Buying “raw” cards on Ebay ...

[MogulSkier39]

If the photos look great and there are no negative comments in the description, is it reasonable to hope the card might be able to grade at a 10 if submitted to PSA? Or, is there a general assumption or understanding that there must be at least a minor defect causing it to be sold “raw” because, otherwise, the seller would have had it graded?

[gmoney328]

Originally Posted by MogulSkier39

If the photos look great and there are no negative comments in the description, is it reasonable to hope the card might be able to grade at a 10 if submitted to PSA? Or, is there a general assumption or understanding that there must be at least a minor defect causing it to be sold “raw” because, otherwise, the seller would have had it graded?

I personally wouldn't ever assume it's going to be a 10 when buying raw.

Of course that doesn't mean it can't be.

[Wiseguy917]

Originally Posted by MogulSkier39

If the photos look great and there are no negative comments in the description, is it reasonable to hope the card might be able to grade at a 10 if submitted to PSA? Or, is there a general assumption or understanding that there must be at least a minor defect causing it to be sold “raw” because, otherwise, the seller would have had it graded?

I rarely grade cards. I’m sure I’ve sold plenty of 10s through the years.

[MogulSkier39]

Originally Posted by gmoney328

I personally wouldn't ever assume it's going to be a 10 when buying raw.

Of course that doesn't mean it can't be.

For sure. My question is: is it reasonable to hope that it might grade 10, or does the fact it is being sold “raw” indicate there is very likely at least a small defect?

[letsgocapitals]

I always check the sellers others items. If they're also selling graded, that's a bad sign. And, of course, you can always politely ask if they're any noticeable issues with the card.

[JoeAdam]

My general rule of thumb is to look at the other items they have listed. If their username is "graded cards" or "pristine cards" (just examples) and all their other cards are graded and this one is raw...it probably wont grade well. That being said, I sell a lot of raw cards that I just don't feel are worth the time/money to grade. I'm sure many will gem.

[Astros19]

I've sold over 10,000 cards on Ebay and have never graded a single one. Just not my thing.
Although, I think expecting a gem mint non graded card is a mistake.
You want gem mint, buy a graded gem mint.

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[Stech36]

You shouldn’t expect it, but it’s definitely possible. Especially if it’s soon after a products release. Something like a 2011 trout update probably has a flaw though

[eb12057]

For years I would break boxes/cases of cards and only kept autos, and game used. I never even considered grading. So I'm sure that I have also sold a lot of high grade cards in the past as well. I'd say it would be worth a shot.

[MogulSkier39]

Great feedback everyone, thanks. Just bought a Tatis Jr. #203 “raw.” Price was well below a PSA 10, but it looks great. My first Ebay purchase, so wondering about this.

[jduds]

I've only ever bothered to grade one card on my own in the past 20 years. I'd assume several things I've sold have graded a 10. I don't list potential grades on my listings to avoid headaches and because I have a hard time figuring out 9s or 10s. I always assume the best any raw card can do is a 9 and bid accordingly based on scans. I'm not paying graded premiums for raw cards. I normally find that a lot of sellers actually over-emphasize card flaws out of an abundance of caution.

[SGC300ier]

I'm 100% sure I've sold raw that turned into 10's. I've also bought raw that turned into 10's. That being said, mostly not lol

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[YouTheManNick]

In the current climate some people don't want to wait nine months to get their card graded. Just wanna get money and move on.

[MoreToppsPlease]

How many slabbed tens are tens if resubmitted?

[SGC300ier]

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

How many slabbed tens are tens if resubmitted?

Touche!

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[PSA2Pac]

Every card i bought last year was off ebay. I did 2 PSA subs, subbing directly to PSA myself.

First sub I got 8 10s and 6 9s
57% gem mint rate

Last sub I got 5 10s, 3 9s and 1 8
50% gem mint rate

I'll take it
I also try to not to take too many chances on cards that don't have pics of front/back of the card out of holders/sleeves. I make sure to do my due diligence in looking at seller history/etc. Its worked for me

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[f2tornado]

The more expensive the card, the less likely it's gem. I've certainly purchased no shortage of gem cards on eBay and COMC. My worst luck is with Sportlots but most of those are just bargains, sight unseen.

[Brye86]

I would never expect a 10 from a raw card. However, what I would expect is an 8-9. Anything worse then I better see the damage in the pictures to decide myself if I still want it.

[PuddleMonkey]

Originally Posted by Wiseguy917

I rarely grade cards. I’m sure I’ve sold plenty of 10s through the years.

Me too, sold plenty of cards pulled straight from packs and I've never had a card graded in my life. In fact, I get annoyed when I'm looking for something limited for a set and when I have to pick one up in a PSA case I sometimes crack it if it's the only graded one I have for that set. Just did that yesterday actually, cracked a /60 Chris Paul auto PSA 10 because the other 19 cards in the set were raw.

[Chris P]

Originally Posted by Astros19

I've sold over 10,000 cards on Ebay and have never graded a single one. Just not my thing.
Although, I think expecting a gem mint non graded card is a mistake.
You want gem mint, buy a graded gem mint.

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Yep me too..i rarely sell graded cards..if i do its only bc i bought it off ebay...ive never graded a card myself. Doesnt mean theres a problem with my cards bc they are raw..just not a grader..but yes agree with you..shouldnt expect a gem card on raw cards

[Sportnut08]

Only if the title says GEM MINT? PSA 10? BGS BLACK LABEL? with all kinds of fire and rocket emojis.

[towerymt]

Based on the PSA population report, you have a ~64% chance of it being graded a Gem Mint 10 if you get the card in hand, inspect it closely, and still believe it to be in mint or better condition.

The chance of that card grading a '10' before you ever see it in person....a lot lower.

I buy raw cards on ebay all the time if I can either get it for a price where I know I won't lose much if I have to resell it as 'NM-MT', or if I think it could grade well based on photos/scans. Sometimes it passes all the tests...looks good in the photos, seller feedback is 100%, price is right....and then the card shows up in a top loader, in a penny sleeve, with grains of sand in it.

Be happy with the Tatis if none of the corners are dinged/dented.

I bought this card raw on ebay and I sent it for grading. Miracles do happen

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

You can never assume. It’s possible, and I’ve bought raw cards that seem pretty darn gem minty to me, but I would never expect it. I buy PSA 10’s when it matters to me.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

How many slabbed tens are tens if resubmitted?

probably

[ALBASKETBALL]

Originally Posted by letsgocapitals

I always check the sellers others items. If they're also selling graded, that's a bad sign. And, of course, you can always politely ask if they're any noticeable issues with the card.

I always do this.

if I am buying a card and the seller says - perfect condition - PSA 10 - and I get the card and it has flaws. Like major flaws. That irks that heck out of me.