| Sometimes the proper pricing for an item can be determined by means other than looking at completed auctions. Naturally, if you're selling new merchandise, you can compare your pricing to that of a typical retail store. And if you're selling certain collectible items, there are established price guides available to determine both the condition and the market value of your item. Understanding Grading The process of setting a market value based on age and condition is called grading . Collectors use these grading scales to help evaluate and price items within a category. If you know the grade of your item, not only can you better determine the ideal selling price, you can also include the grade in the item's title or description, and thus more accurately describe the item to potential bidders. Every type of collectible has its own grading system; there's no such thing as a "universal" grading system for all items. For example, trading cards are graded from A1 to F1; stamps are graded from Poor to Superb. That said, many collectible categories use a variation of the Mint grading system, as shown in Table 9.1. Table 9.1. Mint System Grading | Grade | Abbreviation | Description | | Mint | MT, M, 10 | An item in perfect condition, without any damage or imperfections. | | Very Fine | VF | Similar to mint. | | Near Mint | NM, 9 | An item with a very minor, hardly noticeable flaw. Sometimes described as "like new." | | Near Fine | NF | Similar to near mint. | | Excellent | EX, 8 | An item considered above average, but with pronounced signs of wear. | | Fine | F | Similar to excellent. | | Very Good | VG, 7 | An item in average condition. | | Good | GD, G, 6 | An item that has clear indications of age, wear, and use. | | Fair | F | An item that is heavily worn. | | Poor | P, 5 | An item that is damaged or somehow incomplete. | Degrees between grade levels are indicated with a + or “. (For example, an item between Fine and Very Fine would be designated as F+.) Naturally, the definition of a Mint or Fair item differs by item type. Getting Graded If you're not sure what grade an item is, you may be able to utilize a professional grading and authentication service. These services will examine your item, authenticate it (confirm that it's the real deal), and give it a professional grade. Some services will even encase your item in a sealed plastic container or bag. Where can you get your items graded? Table 9.2 lists some popular Web sites for grading and authenticating collectible items: Table 9.2. Grading and Authentication Services | Collectible | Site | URL | | Autographs | OnlineAuthentics.com | www.onlineauthentics.com | | PSA/DNA | www.psadna.com | | Beanie Babies | Peter Gallagher Enterprises | www.beaniephenomenon.com | | Books | PKBooks | www.pkbooks.com | | Coins | American Numismatic Association Certification Service | www.anacs.com | | Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America | www.ngccoin.com | | Professional Coin Grading Service | www.pcgs.com | | Comic books | Comics Guaranty | www.cgccomics.com | | Jewelry | International Gemological Institute | www.e-igi.com | | Sports cards | Professional Sports Authenticator | www.psacard.com | | Sports Collectors Digest Authentic | scda.krause.com | | Sportscard Guarantee Corporation | www.sgccard.com | | Stamps | American Philatelic Society | www.stamps.org | | Professional Stamps Experts | www.psestamp.com | The cost of these authentication services varies wildly, depending on what you're authenticating, the age or value of the item, and the extent of the service itself. For example, Professional Sports Authenticator rates range from $5 to $50 per sports card; Professional Stamps Experts rates range from $15 to $85 per stamp. Make sure the item you're selling is worth it before you go to this expense. Working with Appraisals Similar to grading is the process of having an item's value appraised. Professional appraisal services will examine your item and pass judgment on its approximate market value. Appraisal is often recommended for high-value art and antique items. You can locate an appraiser in your area by searching the International Society of Appraisers Web site, at www.isa-appraisers.org. |
