Donald Jack

I'm hesitant to do that, as I know it's my word against anyone else, and I have no photographic proof. Just that I would not send a newer book out damaged, for grading. But thanks very much for some great advice!

It looks like one of those wedges they sometimes put in. Kind of a long straight line to be a crack (but then plastic is funny that way).

Well (just in case anyone is interested), I did get the CGC Graded books back yesterday, and my book that was graded 8.0 without Graders Notes is well deserved...it looks like it was starting to be folded based on a crunch about 3/4 of the way down the spine. HOWEVER (and I'm not blaming CGC, or the post office, as I have no idea what the box looked like when it was delivered) THAT "crunch" was not on the book when it left my place (or it would have stayed) and it was buried deep in a cardboard sandwich of seven other books (thick cardboard between each), and that "sandwich" was double wrapped in bubble wrap. It is odd that this one did not receive graders notes. I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but I'd love to know what happened to it. I may have to use it for a TV dinner food tray now. Thanks for reading! DJ

That's what I was hoping...either that or the "defect" will be very evident when it arrives (which will be very surprising to me considering what it looked like when I shipped it) as I'm not sure if there would be something written down and available when I call to inquire. Definitely new territory for me.

Looks like we posted replies at about the same time. Thanks for adding the "request Universal Blue Label" clarification. I've read in other posts that you may be able to ask about this, but never saw for sure if that kind of request would be honored.

Actually, there is really only one way to have a comic book graded on the Signature Series label, and that is to have it witnessed by a CGC rep who ensures chain of custody from the singing to CGC for grading. The Certificate Of Authenticity does not give CGC any guarantees on the signer of the book and as such is no help in trying to get a Signature Series label. This witness rule is (as far as I've seen and experienced) no open to exceptions. Which actually lends significant credibility to CGC graded books with Signature Series labels. At best, you will get a Green Qualified label with a statement of something like "Name written on front cover in marker" if the book is graded high. You could get a lower grade and be given the Blue Universal label. I understand that you can request the book to be graded in the Universal label category and accept the lower grade, but I've not actually had that done, so I can not confirm. I hope this helps you decide what to do. DJ

Greetings Everyone. I was wondering if anyone would care to chime in on the lowest graded comic they received that did not have grader's notes. I have an 8.0 modern (2017 Star Wars Action Figure variant) coming back (expect delivery next week) and I was very surprised to see this as I take super good care of all my books. As far as I was concerned, when it left my house, it was easily a 9.6 if not a 9.8. I was a little surprised that no grader's notes were made available as I've gotten notes for books with 9.4 grades. I know I can call CGC to ask them about this and was wondering if anyone else has made this call to CGC (when graders' notes were not available) and what kind of response you received. Thanks for the input! DJ

Congrats! Always a happy day when they arrive (unless the box is crushed...then it's a whole new ball game...)

That's interesting...maybe give it another try on Monday. Every time I've gone in to USPS for a missing package, they have been able to do a different type of search that tells more than the tracking I see online. I have had some of the post office folks tell me there was nothing THEY could do, but I'm always referred to someone who does have access to internal tracking. Best of luck, I do know how very frustrating this can be and is! DJ

Now THAT is an interesting situation...

I didn't see any announcement, but I also had a "Scheduled for grading" invoice revert to "Received" and the inventory for that invoice was removed (or rather the hyperlink is no longer available.)

I had a very similar situation back in April. The package left Sarasota FL and arrived in San Antonio TX (was shipped UPS). Then I waited for delivery and it never showed up. 3 days went by and it still never showed up, so I called UPS (in your case, I recommend contacting USPS to have them look at it using a different system then what can bee seen on the tracking) and they put a missing package notice out (I think that's what they called it.) Even though it was showing as in San Antonio, somehow it ended up in New Jersey but it was not showing tracking updates UNTIL they put the missing package notice on it. I then took 10 days to make it back to San Antonio as it was misrouted to Indiana for a few days, then back to New Jersey (tracking NEVER updated until the day before it was finally delivered). When I finally received it, there was nothing wrong with the box or the label...just UPS mishandling. Outside of calling UPS, I contacted CGC as (according to UPS customer service) they would have to file any insurance claim on the package. CGC was very open to whatever could be done to help me and I kept them posted the whole time. I'd recommend calling USPS first for ANY information they can provide, and then contact CGC in case an insurance claim needs to be filed. The sad part is I'm sure the claim can only be for the stated value when you sent the comic books in, so if you didn't list it as over $10,000 pre graded, it can only be covered for the stated value. Of course if you DID list state the value of over $10,000.00, you should be ok. Best of luck on this and keep us posted on the outcome. DJ

