PSA automatically setting Max Declared Value to greatly increase return shipping

[zeus22]

This must be fairly new and can't seem to find any information about this.

Why would PSA automatically set each card in a submission to automatically be declared to the maximum amount?

Previously you could send up to 19 cards in the $1000 or less declared value tier for $29.99 return domestic shipping.

With the new system you can send 2 cards as each card hits $500 maximum and then you get bumped up to the next highest return shipping tier.

The same 19 card order will now cost $59.99 for return shipping as the total declared value bumps up to 19 x $500 = $9500

Anyone know of a workaround to this?? The cards I'm sending are barely worth $50 let alone $500 each.

[prospectorgems]

Well, the only upside to this, if they actually use this method is if they damage the card during grading/sealing and you get the top DV return value back, I would be all for it.

I am sure it's just a glitch though. I had some issues with the PSA site this week so I am sure that's all it is.

[mredsox89]

I ran into this issue last night when updating an order that had been returned due to damage to the package (no card issues).

It appears to be their new way of doing things, as it says that they've moved from declared value to an automatic way of assessing the value of the order.

It also says that in the event of any issues, the replacement value will still be the lesser of the max value and the real value, so this provides basically no benefit to the customer that I can see while increasing the return shipping costs. I assume PSA is making $ off return shipping costs but that's just an assumption on how most companies work.

If I had known, I'd have just resubmitted the original order and saved myself $15 in return shipping. It's not a huge deal, adds maybe $1 a card to the grading cost at most

[towerymt]

Originally Posted by zeus22

Anyone know of a workaround to this?? The cards I'm sending are barely worth $50 let alone $500 each.

I would have suggested providing your own FedEx account number, select the return method you want, carry your own collectibles insurance (if you want insurance coverage), and save on return shipping...

However, I just tried this for the first time, and I got overcharged for overnight return shipping when I requested GROUND.

My thread about it here: https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1599410

PSA has been responsive (slow, but responsive, which is all I ask for), and they are issuing me a $59 refund which will take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

So, it's an option to explore. I was also sending low-value cards, and only 10 cards, so I didn't want to pay ~$45 in return shipping. When I've sent more cards, I didn't mind as much paying the ~$60 return as it may be split across 25-50+ cards. But $45 across 10 cards is too much.

[zeus22]

Originally Posted by towerymt

I would have suggested providing your own FedEx account number, select the return method you want, carry your own collectibles insurance (if you want insurance coverage), and save on return shipping...

However, I just tried this for the first time, and I got overcharged for overnight return shipping when I requested GROUND.

My thread about it here: https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1599410

PSA has been responsive (slow, but responsive, which is all I ask for), and they are issuing me a $59 refund which will take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

So, it's an option to explore. I was also sending low-value cards, and only 10 cards, so I didn't want to pay ~$45 in return shipping. When I've sent more cards, I didn't mind as much paying the ~$60 return as it may be split across 25-50+ cards. But $45 across 10 cards is too much.

Worth a try for certain - I've supplied my own Fedex # and requested Ground with $100 insurance.

[waytoomanycards]

Yeah, depending on available specials and what I'm submitting, I'll either go back to using my fedex account with ground selected or use a group submitter.

I used ground for several years with no issues other than PSA selecting overnight on an order (which they refunded).

[thenightman]

Per Nat Turner on X:

***Small but mighty improvement was released today to the
@PSAcard Online Submission Center. Starting today, you no longer have to enter a "Declared Value" for every item you type in. Instead, each item is automatically max insured while in PSA's possession for up to the highest amount for the service level you picked.

For example, if you submit cards under the Value service level, which allows for cards valued up to $500, every item you add to the order will be automatically insured for up to $500 depending on market value.

Before, whatever value you typed in for each item (a required field) would be the maximum amount, which similarly would be adjusted down based on market value. The concept of Declared Value was not surprisingly a huge point of confusion for many collectors/submitters, so getting rid of it all together was the goal.***

Key phrase is "depending on market value", so you're paying top dollar on return shipping, but if they jack up your stuff, they're going to go off "market value", meaning, the lowest they can find.

[PLB9eight]

Glad Nat is cleaning up all those things he complained about as a collector.

[zeus22]

Originally Posted by thenightman

Per Nat Turner on X:

***Small but mighty improvement was released today to the
@PSAcard Online Submission Center. Starting today, you no longer have to enter a "Declared Value" for every item you type in. Instead, each item is automatically max insured while in PSA's possession for up to the highest amount for the service level you picked.

For example, if you submit cards under the Value service level, which allows for cards valued up to $500, every item you add to the order will be automatically insured for up to $500 depending on market value.

Before, whatever value you typed in for each item (a required field) would be the maximum amount, which similarly would be adjusted down based on market value. The concept of Declared Value was not surprisingly a huge point of confusion for many collectors/submitters, so getting rid of it all together was the goal.***

Key phrase is "depending on market value", so you're paying top dollar on return shipping, but if they jack up your stuff, they're going to go off "market value", meaning, the lowest they can find.

I have no problem whatsoever with this "small, but mighty improvement...", but then increasing the return shipment because the "value" of the underlying assets are artificially propped up to jack up the insurance costs just makes no sense.

[thenightman]

Originally Posted by zeus22

I have no problem whatsoever with this "small, but mighty improvement...", but then increasing the return shipment because the "value" of the underlying assets are artificially propped up to jack up the insurance costs just makes no sense.

