Hi there!
My love lies with Dratini, Dragonair and Dragonite and unlike some Pokemon such as Charizard and Pikachu, its kind of hard to find PSA graded cards that I like. So I’m thinking about starting my own collection of PSA graded cards.
I’m wondering what is the best way to proceed and what to look out for? Is there a reliable seller that sells single cards in mint condition? If so, should I buy multiple of the same card and select a few that I think has the best chance?
I’m also considering using Ludkins Grading Service since they provide an extra layer of ease and the pre-screening of cards is really appealing to me.
I would love to hear any advice and they are much appreciated!
Honestly, it depends on what cards you want graded and what PSA grades you are looking to collect. If you are only interested in PSA 10s, then it’s probably cheaper in the long run to just buy cards that are already graded. You have to factor in the cost of the ungraded card, the grading cost, and the shipping cost.
But every collector is different and some may only want to grade cards that they pulled themselves, or they may not care about the PSA 10 grade. If this is your case, many sellers on E4 are reputable, and so is the majority of ebay. Just be smart about paying with buyer protection and checking feedback when it’s available.
Hi!
Thanks for the advice. I do understand that it might be cheaper to buy the cards graded, but sometimes the card I want seems to be so insignificant that no one is sending them for grading. Haha. For example I love the XY Roaring Sky Dragonite so much and can’t seem to find it graded anywhere on eBay.
Edit:
I also think that part of the hunt is looking through the cards for THE perfect one! Kinda like IV breeding… lol
I’m fortunate to have a couple of shops here in the city that sell PSA graded cards. That’s where I buy the bulk of mine. Yes, I pay a small premium, but to me its worth it to see and have it in hand than wait and trust someone online. Patience is my worst enemy
I buy alot of cards already graded from ebay. I have had no issues so far. Even if there is a slight problem, such as a slight hairline crack in the case from shipping the sellers are accomodating. Just stick to 100% feedback sellers and you’ll have no issues. You can get cheaper PSA 10 GEM MINT graded cards when they are on auction half the time.
Yes! I have been actively doing research and trying to pick up the available ones at reasonable prices. Will keep an eye out for the newer cards as I’m amassing my collection and time passes.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been trying the auctions too, since I’m new to this (ebay as well), I’m often spend large amount of time digging around for fair prices before deciding the amount to bid on. It’s a timely process but it’s been very fun!
1st of all, you can’t go wrong using ludkins! You will be very happy with that whole process. He has a great eye for giving you an idea from his assessment.
2nd, as far as buying obscure cards, troll and toad (in my experience) has done a good job selling me cards as described on their rating scale. Everything I have bought from them was described as NM (not sure if they have a mint). I was hoping to get PSA 10s from what I purchased but everything I have bought from them came back 9s. So if you are looking for 9s it’s a pretty safe bet buying NM from them is a fine solution. Although it is not impossible to get a 10, I would not bank on getting a 10 from them thsir cards.
As far as ebay sellers, like others have said, just look for people with good feedback. When you can, look at listings that dont use stock photos and closely examine the card. It’s usually more small time sellers that will have actual cards photos. And dont be hesitant to ask sellers for pictures too if you arent satisfied with the ones provided.
Good luck with collecting and I hope you reach your goals and then some in a timely fashion! Take care!
In my experience buying from troll and toad the quality of their “NM” cards has varied. I would say that the newer cards that I’ve bought from them generally have been in better condition though. But for example old wotc holos on the other hand has ranged more in quality. I think troll and toad and collectors cache are good options for building binder collections, but I wouldn’t expect their “NM” cards to all come back in the PSA 8-10 range. Just my 2 cents anyway.
NM per PSA is PSA 7. So buy expecting what they advertise. Be pleasantly surprised with anything higher, but as you mentioned most newer cards will be safer. Old cards are more of a roll of the dice
