussed at length before. It's just an example for those who dislike VGA for whatever reason to say "Look they have no idea what they are doing." And yes grading def does get tougher over time but from what I've reviewed lately this seems to be a pretty hard line starting a few months ago.