There is not a formal shipping label. When I ship USPS, I just print the CGC PO Box (found in the "How to Submit" section) on the front of the box. Since you are using UPS, make sure you DO NOT use the PO Box (UPS does not deliver to PO Boxes). Here is the address to take to UPS when you have them process your package: 5501 Communications Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34240. Best of luck! DJ

You should be able to go to the initial email you (should have) received after you submitted the form. In that email there should be a link to the packing slip. If you don't have the email, I'd recommending calling CGC Customer Service and ask if they can send you the link again. Best of luck and let us know what happens! Welcome to the boards! DJ

I've never sent in any silver age books, so I don't know if that style increases the wait time. Maybe someone else can share some experience or information on this. Hope you see/hear something soon. DJ

If the collection is in NM condition, I would have bought it for $700 if was looking for a complete collection of the original books (and the new 108), but not as an option to resell. That's about $6.50 a book and I've seen some comic book shops pricing the "common" issues at $10 starting (and not always in the best condition). So, I'd see it as a good deal to add to my Star Wars Collection. Great find! DJ

Hey! Great to hear...I think I just added information to a different thread about your situation. The shortest I've ever had to wait was three days and the longest was 10 days. But all always worked out well... DJ

Krishosein is correct. For me, the credit was applied during the payment submission. I built the online form and it showed my total costs including shipping, and then when my credit card was charged, it was $150 less than what the original invoice showed. I didn't have to call and check on this, but I have read that some folks have not had their credit applied on the first shipment after paying the subscription fees. Best rule of thumb is if you are ever in doubt, just give CGC a call. On the few times I've contacted them, service has been top notch! DJ

Have you tried to call CGC customer service? If you sent them in April, without pressing, it's odd that they are still showing Scheduled For Grading. I've sent three boxes of comic books to CGC since May and all have been graded and returned. Unless there are special circumstances you've not mentioned, I'd contact CGC by phone and ask if they can look at the situation and provide a completion estimate.

And that is a good start! Not sure I'll be worrying about page quality 100 years from now, and my son will probably LONG have burned anything I left behind...

Here is an interesting thought (well, to me anyway). Is there anything that would keep a book in a CGC holder from page color deterioration? I honestly don't know what environmental factors cause it outside of age, but if pages can start to become off-white/cream, etc. while in the holder, it would seem that buying off-white is a guarantee to not having white pages, and buying white pages is a gamble. Of course you wouldn't know unless you crack open the case which defeats the purpose to begin with (semi Schrödinger's cat reference here). However if the pages don't deteriorate in the CGC case, then this is a moot point, but I was wondering if anyone has ever looked into that or maybe cracked open a white pages rating only to find a bad surprise on page quality. Thanks! DJ

Interesting point...a friend of mine REPEATEDLY says to his classes (he's a facilitator for a major corporation) that there is no common sense anymore...it should just be "sense". If it was so "common" everyone would have it and he wouldn't need to restate the obvious time and time again. When I pointed out that each class is full of new people and he should consider that, he showed me his biggest pet peeve...when filling out online worksheets, the students will eventually need to print them. Every class he has to answer the question "How do I set up the printer for my profile?" On the online worksheet, there is a button that says "Click For Printer Instructions." No one does...they just ask him. Maybe "common sense" never existed to begin with, and it should be called "common experience." I don't know...but interesting thoughts for both sides of this discussion...

Could be this week...could be next week. It just depends on how busy the folks at CGC are, and when they get to your box. About the only safe bet is that it will sometime after today (if not already updated in the CGC system.) Best of luck on your submission! DJ

I agree that the green Qualified label doesn't "devalue" the book. I don't know about increasing the value (perhaps over a non-graded and signed book of same quality...then at least I have solid confirmation of the Qualified version's condition), but for me personally, I'd buy a Qualified CGC graded item with signature on the cover if I want that signature bad enough and the price is right. Granted, it can't be a confirmed signature, but if I'm buying it, it's for the purpose of my collection and not for flipping or quick resell. So, I'd say the Qualified label more "sets" a value to a specific buyer (which is different for anyone who considers it) and the Signature Series attracts a premium. When it comes down to it...if a specific book, signed by a specific artist, is only available as a green Qualified label...someone who wants it bad enough will buy it.

Sadly, without a CGC authorized witness, you would not be able to submit your books for the Signature Series yellow labels. You would normally get a green Qualified label with "NAME WRITTEN ON COVER IN MARKER" on the label. I think there may be a process where you could request a lower grade blue Universal label, but I've only read about that and not sure if it's a true statement. This is a pretty strict process and not a bendable rule. No CGC witness = no Signature Series yellow label. This also includes having the comic books submitted immediately after the signing to maintain accountability of signed book from the witness to CGC. There are many entries on the boards that provide more (and sometimes less) details. Search around and see what others have to say, and welcome to the boards! DJ