asteroid-comix

There is a crack in the holder. This isn't acceptable.

Yep, you nailed it

Spot on. See it.

Yeah, just received back. Not a purchase.

You don’t see a difference between the first ones and the last?

Anyone else have this happen? Is this a defect? From the front, looks like a crack. But, on closer inspection, seems to be something with how they sealed it. Two boxes of moderns, about 50 books, all have it, but the two walkthroughs did not. This the new newton ring?

Anyone know if one side of the FBs are still brown? They had switched to that for a bit towards the end of last year.

There is no consistency at CGC anymore. It’s luck of the draw. I think there are a few graders that see things that are not there and bring the hammer on the smallest of things. I think others let a lot through that shouldn’t. It’s easy to grade anything from VF- to NM/M, but CGC is getting it wrong way too often anymore. If it were struggles between what was VG/F and F, I would get it. But, the difference between a 9.8 and a 9.6 is an easy call to make. The difference between a 9.6 and a 9.0 is like an apple to an orange. Lack of consistency and process is what makes that hard for people that are new.

Yeah, mine went the other way.

Modern submission of 16 books received 4/12, received into system on 4/25, G/E/I on 4/27 and shipped on 5/3 (15 business days) Modern FAST TRACK submission of 22 books received 4/12, received into system on 4/25, G/E/I on 4/27 and still sitting…..(15 business days) Walkthrough submission of 2 books received 4/12, received into system on 4/25, G/E/I on 4/27, in quality on 5/1 and still sitting…. (15 business days) So, modern cycle time is better than fast track and walkthrough right now. But, to be fair, the grading is horrible, so they may have been graded without removing from the bag.

CGC is just milking the industry at this point. The price increase is just a poke in the eye from that point. They do not care about customer service or any of us. If you think I'm wrong, two points. First, take a look at how they classify turn around times. I engaged in a friendly debate about this just today with two different employees. Their turn around measures from the point at which they enter books into the system until they ship. Interesting, considering that books are sitting before being opened for about two weeks. So, as a consumer, do I discount those two weeks or is that part of my experienced turn around time? It's the latter. Their turn around measures a portion of their internal processes, without regard to the consumer's experience. It's not the turn around the consumer experiences, it's an internally focused metric that they try to spin to explain where things are roughly (poorly) in their process. Second, I pointed out to someone today how poor the practice of putting "WK" or "EX" on the outside of a box is as a process. If anyone working in a shipping center along the path to Sarasota sees the CGC address and the "WK" along the box, they instantly know...high dollar comic. At least $1,000, and more than likely more based on the size and weight of the box. We, my friends, can call that a flashing red light for theft. Again, this whole process is setup for their internal workings, without regard to the consumer. Until another comes into the market to force disruption, there will not be change. The problem is that CGC has such a brand identity that it makes it hard for a competitor to come in and disrupt the market unless they really have their act together. Anyone entering the market has to contend with the IP of brand recognition and the perceived trust that goes along with it for CGC. Even with the shenanigans with the C2E2 book last year, they have avoided the trust factor with the masses (beyond the those that see through it on the boards). Voldemort had a chance to disrupt the market, because they had people that knew the industry, but they failed because their business acumen around operations was just as bad (sorry to anyone involved...). It will take three things to unseat CGC and force real change. First, a clever marketing program that leads with transparency (TikTok, FB, and Twitter). Tell what the firm is about and how it is going to go about it's business. Second, they need a highly effective and transparent operations. This means well-paid employees, staffing/capacity plans, forecasting, strategic plans (which understand consumer-centric business), quality control experts and processes (that get to real consistency), and leaders that are engaged with the collecting community. For goodness sake, hire an operations leader, not a person from the collectible space. Last, an innovative approach to the casing of comics. With what can be done with acrylics, lasers, and UV printing, I am shocked someone has not already come up with some really cool alternatives in their basement. To be honest, the startup cost wouldn't be that great. People often cite sticking with CGC because of their design when compared to that other guy. Given what it looks like and could look like, this is shocking.

Thanks @CGC Mike. So really, TATs are an internal metric, not for the consumer, right? Why publish them then?

Hey, @CGC Mike curious if this is an ability that only you have? I called into service about two boxes with a number of books, all tiers including walkthrough, that were received last week. Was basically told nothing could be done and wait for them to be opened...possibly next Thursday.

Yeah, they are quoting 2 business days on walkthrough and 3 on express. Based on above, someone escalated to have their package opened and logged after two weeks. So, what is express and walkthrough at, 15 business days?! Follow AFA lead and shut down submissions if you are that far behind.

CGC should update their turn times. No way walkthrough is right. Sent nearly a hundred books in last week, received Wednesday, and they still have not even been logged in yet. Some were express and some were walkthrough. Should be thinking about end to end experience. Guessing they are starting the turn clock when they open the box and log which is garbage.

tony5578-0083 (319) Non-paying bidder. Waited over two weeks, sent messages, nada...

The best are the buyers that send a low ball offer, get auto-rejected because you have a limit set, and then proceed to send a message you with the same offer. But, hey, they usually, "can pay today".

Closed!

Closed!

That's just awesome.

That's it folks. Invoices out in the next couple of days, shipping Saturday. If you bought something, may want to go ahead and send me your address if you've not purchased from me at some point. Happy Holidays everyone. Wishing you all a great close to a really good year.

Let's end on a high note. 708. Incredible Hulk #181 (VF+) $7,500 Book has been pressed and dry cleaned. Back Cover Scan

264. Werewolf by Night #4 (VG/FN) $10 Back Cover Scan

290. Warlock #2 (VF) $15 Back Cover Scan

2093. Uncanny X-Men #142 (NM-) $40 Back Cover Scan