U Grade FAQ

[RobF1968]

Hi Shawn,

Many Thanks for the post - it makes fascinating and informative reading. As someone selling figures from my childhood for the first time I can only hope they give a collector as much pleasure as they gave me as a kid.

I see what you mean about the cards and bubbles - although my bubbles are dented and a couple have cracks I now see the importance to this hobby of keeping what in effect amounts to pieces of history intact.
Such a shame to not keep the whole thing together!

I hope things change.

All The Best

Rob

 

[Djbighair]

As an earlier post on page 3 :lol: I have just returned to the hobby and this whole grading thing was new to me... I did most of my loose collection from childhood and boot sales in my early 20's or the old corn exchange in Manchester before someone blew it up. A day out was fun if you came a way with a beat up weapon less figure you didn't own. That's gone now... eBay took away the hunt. Now this grading system seems to me... Like a man unsure of his manhood not content with just having the item it's mine is bigger better than yours. You collect what you collect it's quality is your choice and down to your purse.. Or luck in finding that piece somewhere random. Removing a figure from a card is madness to be put in another box. I agree for your own pleasure great, I am sure one day I may open a card, just to see if that fresh open smell of a new toy gives the same feeling I got opening a gamorrean guard back in 84. Still remember it, awesome.

Stick the most beat up card in a star case, surely is better. Can't understand it.

But, thank you for this knowledge, it will make sure I stay focused and not buy something I don't agree with.

Rich

Ps.... Where is the best place to buy star cases from in the uk?

 

[BlueDog]

Hey Rob,

Contact Iain (Itfciain) on here mate, from memory he has a good deal going on Star cases at the moment.

Ryan

 

[coinnut]

a great read. food for thort!!!

 

[theslider]

What I don't understand about all this is the fact that the figures is MINT ON CARD (or baggie), yet they only grade it 90 (out of a 100)! Personally I think all these grading organisations are a sham, what right to they have to say your figure, card or whatever else is a certain grade? I think the only thing they're good for is those nice plastic cases to prevent damage!

 

[Howard]

Great read, learned a lot. Thanks

I have a couple of de-figured card backs were I guess a previous collector sent a MOC to AFA for a U grade. Are these worth anything to anyone now? (A question of interest only, I am not looking to sell)

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Depends what they are mate? Are they ROTJ ESB Forign Offers?? Any pics?

 

[Howard]

Depends what they are mate? Are they ROTJ ESB Forign Offers?? Any pics?

The two that I remember clearly where POTF, possibly a ROTJ Leia Boussh as well. No pics at the moment though

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Anyone read that long winded post on RS? :twisted:

Quote - "If people believe that leaving a figure on the card is somehow preserving it, well, unfortunately I'm not in that camp. "

:?

Here is a link - http://forum.rebelscum.com/t1034227-33/#post18920051

 

[plantman]

I can understand people opening a moc for their own enjoyment, thats up to the person in question, peoples obsession with AFA grades makes the money makers come out though.

Once a premium is charged for something thats the end of it.

 

[theslider]

I can understand people opening a moc for their own enjoyment, thats up to the person in question, peoples obsession with AFA grades makes the money makers come out though.

Once a premium is charged for something thats the end of it.

And that's another thing that bugs me about U grading, is that some Fat American on his sweaty arse gets to open a carded figure or baggie! Apologies to any fat, sweaty American members!

 

[lostboy87]

As an earlier post on page 3 :lol: I have just returned to the hobby and this whole grading thing was new to me... I did most of my loose collection from childhood and boot sales in my early 20's or the old corn exchange in Manchester before someone blew it up. A day out was fun if you came a way with a beat up weapon less figure you didn't own. That's gone now... eBay took away the hunt. Now this grading system seems to me... Like a man unsure of his manhood not content with just having the item it's mine is bigger better than yours. You collect what you collect it's quality is your choice and down to your purse.. Or luck in finding that piece somewhere random. Removing a figure from a card is madness to be put in another box. I agree for your own pleasure great, I am sure one day I may open a card, just to see if that fresh open smell of a new toy gives the same feeling I got opening a gamorrean guard back in 84. Still remember it, awesome.

Stick the most beat up card in a star case, surely is better. Can't understand it.

