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CBCS Signature VSPQuestions

Authorized dealers7439

Collector OoklaTheMok private msg quote post Address this user
Hello,

New to CBCS (and grading mostly), but was curious if there was a list of authorized dealers for CBCS? Or at least if there was a way to find nearby comic book dealers that send to CBCS for grading? I think most would agree submitting issues in bulk *should* be cheaper? Plus talking with dealers who are knowledgeable about the process and might offer guidance, is surely helpful. Tried to call customer service (went to voicemail), and email (misinterpreted for signature services for some reason unknown), but no luck there.

Recently submitted an issue for VSP at a convention, but seeing posts about turnaround times/delays, makes me wonder if it was regrettable. I'd like to submit more for VSP but recently read that if the signature is on the splash page, I'd still might get a CGC (blue) universal grade. Any input would be appreciated, thank you in advance.
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COLLECTOR dielinfinite private msg quote post Address this user
I’m unaware of any master list of authorized dealers for CBCS. Dealers can get a special membership that reduces the grading fees; savings which they’d ideally pass onto the customer. Your best bet would be asking local comic shops, particularly ones that happen to have plenty of CBCS books for sale.

As for this part:
Quote:
Originally Posted by OoklaTheMok
Recently submitted an issue for VSP at a convention, but seeing posts about turnaround times/delays, makes me wonder if it was regrettable. I'd like to submit more for VSP but recently read that if the signature is on the splash page, I'd still might get a CGC (blue) universal grade. Any input would be appreciated, thank you in advance.


I’m not entirely sure what you mean; the part about CGC is throwing me off. If you’re worried that a signature on the splash page might be ignored on a VSP order and instead you’ll get a blue label with a reduced grade, I wouldn’t worry too much. Of course CBCS is run by humans and humans make mistakes, so it’s not IMPOSSIBLE that something like that could happen (I once got back a signed book that was meant for a yellow label and I got it back as a 9.8 blue label, but CBCS promptly fixed it).

I would suggest writing a note on the invoice you submit that points out that the signature is on the first page.
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Collector OoklaTheMok private msg quote post Address this user
Thank you for your response, dielinfinite.

Had asked about the authorized dealers because I thought CBCS would have a network of trusted affiliates where current (and potential) customers could conveniently drop off submissions. Yes, one could call around but that could be very time consuming, especially in metropolitan areas. Couldn't CBCS be a source to inquire on who/where to go?

I mentioned the CGC part because the concern is the turnaround time. Just saw there were a lot of delays recently, but adding the VSP service adds even more time, right? There was a post acknowledging the delays plus submissions were at an all-time high. Then wouldn't that mean the backlog is even furthered delayed? The CGC mention was a thought whether a VSP is worth the service, considering the further delays, and where the signatures were, and not affecting the CGC grade, etc.

Don't get me wrong. I really appreciate the VSP service no one else offers but the turnaround delays do not seem to be helping. But I am new, so there's probably a lot I do not know about the process.
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If the viagra is working you should be well over a 9.8. xkonk private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by OoklaTheMok
Thank you for your response, dielinfinite.

Had asked about the authorized dealers because I thought CBCS would have a network of trusted affiliates where current (and potential) customers could conveniently drop off submissions. Yes, one could call around but that could be very time consuming, especially in metropolitan areas. Couldn't CBCS be a source to inquire on who/where to go?


Agreed, that would be great. In practice there are a lot of places where CBCS could improve their service. The best way to find out would probably be to start a thread like this one asking specifically about your area.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OoklaTheMok
I mentioned the CGC part because the concern is the turnaround time. Just saw there were a lot of delays recently, but adding the VSP service adds even more time, right? There was a post acknowledging the delays plus submissions were at an all-time high. Then wouldn't that mean the backlog is even furthered delayed? The CGC mention was a thought whether a VSP is worth the service, considering the further delays, and where the signatures were, and not affecting the CGC grade, etc.

Don't get me wrong. I really appreciate the VSP service no one else offers but the turnaround delays do not seem to be helping. But I am new, so there's probably a lot I do not know about the process.


I haven't used VSP but I think others have mentioned that it adds a week. Depending on if the comic is for yourself or for selling, and how impatient you get in general, that might not be a big difference in turnaround.
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COLLECTOR shrewbeer private msg quote post Address this user
This really is a good idea that I don’t think either grading company does. It would not be that much work to maintain a list of registered dealer accounts or even authorized witnesses that one could search by location.

It would also be helpful in weeding out those “witnesses” that only “witness” their own books
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Collector RyanHicks private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrewbeer
This really is a good idea that I don’t think either grading company does. It would not be that much work to maintain a list of registered dealer accounts or even authorized witnesses that one could search by location.

It would also be helpful in weeding out those “witnesses” that only “witness” their own books


I have been pushing for this for a long time but I think CBCS considers the facebook AW group "good enough" so there is not really any priority for this....can't say i really blame them with all the other things on their plate and their questionably skilled IT people but it would be a really helpful feature that would benefit the customer, the dealers/facilitators and CBCS; win/win/win!
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Collector OoklaTheMok private msg quote post Address this user
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrewbeer
This really is a good idea that I don’t think either grading company does. It would not be that much work to maintain a list of registered dealer accounts or even authorized witnesses that one could search by location.

It would also be helpful in weeding out those “witnesses” that only “witness” their own books


CGC does have a "Locate Dealer" link on their site, (near the top). And that's what I think most are simply asking. For reference, the question sent to CBCS customer service:

"Is there a list of authorized dealers that send comics to you for grading? Just curious if there are dealers where one can drop off the comics there (to save on shipping costs)."

Their response:

"While there is a list of dealers, for internal reasons we cannot recommend one dealer over another. We suggest searching through facebook groups and google for comic signature facilitation."

So a list does exist, even though the question had nothing to do with 'preference' nor 'signature services'. Just seems odd a simple question was so vastly misinterpreted.
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Ima gonna steal this and look for some occasion to use it! IronMan private msg quote post Address this user
CBCS may not see a "locate a dealer" link and database on the website as much of a priority because unlike CGC you do not need to purchase a membership or find a dealer to submit books. One can submit books directly to CBCS without being a member or locating a dealer. All said though, having such a link is probably a good idea.

Local Comic Shops are still businesses. They have to make $$ to stay in business. Many, maybe most LCS would not have much of an incentive to send books in to grading companies at their cost. It takes time (which is money) and shipping (which costs money)to prepare, package and ship books to a grading company. Then they will be answering phone calls and emails about the status of said books. There could be exceptions of course. You bought the book from the LCS for instance. But what is the incentive to a LCS for people to walk in, drop off books for grading - and the LCS employees do all the work of submission and follow up while making no money at all on it?

There is no "bulk" rate for grading. No discount based on volume. Unless perhaps someone has a collection of 10,000+ books they want graded. I'm only guessing at such a number. If one had that many they could call and ask. The only real savings from submitting larger quantities is on shipping. The golden rule of shipping is the first pound (or in this case book) is the most expensive. Return shipping on two books is a couple of dollars more than one. Shipping five a couple of dollars more than two. Shipping savings max out at 30 books though - as that is the maximum number of slabbed books CBCS can fit in box. At book 31 shipping costs start over.

IMHO the VSP service is great. It typically adds a couple of weeks to how long books will take. You are correct that signatures on the interior of a comic will get a blue label from CGC (on the cover they get green) But for me a CGC blue label that notes "Jack Kirby written on first page in pen" is no where near as desirable as a CBCS red label that states "SIGNED BY JACK KIRBY on first page" .
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