AFA Grading

[bespinlover1978]

Could some one please tell me if it is worth grading toys? and why I should or should not do it?

Sorry If this has already asked.

Bespinlover

 

[steve obi wan]

Grading is totally a personal decision , I have some graded because I like the way it looks , it will add value onto some items depending on the grade .

It's your decision why you want to grade something , display or to make money

However don't go and just grade everything expecting to make a load of money . You will be disappointed :?

 

[Ian_C]

If you have cherry mint toys, and are looking to maximize profit on selling them, then grade away.

Otherwise, waste of money.

Like the look of being inside acrylic? Order cases from Iain. Cheaper and you get the same aesthetic.

Want items authenticated? Post high quality pics here, and people can do it for you for free. And often with a better degree of accuracy than AFA.

Want a third party to tell you how nice they look? I never understand this. Grades are subjective and inconsistent. One toy that gets an AFA85 today can get an AFA90 tomorrow. Isn't it just better to look at it yourself, and remark on how nice it looks? Why have someone else's opinion?

Ian

 

[theforceuk]

If your grading purely for profit then although I can understand it, I don't agree with it. If your grading because you like the look of them check out acrylic sliding bottom cases which look just as good and mean you don't have to send expensive delicate items away, especialy MOC's where bubbles seem to be cracking more and more as they get older. Don't get into collecting labels, it's nonsense and means nothing.

Saying all this all my MOC's are either graded or in an AFA sealed case ungraded. :? :roll:

 

[Dannywhiteley]

I don't believe in grading so dont ask me. Fpr people withoit their own minds and too much money.

Emperors new clothes

 

[edd_jedi]

Ian pretty much sums it up I can see the value in grading mega rare or expensive items, especially if you know the item has been inspected by somebody like Tom Derby who is a bona fide expert. But your common loose figures or low grade MOCs will not see a return on the investment. It also takes bloody ages, 3 months last time I sent something in.

 

[Michael Sith]

If you have cherry mint toys, and are looking to maximize profit on selling them, then grade away.

Otherwise, waste of money.

Like the look of being inside acrylic? Order cases from Iain. Cheaper and you get the same aesthetic.

Want items authenticated? Post high quality pics here, and people can do it for you for free. And often with a better degree of accuracy than AFA.

Want a third party to tell you how nice they look? I never understand this. Grades are subjective and inconsistent. One toy that gets an AFA85 today can get an AFA90 tomorrow. Isn't it just better to look at it yourself, and remark on how nice it looks? Why have someone else's opinion?

Ian

Perfect explanation , you need look no further than sound advice like this :wink:

 

[theforceuk]

From what I can understand Tom Derby has stopped working with AFA for now at least anyway. They have stopped the CIB service until further notice.

I actually think considering the amount of items they have graded and how long they have been doing it, their consistancy on grading is better than any other individual or group of people. The fact that many collectors don't agree with me tells you that their is a market out their for what they do. One persons C7 is another persons C8. I don't really care what grade I buy, I use it as a yard stick, but always look for the close up picks of the actual item.

Also AFA are hot on ink touch ups, which is a really good thing.

 

[bespinlover1978]

Guys this is a brilliant response for my first post and you guys have explained it perfectly... I was just wondering the big deal and my opinion is pretty much the same as Ian. Thanks all

 

[Ian_C]

I actually think considering the amount of items they have graded and how long they have been doing it, their consistancy on grading is better than any other individual or group of people.

This isn't personal, but these days, when someone feels they are consistent, I only need to show them this. Apparently, these grade the EXACT same, right down to all three subgrades.

Ian

 

[theforceuk]

Don't worry Ian I don't take anything personal on this forum, just as I don't post anything personal at any other member's.

I've got many grades I don't agree with, but when I think of all the MOC's I have graded AFA aren't a million miles away. Collectors have shown me two photo's before of identical grades and said to me how can you say their consistant? Like I've said before I don't like harping on about grading, it's boring, one photo is bad and I can't see the back of either card. That said from what anyone can see they don't look like their the same condition, which is why I only use grading as a yard stick, not the be all and end all. AFA have become to big and it's a business at the end of the day, which rightly or wrongly is thriving.