But, thank you for this knowledge, it will make sure I stay focused and not buy something I don't agree with.

Rich

Ps.... Where is the best place to buy star cases from in the uk?

Here Here!

 

[jackabina]

Shawn, I know your original thread was set up ages ago but I've only just read it properly. Bloody informative mate, thanks for the info.

 

[jambobbyb]

While i disagree with U-bend grading, the figures do show why this may well be so popular
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Star-Wars-Vintage-1977-ANH-12-Back-A-PRINCESS-LEIA-ORGANA-MOC-/221143631987?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=o3TU6kYlt%2FfcjnpY0VcgGUSN7YI%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
And
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOOSE-VINTAGE-STAR-WARS-PRINCESS-LEIA-ORGANA-AFA-U85-HK-COO-/251025093716?pt=UK_ToysGames_ActionFigures_ActionFigures_JN&hash=item3a7242f454

Nearly double the value after paying for the grade............

 

[itfciain]

I'm not sure they would UGrade that first card as you can probably touch the figure. Also, Robbie might be asking for £99 for his Leia but that doesn't mean he'll get it !

 

[jambobbyb]

Hi Iain, I thought as long as the figure cant be removed from the bubble cracked and lifting bubbles were "ok" for a U grade.

 

[itfciain]

Hi Iain, I thought as long as the figure cant be removed from the bubble cracked and lifting bubbles were "ok" for a U grade.

To be honest I am not up with the in's and out's of UGrading - but presumed that if the lift or crack were big enough for the figure to be 'touched' then it could not get an untouched grade

Maybe someone could confirm this ?

 

[theslider]

While i disagree with U-bend grading, the figures do show why this may well be so popular
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Star-Wars-Vintage-1977-ANH-12-Back-A-PRINCESS-LEIA-ORGANA-MOC-/221143631987?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=o3TU6kYlt%2FfcjnpY0VcgGUSN7YI%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
And
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOOSE-VINTAGE-STAR-WARS-PRINCESS-LEIA-ORGANA-AFA-U85-HK-COO-/251025093716?pt=UK_ToysGames_ActionFigures_ActionFigures_JN&hash=item3a7242f454

Nearly double the value after paying for the grade............

That's just ******* sickening! Though I think the price for the carded figure is low, this should not be happening! Especially as this example would've displayed fantastically.

 

[PGowdy]

Yeah, you notice that hasn't sold tho. He can ask what he wants but i'd be surprised if he got that much for it.
How much would grading and shipping cost? £20-£30?? So after ebay and paypal fees, taking into account the original shipping paid, you may end up with a £10 profit. If you're lucky. Not much of an incentive in my book.

 

[jambobbyb]

Dont worry Chaps this one wont be being u graded, I picked it up and will be keeping it for my cheap run of unloved 12 backs! Pete thats why this guy does these in bulk more cards = less shipping costs. I just thought it interesting to point out a decent ish 12 back beater costs less than people are asking for a U graded item.

 

[jambobbyb]

wow look at that it did sell for £99.99.......
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOOSE-VINTAGE-STAR-WARS-PRINCESS-LEIA-ORGANA-AFA-U85-HK-COO-/251025093716?pt=UK_ToysGames_ActionFigures_ActionFigures_JN&hash=item3a7242f454&nma=true&si=rT1zlGrmqjN6MiNJneOjS01vWNY%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I would still have the brown belt 12 back beater though for % 60 less!

 

[starwarsdan]

I really don't understand the appeal of the U-grade to begin with. If you think about it, once you've sent it to afa, they open it, case it, and send it back to you, it IS circulated, isn't it? What is the point of this? You're swapping one plastic bubble for another, and the second bubble has nothing to do with the original manufacturer.

You've circulated it to a 3rd party company who opened it, and circulated it back to you with a label that says "uncirculated" when in reality you get it back fully circulated!! duh. :roll:

Just because you pay them to put it in a little plastic box doesn't mean that it's not an open toy. The whole thing seems like a fallacy to me.

