AFA Grading

[jazzcomp]

Why are re-issues on ebay being AFA graded?

[Sinnertwin]

Why are re-issues on ebay being AFA graded?

If any seller believes that they can make some money by placing an item in an acrylic case, getting it graded, attaching a sticker & outrageous price tag to it, they will.
Star Wars, G.I.Joe, G1 or reissue MISB/MIB/MOSC/Loose etc, they're all part of this scam of perceived value that the AFA has created.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/t...template=65827

[iamirondude]

i agree but as they say"a fool and his money are soon parted." i just don't understand how a misb item can be twice the price of the same misb item that hasn't been sent to AFA. i've also heard of horror stories of AFA actually damaging and opening vintage misb items and then not bothering to compensate the owner and of actually grading KO items too(if they claim that they are the toy authority, then they should of been able to pick them up straight away).

[Skullcruncher]

i agree but as they say"a fool and his money are soon parted." i just don't understand how a misb item can be twice the price of the same misb item that hasn't been sent to AFA. i've also heard of horror stories of AFA actually damaging and opening vintage misb items and then not bothering to compensate the owner.

lol I've heard horror stories of kids opening G1 transformers back in the 80's. Stuff that nightmares are made of. Even worse of so called collectors swapping out accessories and putting them with transformers that are in better condition and then even selling them on! Call the police!!!

The debate could go on for ever so I'll just post this and see how many members get their undies in a twist.

[Megatron]

If any seller believes that they can make some money by placing an item in an acrylic case, getting it graded, attaching a sticker & outrageous price tag to it, they will.
Star Wars, G.I.Joe, G1 or reissue MISB/MIB/MOSC/Loose etc, they're all part of this scam of perceived value that the AFA has created.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/t...template=65827

i agree but as they say"a fool and his money are soon parted." i just don't understand how a misb item can be twice the price of the same misb item that hasn't been sent to AFA. i've also heard of horror stories of AFA actually damaging and opening vintage misb items and then not bothering to compensate the owner and of actually grading KO items too(if they claim that they are the toy authority, then they should of been able to pick them up straight away).

+1

AFA grading is a scam, as far as I'm concerned.

I would buy one of the MISB original G1 Jazz's that are on eBay at the moment in a heart beat, if it weren't for the fact that they have been AFA'ed. They've been there on eBay for months now. As much as I really, reaaaaallly want that collector's piece, I just can't bring myself to support that scam. Such a shame.

[Skullcruncher]

+1

AFA grading is a scam, as far as I'm concerned.

I would buy one of the MISB original G1 Jazz's that are on eBay at the moment in a heart beat, if it weren't for the fact that they have been AFA'ed. They've been there on eBay for months now. As much as I really, reaaaaallly want that collector's piece, I just can't bring myself to support that scam. Such a shame.

I could point to many transformers and transformer merchandise that have been on ebay for months so by your logic they all must be scams. If you want to pay a decent price for MISB G1 items you don't buy on ebay.

[iamirondude]

lol I've heard horror stories of kids opening G1 transformers back in the 80's. Stuff that nightmares are made of. Even worse of so called collectors swapping out accessories and putting them with transformers that are in better condition and then even selling them on! Call the police!!!

The debate could go on for ever so I'll just post this and see how many members get their undies in a twist.

don't do that. you'll cause a riot. what i can't understand tho is that how can a piece that is AFA graded can go for 3 or 4 times the amount of the ungraded item(even if the ugraded item is in better shape).i can understand that you've gotta put a premium on top for the grading but won't it be just the same as going down to the local hardware and getting the perspex your self?

[Megatron]

I could point to many transformers and transformer merchandise that have been on ebay for months so by your logic they all must be scams. If you want to pay a decent price for MISB G1 items you don't buy on ebay.

You misunderstood my post. I never said anything about the price.

Also, the reason why I pointed out the fact that it had been on eBay for months was just to show that I have not yet caved in and bought it, even after contemplating it for so long. In the end, I couldn't do it, not because of the price, but because of the AFA thing. I just wouldn't feel good about it.

And hey, if you know of anywhere that I can source the vintage MISB G1 items that I'm after at a decent price, by all means point me in the right direction. I have looked everywhere and nothing.

[iamirondude]

who actually made them the toy authority anyway?were they always grading toys or did they start from something else like art or pottery and went from there. was there any other company that was doing it? when you are paying for a service like that and you send them your vintage misb/mosc figures you sure as hell don't want them opening them up like they did with 1 collector who had sent them a $4500+ sth american gi joe and they opened it and instantly they turned a $4500 figure into a $500+ figure. i know toys are meant to be opened but when it's 1 of only 10 or something like that you don't go opening it up.

[Skullcruncher]

don't do that. you'll cause a riot. what i can't understand tho is that how can a piece that is AFA graded can go for 3 or 4 times the amount of the ungraded item(even if the ugraded item is in better shape).i can understand that you've gotta put a premium on top for the grading but won't it be just the same as going down to the local hardware and getting the perspex your self?

Ha, well you can try casing it up yourself or even getting a company here in Australia but companys like AFA have got the cases pretty sussed by now and pretty cheap too.

There is no real price difference other that casing/postage with items that are AFA 75/80 and the standard MISB ones you will find on ebay. The big ticket items are the 85's and 90's and these do go for a small fortune - mainly because collectors are competitive and many want to own the only example in the world or 1 of 5, want the wow factor etc etc Just like the neighbour who upgrades their car every year.

who actually made them the toy authority anyway?were they always grading toys or did they start from something else like art or pottery and went from there. was there any other company that was doing it? when you are paying for a service like that and you send them your vintage misb/mosc figures you sure as hell don't want them opening them up like they did with 1 collector who had sent them a $4500+ sth american gi joe and they opened it and instantly they turned a $4500 figure into a $500+ figure. i know toys are meant to be opened but when it's 1 of only 10 or something like that you don't go opening it up.

Hmm I guess they did? Lol that collector is an idiot. If someone can send a toy worth $4500 to AFA and then cannot fill in the associated form with it - saying do not open etc then they get what they deserve. Crusty old tape is a big cause of issue with collectors who send items to AFA, likely it was half off when it was arrived and AFA pulled it off as per their standard mo.