AFA Grading

[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?

[Jetfire in the sky]

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?

LOL

AFA is a load of balls, when I first learned about them, I thought, yeah thats cool. But then I really thought about, and I wondered, who has made them an "authority"? Themselves and those who believe they have authority (the consumers) thats who.
I purchsed an MOSC Rippersnapper once and the card and bubble are sweet as, but it had been sent to AFA and deemed ungradable because there were some staple holes in the card that had been dotted in with black marker, the item is still in it's acrylic prison but I got it at a steal because nobody bidded on it due to its ungraded status. Crazy!! Its still an MOSC G1!!

[Skullcruncher]

AFA is a load of balls, when I first learned about them, I thought, yeah thats cool. But then I really thought about, and I wondered, who has made them an "authority"? Themselves and those who believe they have authority (the consumers) thats who.
I purchsed an MOSC Rippersnapper once and the card and bubble are sweet as, but it had been sent to AFA and deemed ungradable because there were some staple holes in the card that had been dotted in with black marker, the item is still in it's acrylic prison but I got it at a steal because nobody bidded on it due to its ungraded status. Crazy!! Its still an MOSC G1!!

Ha you might have purchased that from me - to me if its been touched up its not Mint any more so its OSC - thats the same as the criteria for AFA.

[Sinnertwin]

LOL

AFA is a load of balls, when I first learned about them, I thought, yeah thats cool. But then I really thought about, and I wondered, who has made them an "authority"? Themselves and those who believe they have authority (the consumers) thats who.
I purchsed an MOSC Rippersnapper once and the card and bubble are sweet as, but it had been sent to AFA and deemed ungradable because there were some staple holes in the card that had been dotted in with black marker, the item is still in it's acrylic prison but I got it at a steal because nobody bidded on it due to its ungraded status. Crazy!! Its still an MOSC G1!!

It's so simple in it's execution, isn't it? Anybody with eyes, internet access & an opinion can be a toy grader. There's no recognized university degree that i'm aware of that you have to complete successfully, in order to display a diploma behind your desk that reads:

Jetfire In The Sky
Master Toy Grader

[Skullcruncher]

It's so simple in it's execution, isn't it? Anybody with eyes, internet access & an opinion can be a toy grader. There's no recognized university degree that i'm aware of that you have to complete successfully, in order to display a diploma behind your desk that reads:

Jetfire In The Sky
Master Toy Grader

Its the same with many different types of appraisers. Insurance assessors quite often don't even know what they are valuing for insurance assessments/claims.

AFA is the only company really in the game and they get plenty of business so you can sit there and mock them and the collectors that like the service, but their making money and the haters, well they just continue to get even more bitter.

[Sinnertwin]

Rather than mock and be bitter about it, i'd like to know what you find appealing about having and/or dealing with figures that have been graded?

[Skullcruncher]

Rather than mock and be bitter about it, i'd like to know what you find appealing about having and/or dealing with figures that have been graded?

Well with tape sealed ones you know someone hasn't swapped parts out at some stage, they look great on display, the UV cases means you can almost display them anywhere with worry of someone doing damage (unless the drop it lol), the box art looks super shiny and you have something that is over 25 years in its original condition and giving the best chance to last another 25 years.

I collect both MIB and MISB figures - display wise there is no comparison.

[Megatron]

Well with tape sealed ones you know someone hasn't swapped parts out at some stage, they look great on display, the UV cases means you can almost display them anywhere with worry of someone doing damage (unless the drop it lol), the box art looks super shiny and you have something that is over 25 years in its original condition and giving the best chance to last another 25 years.

I collect both MIB and MISB figures - display wise there is no comparison.

I think what Sinnertwin is asking is, what do you find so appealing about having and/or dealing with figures that have been AFA graded, MIB/MISB or otherwise?

[Trent]

Well with tape sealed ones you know someone hasn't swapped parts out at some stage, they look great on display, the UV cases means you can almost display them anywhere with worry of someone doing damage (unless the drop it lol), the box art looks super shiny and you have something that is over 25 years in its original condition and giving the best chance to last another 25 years.

I collect both MIB and MISB figures - display wise there is no comparison.

Yeah but you can't play with it. Might as well just have a framed photo of the box.

[Sinnertwin]

Well with tape sealed ones you know someone hasn't swapped parts out at some stage, they look great on display, the UV cases means you can almost display them anywhere with worry of someone doing damage (unless the drop it lol), the box art looks super shiny and you have something that is over 25 years in its original condition and giving the best chance to last another 25 years.

I collect both MIB and MISB figures - display wise there is no comparison.

While it's clear we won't agree on the subject, it's been interesting reading your opinions & that of others & the reasoning behind your choices.