I was asking a vendor on ebay recently about some baggie figures, and he said he had more and asked which ones I might be interested in. I said I was looking for a sealed baggie blue Snag, and he said he had 3 of them! And that two of them were on the way back from afa U-grading. I told him I was no longer interested in them. Why he even brought it up, knowing that I was looking for baggie figures. I didn't even know he had u grade up for sale until that moment. I asked him what the point was, and he said quite plainly "it's worth more that way". It's all about the $, and there's a sucker born every minute.

as far as I'm concerned:
U grade = ruined baggie in plastic coffin

 

[Grant_C]

Right.

Kind of like taking an antique picure out of its frame and putting it in an IKEA frame with a barcode on it.

I like the idea of normal grading though. It was a great idea to bring a fresh element to collecting.

 

[tiefighterboy]

Dan this is the reason most of us despise "U" grading...or better yet for myself...any AFA grading. They should have stuck with "Starting line up" figures and left the rest of it alone. :wink:

 

[Snake_eyes_82]

An interesting read for sure.

Just looking at the numbers done in 2009 compared to 2010, it's pretty convincing that this isn't going away anytime soon.

no it certainly isnt i keep seeing lots of u grade all the time on ebay and other boards.

 

[LAUGHITUPFUZZ]

Hi guys, This is my first post on the forum ... when you say mint on card, what about if you have a moc and the figure has started to develop mold/mildew due to moisture getting into the card, would you still consider this moc, and - if AFA graded it U would they take it out and clean it before putting it in to the acrylic case or would this be considered a health hazard :lol:

The reason I bring this up is because I stumbled across this video a few weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YRQgfOe2o

 

[itfciain]

Hi guys, This is my first post on the forum ... when you say mint on card, what about if you have a moc and the figure has started to develop mold/mildew due to moisture getting into the card, would you still consider this moc, and - if AFA graded it U would they take it out and clean it before putting it in to the acrylic case or would this be considered a health hazard :lol:

The reason I bring this up is because I stumbled across this video a few weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YRQgfOe2o

That is just frosting - a couple of hours in the sun and it will go away - am surprised someone like Brian's Toys doesn't know this. As for whether this would be a candidate for U-Grading ? God, its a 12 back chewie on an 85 graded card, who is their right mind would decide to U-Grade it ?

 

[Captainsolo1978]

U Grading I think is silly- just a way for people to make money from Newbie collectors.

If the figure is on the card, even what some describe as "beaters", it should be left there!

I see carded figures as a kind of modern work of art! The cards look amazing! I had some carded figures on my wall even after I stopped playing with them as a 12 year old!

The point is- why remove the figure from the bubble????

In my opinion grading is a waste of time. I know some think it provides a standard for the hobby, but I feel again it is a way for ebay sellers to inflate prices!

By the way GW Acrylic cases are ACE and I would recommend them for your figures!!!!

 

[x-pack]

I read articles like this and think it's all collecting at the extreme end and something i can't really comprehend. I personally don't give a crap if human hands have touched my figures, but i can understand people wanting mint examples. Not sure what i think about those who take figures off the cards. If the card was in really bad condition but the figure was ok then i don't see an issue. If that's what they want to do with their card then so be it.

I am into slice bubbles and reseals at the moment, it's a cheap way of collecting otherwise VERY expensive figures. The whys and wheres of how these cards came to be cut or resealed doesn't bother me too much, although one has to wonder. At least i guess you could look on it that the cards aren't completely lost.

 

[Palifan]

One thing that seems fine to me about U grading (possibly the only thing about the whole process), is if you have a mailer that's still sealed and then the baggies are taken out and graded. I don't mean open up the baggies, just leave them as they are. That way you get to see the figure on display, with the mailer and any paperwork and you're not just stuck with looking at a box telling you what's inside.

Here's an example -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Star-Wars-Emperor-Palpatine-Mailer-AFA-U85-Kenner-Vintage-1984-Bag-Baggy-Baggie-/200923079299?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec7f2e283&nma=true&si=pCTWDF10egFpIOQPvyowAywqb2A%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


I really can't see a problem with this and I'm sorry if this has already been mentioned earlier and I'm covering old ground.

One other thing is how do people feel about AFAing their unopened boxed items? I can see it's a way to keep the box in good condition and also would maybe help with displaying it (as you could stack them with no fear of damage), but I feel like I would always want to see the toy inside at some point (although that would mean breaking the seal).