Do Not Grade Pokemon Cards

I think there’s also the resale companies sending in literally anything for grading just to throw in their mystery boxes

Watching this 8 months late and man, you really do have the best informative content in the pokemon TCG space. Haven't watched a video yet that I felt wasn't worth my time or wasn't entertained by. Excited for more of your videos as we move into the SV era!

Grading is a whole sham. For true grail cards, yes, it makes sense. Everything else, not worth it!

I won't be grading my cards anytime soon, so I just grade them myself for funzies! And with that being said, I self-proclaim my most valuable card (being my Leafeon VMax alt art) a pristine 11/10!😌

I always see the reasons for grading: card has special meaning when pulled (eg with friends) — desire to display (and the 2ndary market is high ) — or really just to flip a really great card/dupe that you don’t want anymore

For displaying cards on a shelf I'm a fan of one-touch cases. I first put the card in a KMC perfect-fit inner sleeve before putting it in the case so the edges are protected from the case. Only costs a few dollars and you can move the card between case and binder if you ever want to and you can always re-use the case for a different card. Just to emphasize, I ONLY recommend one-touch cases for Pokémon cards if you use a sleeve.

I just sent off my first 3 ever cards to be graded by CGC. Holo base set alakazam I pulled myself, Arceus V promo from the collection box, and Ho-oh holo from sky ridge ive had since I was a kid. No intentions on selling, I just wanted to display them

Can't actually handle a card missing from my binder. It would feel "incomplete", which is my main reason why I don't grade modern. Might grade them in + 10-20 years ;)

Loving the honesty. In my opinion, it's not even just risky, but there's pretty obviously little to no upside whatsoever to grading cards as prices continue to slide due to the recession we're entering. Once they're $10-$12 a card with a 30-60 day return time, I may send in some cards I really like, but not with any expectation of making money on them any time soon.

Great insights on this! I think that the ~$200 max value isn't going to stop folks from jumping in and submitting a bunch of stuff. And in fact I think that PSA knows and is prepared for this. The other important thing that I'm noting now is that PSA looks to be wrapping up their back log, and so it is reasonable that over time, we'll see them do more consistent and even cheaper specials on cards in order to keep operations at the levels they have been used to over the past few years.

Love the content and the honest opinion. When I got into the hobby I got the feeling that I had to grade my cards in order to preserve them. But with the waiting times, the cost and risk you are absolutely right. Thank you :)

Loving the videos! I only got into collecting cards this summer, been a fan of the games since I was a kid. Started my own YouTube channel since I was opening so many, still rough but learning the ropes!

I love watching your videos. To be honest, if I ever have any questions or need any advice, you’re the first person I turn to and one of the only people I trust. Your authenticity and passion is apparent in your videos. To me, there’s just something about physically holding that card in your hand rather than touching the plastic around it. I had a question about Sword and Shield investment products. So far I’ve heard Evolving Skies booster boxes and Vivid Voltage ETBs may be good for a long hold. What are your thoughts? Thank you for all you do for the hobby!

Sure I like grading my cards but recently I’ve been enjoying Completing sets in binders. Keep up the great content.

You kind of hinted at it but also need to consider that your cards getting graded might not even get a good grade. The inconsistencies with grading companies are real and there’s always a chance you overlooked a minor flaw in a card too

Yup…you summed that up very well. I will be waiting a couple years minimum before submitting to PSA. Hopefully I can scoop up some nice grades cards on the secondary market as everyone sells off their “investments” 👀

Love your videos, you should consider making some more frequently :)

This is a good guy. Logical reasonable and invested in innocent hobby. You don’t see earnest people online much nowadays

Great video, I'm not big on graded cards anyway unless like you say its a special card to me. I recently sent my first ever submission while it was at its cheapest, but again, the length of time it takes to get the cards back is outrageous. I agree with everything you said really!

great and thorough as always. Thanks Jake