What it comes down to is they don't want users having any control of the process. It wouldn't surprise me if, down the line, they change the submission process to where you don't even have control over which service you get.

You submit the cards and they decide what service it falls under. You could have a 20 card order that you believe is Value Bulk, and they may decide that 2 of your cards are Value Plus, and based off their new T&S, if I'm not mistaken, you can't question it.

[Ataraxia]

This is a generic "corporate consolidation" method; which means you'll likely hear how much easier it is and how you need to trust the process. From the corporate side of things, it makes perfect sense - no longer are they having to base everything on the DV and just flatten it out to the maximum for that range of product offering.

From the consumer perspective, it means higher costs and no real output/value to them. You could possibly argue that you have more buffer in case something happens in transit or within PSA's care - but, really, we all know they're not going to treat it like that when the crap hits the fan.

[Boo]

Nat doing Nat things, screwing over the little guy.

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by thenightman

What it comes down to is they don't want users having any control of the process. It wouldn't surprise me if, down the line, they change the submission process to where you don't even have control over which service you get.

You submit the cards and they decide what service it falls under. You could have a 20 card order that you believe is Value Bulk, and they may decide that 2 of your cards are Value Plus, and based off their new T&S, if I'm not mistaken, you can't question it.

This seems like the next likely step. As things become more automated, declared values, upcharges, service levels will all just be auto calculated by the scan/identify software. They will advertise that this will be easier for the customer, which it will be, but it will be at the cost of higher prices of course.

All these things of having the customer just trust PSA with values of the cards still screams of conflict of interest. Disputes will be like trying to get money when dealing with an insurance company.

[Ataraxia]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

This seems like the next likely step. As things become more automated, declared values, upcharges, service levels will all just be auto calculated by the scan/identify software. They will advertise that this will be easier for the customer, which it will be, but it will be at the cost of higher prices of course.

All these things of having the customer just trust PSA with values of the cards still screams of conflict of interest. Disputes will be like trying to get money when dealing with an insurance company.

Yeah, bolded for truth.
PSA being the one who determines the "market value" versus the customer's "declared value" is a massive conflict of interest. This is one of the biggest "turn-offs" for me when it comes to PSA. They've used their own internal market to determine what their own product is valued, then expect the entire card market to follow accordingly.

[waytoomanycards]

Originally Posted by thenightman

What it comes down to is they don't want users having any control of the process. It wouldn't surprise me if, down the line, they change the submission process to where you don't even have control over which service you get.

You submit the cards and they decide what service it falls under. You could have a 20 card order that you believe is Value Bulk, and they may decide that 2 of your cards are Value Plus, and based off their new T&S, if I'm not mistaken, you can't question it.

I don't see that happening across the board. It's in their best interest to let people pay more for faster service with lower-valued cards. Ultimately, they're always charging what they think the market will bear.

This does incentivize people not to have their cards returned at all, which is probably the end game.

[EscapePlan]

Originally Posted by waytoomanycards

This does incentivize people not to have their cards returned at all, which is probably the end game.

I think you nailed it on the head. Could definitely see their leadership salivating after seeing those eBay Vault returns and wanting more.

[seanbros55]

As if these crooks werent already sus enough.

This makes me really mad that I re-upped on 10/10 only because they had that huge discount...

[Archangel1775]

Let's say I'm about to send in 100 1981 Topps base cards for the registry because I'm a dedicated collector. Their declared value is now apparently $20,000. PSA, please lose my shipment. I'm sure that's not how it works and I'll get $100 from USPS after paying $200 in shipping insurance. I already pay the pre-calculated return shipping to PSA and I live a few hours away from where they are going.

[yoyosh]

PSAs uncharge system might be the biggest grift in an industry increasingly built on grifting

[Archangel1775]

Originally Posted by PLB9eight

Glad Nat is cleaning up all those things he complained about as a collector.

I hate to say it because you hope that's not the case but it definitely seems like a lot of nickel and diming and the opposite of his core beliefs from THE thread. I understand streamlining the process but that benefits the company so they get more submissions. Where is the collector's advantage though? Don't try pulling wool over our eyes. I suppose the only complainers will be seasoned hobbyists and long time customers. Some algorithm must've said they can take that loss in the short term.

[tnvolfan16]

personally, if nat turner is explaining it, it has to be bad for collectors and good for his pocketbook.

[rfgilles]

And he is disingenuously framing it as a positive for the customer. What a scam

[discodanman45]

Greed will kill the ultra modern hobby.

[thenightman]

Originally Posted by waytoomanycards

I don't see that happening across the board. It's in their best interest to let people pay more for faster service with lower-valued cards. Ultimately, they're always charging what they think the market will bear.

This does incentivize people not to have their cards returned at all, which is probably the end game.

That last part is truth. What's funny about it is they don't understand that shipping cards to a vault actually hurts the hobby. Part of the allure of collecting is the emotional aspect. Shipping to a vault and never holding them in hand severs that emotional aspect. They're treating cards like a commodity and they aren't.

[Ken735i]

Unfortunately it not the actual insured value. It is "max insured value" of the submission level. If they damage my $20 MJ card in my value order I will not be compensated $500. Also my return shipping was only $24.99. not 29.99 I believe they have lowered or capped shipping. Atleast on value orders. I did not have the options of the past. Honestly, PSA is probably self insured and profit at least 3x on shipping alone. My cost to ship to PSA was $10.

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