AFA worth it? How credible/worthwhile are they?

[Cheewiee]

Thinking just how valid are AFA valuations....are they worth the extra cash? Is worthwhile getting figures graded? How well regarded is the AFA grading in the collecting world? Just wondering as I as considering buying some AFA graded figures and possibly getting some sent for grading myself.

All thoughts and opinions welcome.

Doug

 

[Cazza]

It's entirely your choice mate. Personally, I don't like the whole thing. Having to pay someone else to tell me how good my figure is, then not being able to have it in hand ever again. Also, if it doesn't achieve a top 80+ score, it won't do much for its value. You also run the risk of postal damage. UKG is the UK alternative. Worth a look.

Some people like it, but quite a few on here don't, for the above reasons. Do a search on here and you'll find plenty of info, both good and bad.

 

[beginner]

Send it to UK Graders if you stay in UK

and if it's worth to grade, i mean it makes sense if you had some MOC/MISB or some hard to find Figures, otherwise it depends on you mate

 

[Cheewiee]

Hmmm thanks for that is UKG credible then? Thought it was just AFA...yeah thats the biggest thing holding me back on getting my figures graded is the plastic case. Whilst it looks good presentation wise, I would miss being able to hold them (silly as that sounds) and it gives me a "toy story" kinda sorrow... From a buying point of view its possibly a bit of security for the buyer. I have fallen foul of a seller saying one thing about condition and me feeling another...

Doug

 

[steve obi wan]

Hi Doug ,

I have ungraded moc , and Afa graded . To me I like the way the figures display in the afa cases , it also gives me confidence when buying , as the grades are generally accurate and not someones view , which sometimes is not subjective , because not everyone looks at the figures the same way , it also supports you incase there is a dispute on the condition of the card . Your buying exactly what is says on the tin !

Steve

 

[jedisearcher]

I've heard peoeple say that if your figure gets an 80 or less it's not worth it because you'll never make the fees and postage back, but 85s and better are worth it because it will hold their value for AFA collectors.

If you never plan to sell them, I wouldnt get them graded. You don't need someone else to tell you you've got a nice figure.

 

[tundra9]

Hi Doug ,

I have ungraded moc , and Afa graded . To me I like the way the figures display in the afa cases , it also gives me confidence when buying , as the grades are generally accurate and not someones view , which sometimes is not subjective , because not everyone looks at the figures the same way , it also supports you incase there is a dispute on the condition of the card . Your buying exactly what is says on the tin !

Steve

Generally accurate? Definitely not
Exactly what it says on the tin? AFA have made tons of mistakes, and they still do. Toni mocs anyone? And the list goes on....

Are they credible? Just as much as you would be by looking at the mocs, it's subjective, you don't need other people to tell you if a card looks good.


Get some cases from GW Acrylic instead, you'll be able to display them just as AFA cases, and you'll be able to take them out of the cases.

 

[theforceuk]

If you injoy holding your items don't get them graded, to much money. Like above post say's GW Acrylic is a good option.

I have had my entire MOC collection graded and love the way they display. Problem is the OCD in me has to have them all matching so collecting is expensive, which is why I have gone back to buying ungraded and grading them myself. :roll: :roll: Then their are all sorts of pit falls, like ink touch up's and damaging in post etc. :?

If your not 100% sure about grading then don't do it! Just my opinion.

 

[Cazza]

If your not 100% sure about grading then don't do it! Just my opinion.

/\/\/\ This!

 

[edd_jedi]

There's many reasons why I don't like grading:

1) AFA aren't some divine entity, they are people like you and me, so their opinion on condition is no more valid or consistent than anybody elses
2) For a self-proclaimed 'authority' they have made loads of mistakes, my favourite recent one is grading a MOC with the entire POP piece of the card replaced, FFS
3) It artificially inflates the value of high end items, and even reduces the value of lower graded items
4) You can no longer touch your item, it's sealed away
5) Loose figures look absolutely stupid in the cases, eg:

6) The hard acrylic cases cause damage to the items, paint rubs off loose figures (I've even seen a head come off!) and can easily cause edge wear/scratches to cardbacks (see here). Star cases made of soft plastic are much better for cardbacks
7) They offer no protection whatsoever to bubbles during shipping which is why you see so many graded MOCs with bubbles that have fallen off

Need I go on? :lol:

 

[Joe]

It's a big crock of shite.

 

[jedisearcher]

It's a big crock of shite.

Sorry can you make yourself clearer? :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Ren Solo]

It's a big crock of shite.

This

 

[Frunkstar]

Agree that for loose figures its a no no, they can easily become damaged in these cases, a fa unlike UKG will not authenticate/grade weapons either, so what's the point if they only confirm the figure is authentic, not much point if you have repro crap weapons in with them eh.

Not keen on mon or loose in graded cases myself, but do like baggies done in the custom cases purely for the way that display & are protected, I would never use the standard afa cases for baggies though as they are wel gash, so all in all its a no no from me too.

As for buying, well at least you know it "should be" authentic, that's he only major plus I can see if your not 100% sure about what's your buying & just getting into collecting a, but you have to pay a premium.

 

[theforceuk]

Was wandering when this would turn into an AFA bashing thread. :lol:

 

[Jediknight3263827]

No No No dont do it,if you want a nice way to protect and look at your MOC or loose figures then put them in acrylic cases yourself.
as everyone has already said you dont need someone else to tell you how good a figure is.
but if you still want to go down that road then go UKG stay away from AFA as they are not reliable.

 

[Cheewiee]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies that about answers my question with some strong feelings!

Cheers

Doug

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Whilst it looks good presentation wise, I would miss being able to hold them (silly as that sounds) and it gives me a "toy story" kinda sorrow...

Doug[/quote]

If you feel this way Dont do it!!

 

[sith-smith]

I find it a high risk move for the amount you'd have to spend

A low grade does nothing for value (if that's what you're in it for)
There's a risk that they can be damaged during the journey, either way.

If it's the display you want, then as others have said, by a nice acrylic case.

Plus you can open it to hold the figure (if that's also what you're into! )

 

[indianawars]

I personally have about 65% - 70% of my collection graded by either AFA or UKG. I guess everyone has their own reasons to why they grade or do not grade, but I can only tell you my reasons why I do.

The main reason why I have items graded is that if anything ever happens to me then my wife can list everything for sale knowing she would get the best possible prices.

The second reason why is that I don't have to worry about my kid ripping open anything.

I guess the third reason is because they do display very well, but if this is your only reason for wanting something graded then I would say just buy the acrylic cases.