How to best submit comics to CGC?

February 2, 2008 7:21 PM

I am about to begin submitting a number of valuable comic books for CGC grading. Does anyone have experience with/recommendations about the process?

These are the real deal. First editions of all the big Marvel hitters from the 60's. The entire Spiderman collection from his first appearance (including if I am not mistaken Amazing Fantasy #15). Crazy comic books, really. Stuff most of us may have heard of but never actually seen or (in latex gloves) held.

So my buddy turns me on to CGC grading, and tells me it's the way to go. And from what I have learned, I agree: The time and expense seem extravagant at first blink, but the price jump from valuable but non-CGC graded comic books to their CGC-graded counterparts is astronomical.

Is CGC the way to go? Any advice about the submission process and what to expect?

posted by humannaire to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 comments total)

My roommate (who is a professional comic book nerd) says that for your situation, with the comics you have, and if you are intending on reselling it at any point, YES get it CGC graded. They are rare enough that it is definitely worth it and, as you mentioned, will make the vaue jump an incredible amount.

Now, what to expect. Besides the cost, know it will take a significant time investment. The grading takes a long time. Like, months. Second, their grading can seem pretty harsh, but it will help you out regardless due to he rarity of your comics. Lastly, just a reminder, these will be sealed in plastic to retain the rating level from this point on, so if you want to take one last read, this is the time to (very carefully) do so.

Good luck and Excelsior!
posted by piratebowling at 8:06 PM on February 2

It depends on how you want to sell your collection. If you sell your collection one comic at a time, thus maximizing your profit, than CGC is the way to go. Send the comic to CGC (or, for the really expensive comics take them to on-site grading at a comic con), wait until they're sent back (and depending on which tier you use - it could take months to get the comic back), and then list the comic on ebay. You will get the maximum amount of money for that comic.

But it's a lot of work. But, for an Amazing Fantasy #15 (in any condition), the price return will be excellent. CGC offers restoration check and reliable and effective 3rd party grading. They're trusted by a large section of the comic book collecting community (which is why they're comics are worth something) and you'll be getting a superior product from a great company. The problem is, like you said, it takes a lot of time and expense.

If you are a tight and conservative grader with a great reputation for restoration checks, you won't need to go through CGC (though CGC will help). You can list, or sell you comic, to a wide variety of people and your reputation will help you make the biggest sale. But if you don't have that, then CGC is the way to go.

Here's my advice on the submission process - follow the packing instructions when you send your comic to CGC and insure your package. For your most expensive comics, take them to a comic con and submit them for onsite grading on the first day of the con - this way, the risk of losing the package in the mail is minimized. Become a member of the CGC message boards (found on their website). The amount of knowledge and community on those boards are amazing. They know everything about comic collecting and they're all great guys to boot. When you're ready to sell your comic, I prefer ebay but if you want to go through a commission based website, there are a few that get high end traffic. Heritage Collectibles is one that I don't recommend (I dislike their business practices) but they do generate big sales. Pedigree Comics is a good one. Comiclink is another one that, like Heritage, I dislike for personal reasons but has a large fanbase and big sales.
posted by Stynxno at 8:30 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]

If you're sending them, pack your comics like the precious treasures that they are: layers of study cardboard, bubblewrap, the works. If they're even the slightest bit dented, nicked, or damaged in transit, it'll lower their rating. (Trust me, I learned this the hard way). And make sure you insure them!!!

Also, if you submit them for CGC grading through some companies, you'll get a discount. I've used Heritage Comics before for a 10% discount. You're still sending the comics direct to CGC, you're just paying Heritage Comics for the service.

Also, when it's time to sell, you might want to consider selling via auction, especially for the real rarities like a good condition Amazing Fantasy 15. Again, Heritage Comics *may* be good, but I've never used them for auctions.
posted by edjusted at 5:04 PM on February 4

...and Stynxno, are Heritage Collectibles and Heritage Comics one and the same? Mind expanding on the business practices you don't like? Just curious.
posted by edjusted at 5:05 PM on February 4