When do you grade a modern book?

[cmixer]

Specifically:
I have some Modern books that will NOT grade over 9.4 --

* Batman Adventures 12
* Uncanny XMEN 510 (JSC variant)
* Walking Dead 100 2nd print
* Harbinger 1

Do you pay for grading, just for peace of mind & ease of sale?
Does it add any value?

My main worry is I sell a 'hot' book that's only 9.2, and get bad feedback on eBAY for 'not grading correctly'

[speez22]

Those are some pretty sweet books! Personally? I'd grade them if you're concerned about customer feedback. Still would be WELL worth the money, IMO. For example, a BA12 graded at 9.0 sold for over $500 on eBay a couple weeks ago. Those titles are worth it.

[IndySportsCards]

When I have books sold off on Ebay, I keep the grading very simple.

Poor/Fair - G/VG - Fine - VF/NM


I do NOT assign a CGC grade to them, I am not a CGC grader, meaning I don't work there. I do know how to grade them, but I don't for Ebay. I provide photos and let the buyer choose to bid on the items or not. They can send it into CGC and have it graded if they wish, but I do feel you're only setting yourself up for disappointment by assigning a grade without the book actually being graded, and possible negative feedback. VF/NM covers the 8.5-9.4 range on most, it not all of your high grade books. Sure, you won't get bidders looking for a 9.8, but 9.8's go for much more anyway. If you're looking to get maximum profit, grade the books. Selling a graded book is the best way to go on high dollar books IMHO and most of what you listed are high dollar books.

[Morgoth]

Are you sure they cant be pressed into a higher grade?

[Cyber Warrior]

Check sold sales for raw vs slabbed ...with your average modern book a 9.4 will probably lose you money. If its an important sought after book then it might be worth grading even if it's a lower grade. Each book is different, some sell better raw and some sell better slabbed. You have to factor in the price of grading and see what your profit margin is vs selling raw.. also time should be considered with moderns, most moderns are only hot till the next one comes out, the time you send your book off for grading and get it back.. the market may have already cooled off on it. It really depends on each individual book/title.

The X-Men 510 for example sells raw for around $100 to $200 ..low grades still bring in decent money. A CGC 9.4 on the other hand will probably sell for the same price, closer to the $200 range. Not really worth having it graded if its not making you any extra profit.. maybe you make an extra $10-20 after grading fees if you're lucky.