Like other's have said your post nailed lt Ian, I just like to give my opinion as someone who has brought and graded items for the past 8 years.

 

[darth_daddius]

If you have cherry mint toys, and are looking to maximize profit on selling them, then grade away.

Otherwise, waste of money.

Like the look of being inside acrylic? Order cases from Iain. Cheaper and you get the same aesthetic.

Want items authenticated? Post high quality pics here, and people can do it for you for free. And often with a better degree of accuracy than AFA.

Want a third party to tell you how nice they look? I never understand this. Grades are subjective and inconsistent. One toy that gets an AFA85 today can get an AFA90 tomorrow. Isn't it just better to look at it yourself, and remark on how nice it looks? Why have someone else's opinion?

Ian

I agree Ian. Just buy acrylic cases if its for yourself, unless there is some doubt as to the authenticity. I have graded items, and I do like the look of them in acrylic, but I've only ever had two items graded and that was purely to prove what they were. Otherwise, I wouldn't risk the postage there and back.

BUT, its personal. Some love it, others aren't fussed. Do what YOU like.

Cheers
Pat

 

[bespinlover1978]

Ok that brings me on too grade 2 of the question, I'm looking to start getting more carded figures does someone have a link how to weed out fakes?....and also what I should be keeping a eye out for?

Tom

 

[theforceuk]

Find something you like and post a link on here, or buy something off the sales thread.

Or just by graded stuff. :lol:

That last bit was a joke by the way. :?

 

[bespinlover1978]

There is some dude selling this below and I'm considering selling some of my collection to pay for it?....I want a considered Verdict on what is a fair price....help pls??

Here is a complete set of the last 17 vintage Star Wars figures in fantastic condition...
Here is the grading conditions
Imperial dignitary UKG/90% gold
Lumat UKG/ 85% sub 90%
EV-9D9 UKG/ 85%
Luke skywalker battle poncho UKG/85%
Paploo UKG/ 85%
Barada UKG/85%
Yak face UKG/85%
R2-d2 UKG/85% sub 90%
Romba UKG/90% gold
Imperial gunner UKG/80%
Anakin skywalker UKG/85% sub 90%
Han Solo carbonite UKG 85% sub 90%
Warok UKG 90%
Ananaman 90% gold
A-wing pilot great condition
Lando calrissian great condition
Luke skywalker great condition
The last 3 were not graded as they have the wrong colour weapons but they are all original weapons.

 

[bespinlover1978]

All non carded.

 

[steve obi wan]

Personally I don't see the point of grading loose figures , they are to be played with , unless it's a VCJ or some DT's :roll:

 

[Robstyley]

If you like them - collect them. You should collect the stuff you like. Some good points made and it is purely a matter of opinion. If you want to seal your collectables in acrylic and spend loads of dosh for the privelage go for it. Me personally, load of old shite. I don't like it and I've freed a few (Mocs and loose). For me grading makes the toys about money and prestige. Turns it all into the "investment" and I've got no interest in that. First and foremost I'm a Star Wars fan and all that clinical grading malarky just takes the fun out of it.. but maybe that's just me :wink:

 

[bespinlover1978]

Again thanks for your comments - each to there own. The reason why I started this thread was to find out about graded figures. I think I shall leave this set along and invested in some carded figures. This is where my true love lies (particularly power of the force cards)

 

[weasel]

I actually think considering the amount of items they have graded and how long they have been doing it, their consistancy on grading is better than any other individual or group of people.

This isn't personal, but these days, when someone feels they are consistent, I only need to show them this. Apparently, these grade the EXACT same, right down to all three subgrades.

Ian

My understanding was that foreign MOC's were graded less stringently than Kenner ones. Not sure on the logic behind that decision, but certainly my LL 80's are noticeably inferior to a lot of the Kenner 80's I used to have. Maybe that's just coincidence.