BarristerBaker

Or it was a shoddy job. And a job that was incomplete. It’s too late now, but the answer is to use another service if you’re going to have work done, not “work should never be done.” CCS isn’t a quality provider. Full stop.

You’re not getting good service until you get the yard clippers and steel brush...and then a purple label on the other side of that “work.” It’s the seldom offered “BIZARRO” service tier which isn’t listed on their site. Requires twice the shipping, twice the wait and, in the end, the opposite results from what any rational expectation would produce. It’s killer. For best results, please submit rare books that might challenge top of the census. That’s really preferred.

I generally agree, but these were two awfully small warts. I assumed the doctor would know what to do. Didn’t lose an arm, but the treatment certainly wasn’t localized. Seriously, this was light CT. Super light. Had I known they’d take not only the finger but the wrist as well, I’d of course have skipped the treatment.

Yep. That’s the way you do it. If you cared, that is. And to create significant blights and STILL send it back as C-1? On the second submission? Subpar.

I’m a fairly discerning collector. I wouldn’t have sent the book off without being generally aware of what was necessary. This isn’t an issue of extensive, far reaching CT. It was about as minor as it gets. But, let’s say it was of the nature/type that could not be addressed without significant damage, wouldn’t you connect with the customer to discuss options, let them know what was doable or not? If they couldn’t address it, then let’s not cut the book at all. I’d prefer them sending it back, with a note/explanation, keep some sort of processing fee, etc. That doesn’t happen at the hatchet-factory. No communication, just poor work, mistakes in processing, lack of appreciation for the material, etc. A book comes in at 9.2 C-1, you pop the slab, cut up the book and send it back...at 8.5 C-1, and think “job well done here, guys”? Sorry, that’s not acceptable.

Right-on advice on the CT removal, it seems. Hatchet vs. scalpel for mine. Here’s the main thing for me: CCS is far from the cheapest service. Given the cost and the connection to CGC, it is implied that the quality is high (“get what you pay for”). I would assume artisanal-like care for each book, an appreciation of these artifacts and methods/approaches that are the most thoughtful and supportive of top-notch results. That’s not what you get. Go elsewhere.

It is.

I don’t have any pictures from the first grading (9.2 C-1). But I have a raw scan and current state (8.5 C-1). It was extremely minor CT. I showed a dealer that I know and trust, and he couldn’t find it at first. It was that kind of light touch. CT on bottom left corner was very, very small. CT on lower right was larger, but still very slight. They didn’t need to take that much paper on the lower left - half of that, at most. But, I’m more upset about the fact that it’s still in a purple holder after two submissions than the shoddy work. I knew there would be some visible scars (though what was done shows a lack of care, had you seen the book up close).

This isn’t my way, but I feel I must type my story as a word of warning. DON’T USE CCS. I bought a Golden Age book off Heritage with ever-so-minor color touch. Beautiful book, otherwise. I drop the book off at C2E2 to have the CT removed and the book graded. Book makes it to CCS, and I get charged for services. Book then makes its way to CGC. Grade gets posted...purple label with notes of minor color touch. Frustrating...as I sent it to CCS for precisely that reason - to have CT removed. Invoice is clear as day - CT removal noted. Book arrives at my house, and it’s apparent there was no attempt (at all) to remove the CT. They were fine with taking my money, but didn’t see the need to do the work. I call, they tell me that there must have been a mistake. They told me to print my receipts and send the book back. I did that, and typed/sent a thoughtful note as well. So, I pay for shipping. Then I wait. Again. Book finally makes its way through the system. Again. The book arrives at my house...and? ANOTHER freaking purple label. CT removal was clearly done, as there are pieces missing and the removal job looks like garbage given how little CT there was. But, they didn’t remove enough to get the darn thing into a Universal holder. I’m not called, consulted, nor apprised of this in the process. So, now I have to do this dance once more. More calls. More shipping. More annoyance. More time. ...And no certainty that it’ll get done right. Asinine. Just crazy. It’s a mess with poor quality over there. CGC should get rid of that group. The quality there DOES NOT match the quality of their grading services and harms their brand. Just bad. Divest and move on. This is the second bad experience I’ve had. The other related to a poor pressing job. Can’t trust them with restoration removal. Can’t trust them with pressing. Bad. Find another provider. Don’t waste your time and money like I did.

...it’s the circle of life, and it moves us all...

Take per PM.

Love this book. Here’s the nicest 5.5 I own.

Want! Such a pretty book.

The stuff I was tracking was quite strong. Like, made me mad strong. So, guess perceptions of this auction vary quite a bit.

Another fun one. I bought a book that I knew had a (very) tiny bit of color touch. I dropped the book off at C2E2 for resto removal and grading. I get charged for the restoration removal. I get charged for the grading. Book comes back with a purple label with no attempt to remove the restoration. So, I have to pay for shipping again to send them my book and now hold in queue once more. CCS is far and away the most expensive service. I’m fine paying a premium, but services should match the fees. They don’t. Certainly not on pressing (where my books weren’t handled well) and it appears not on resto removal (at least in process). Joey for pressing. I need a restoration removal option. Recommendations?

The books I sent them were bigger/pricier books (one 5.5, one 6.0 - so not beaters). I went to them thinking I’d get extra care/TLC on those (as it’s certainly not the cheapest route). Wasn’t the case.

I had a staple popped by CCS too. Nice book. Made me sad. Another had some tearing around the staple. Joey gets most of my stuff now.

2-4 that I’m eyeing. Busy week that isn’t ideal for bidding, unfortunately.

Cavalcades aren’t “hot” by any stretch, but they aren’t as cheap as they once were. Have bounced a bit in the last 12-18 mos.

Nope. No Mystics there.

Some of his work on Flash Comics is superb. I’ve always loved this one.

This thread is awesome.

Bump here. Books end Sunday, the 24th. No reserve goodness here. Thanks!

Posted some books on eBay this past Sunday. All no reserve: ME Ghost Rider 9 CGC 6.5 (12 in census) Space Adventures 23 CGC 7.0 (4 in census) Space Adventures 35 CGC 4.5 (8 in census; tough book) Space Adventures 40 CGC 7.0 (10 in census) Fantastic Four Annual 6 CGC 8.0 (Key -1st Annihilus and Franklin Richards) All end this coming Sunday (24th). All great books. Good luck.

Possible to get a summary, after digesting and reflecting? Did you meet expectations? What 10 books over-performed? What 10 under-performed? Top 10 you’ll miss the most? And so forth. I think that’d be fun, @G.A.tor.