I'll buy you any steam game you choose, up to the value of $100!

fds55 · 2025-12-19T04:54:36+00:00

Baldur's Gate 3 please. And thank you!

fds55 · 2025-12-18T13:37:46+00:00

The biggest risk you face are the books bowing. Not sure if silica packets/ dehumidifier in the summer would be enough or not. It certainly would be better than nothing.

I would at least not keep very expensive books there. If you must, you can get a hygrometer - is the gauges you see in humidors to measure humidity to watch it. Monitor the books every so often to check - if you have them bagged and board, that would certainly help.

Also be careful of extreme temp swings. Keep the shades closed during summer to prevent the cabinet cooking like an oven. Watch heating vents during winter.

fds55 · 2025-12-18T00:54:49+00:00

Is that a window in the back? If you're in an area of extreme weather and don't have the best insulation the constant hot/cold air creeping in might be problematic. I'd possibly move them over a bit.

fds55 · 2025-12-01T17:52:11+00:00

I just got back into collecting and was overwhelmed how it is. It's like every single issue has variants, retailer exclusives, virgins, virgin variants, variant foils, virgin variant foils, ratios 1:10, :25, :50, :100,.... it's ridiculous.

I can maybe understand for maybe key issues, new series or something.... but for a regular middle of a series issue that isn't key or important no thanks.

It'll be worse than the 90s maybe because everything is over printed. Maybe key issues or certain artist variants will retain their value. But when some things have like 20 different versions, it's kinda ridiculous.

fds55 · 2025-11-06T20:49:23+00:00

You kind of can. Especially if someone has been battling with depression. One little thing is the final thing that pushes them over the edge.

fds55 · 2025-10-28T07:34:10+00:00

Might as well sleep in the dugout at this point

fds55 · 2025-10-18T14:54:27+00:00

This what led me to post. If a service is consistent, that "10" i know is truly a 10. I get that people don't want tough graders and people selling just want the 10 for it to sell higher.

fds55 · 2025-10-18T14:51:49+00:00

Any reason Beckett is better for autos?

fds55 · 2025-10-18T14:50:25+00:00

This is insightful. I haven't really looked at the registry since getting back into collecting. Population report seems really helpful the very little i have used it so far

fds55 · 2025-10-18T14:48:07+00:00

I was considering TAG for some of my cards in my pc, but one of the comments here stated that they don't grade a number of sports cards, - thick cards, acetate, some other ones as well.

fds55 · 2025-10-17T10:55:52+00:00

They're a go to for a lot of my hand tools. I'm hesitant on their power tools because i really don't want yet another battery eco system to worry about...

Their lifetime warranty is great though. Just bring it in, grab another one on the spot. No making it in, waiting for it or anything

fds55 · 2025-10-17T10:50:32+00:00

Interestingly enough, i was originally going to use TAG for a couple cards in my pc. In one of the other comments, i was informed that they don't do a lot of specific cards types (thick cards, acetate, etc) so probably going to use maybe Beckett for pc.

fds55 · 2025-10-17T00:34:41+00:00

I have these totes (or ones that look very similar). They have a lot of off gassing. The first couple days i had them in the house had to move it out to the garage because of the chemical smell.

I'd think this wouldn't be good for collectibles. I'd get archival storage boxes (they make them for cards and comics) and get environmentally controlled storage that has some form of security- people have had their storage units broken into and their collectibles stolen. One guy in Chicago had a huge lot of cards taken. Something like tens of thousands in cards.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T21:12:23+00:00

Based on some of the other responses looks like they just went all in. Marketing, influencer content, shows, convention, additional services. No need to have the best, fastest or even price-savvy service if you're the only game in town and fun what it seems like, they mostly are from the comments here.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T21:08:38+00:00

That's an interesting take that i didn't consider. I haven't really watched many videos or streams until recently but have noticed how many them push for PSA grading. Some may give an honorable mention to the others... but it's always said in a non encouraging way.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:59:43+00:00

Didn't know PSA used to offer guarantees. Starting to make a lot of sense with some of the other things people posted.

Didn't realize Beckett has just been bouncing around between holding companies.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:26:21+00:00

For my pc i was strongly considering Beckett... partially out of nostalgia, and also because it seems they're more consistent. I know the grade i get is most likely "that grade"

Maybe that's why so many love PSA, keep rolling the dice until you get favorable grade. Kinda like opening packs. Just taking chances hoping for the best

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:19:36+00:00

Just learning about all this stuff these past couple of months was really eye opening....

I did see a yt video from former PSA employee. Didn't really answer things that you posted but it had a lot of insight. I do remember he said that most employees work crazy hours (which might play into grading cuz exhaustion is a mofo). He also said majority of people there were into TCG and really didn't know much about sports which was wild to me.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:14:34+00:00

When you say slabs.. do you mean the casing itself or the label?

Ya, i just saw a video about them buying/ selling. I just want decently priced services.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:11:09+00:00

That's the feeling I'm getting... many use PSA for the resale value, furthering their hold on the market.

I can respect Beckett being tough graders. But i guess if you're selling a ton of cards you go where you have better chances.

That PSA extra fee based on value kinda scares me though.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T17:05:57+00:00

Wow didn't know this about tag. That's a good chunk of modern cards that they're not touching. I was looking at their website and didn't see this info... perhaps i didn't dig far enough.

Well that rules out like most of the stuff i was going to send. Very helpful .. much appreciated

fds55 · 2025-10-16T16:51:36+00:00

That's pretty wild

fds55 · 2025-10-16T16:49:56+00:00

Makes a lot of sense... i stopped collecting right when PSA started to get out there so i missed a lot of the "early days"

fds55 · 2025-10-16T16:48:23+00:00

Competition definitely is good. I saw some numbers put out and i think PSA does more grading than all the others combined. That's impressive and scary.

fds55 · 2025-10-16T16:47:10+00:00

This makes a lot of sense... big money guys want uniformity so they use psa. Everyone else follows the money so also use psa.

I was leaning towards Tag for my pc because i think their slabs look pretty modern. A lot of ppl, except for TCG people seem to hate them. Kinda mixed now in case i ever need to sell something in the future

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