[CG76]

Well that's your own opinion. And their (AFA's) judgement are far more unbiased and fair than a lot of sellers out there. No one's claiming to be perfect, but they're certainly more knowledgeable than most collectors and other folks, having hundreds of items pass through their eyes each week.

I can't tell you enough how many times I got screwed buying an ungraded item over eBay. Sellers have an incentive to over-grade their items. Not everyone does, but a lot do. So some collectors like me, are a bit finicky about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zefram

The problem is, as have been discussed (see CIAD's post) that a lot of times the AFA has their collective heads up their asses and aren't anywhere near as reliable as people would like to think.

I'm ideologically opposed to the idea of the AFA, but it's a moot point if they can't even be consistent with their grading or even identifying of toys.

[Derek2783]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zefram

The problem is, as have been discussed (see CIAD's post) that a lot of times the AFA has their collective heads up their asses and aren't anywhere near as reliable as people would like to think.

I'm ideologically opposed to the idea of the AFA, but it's a moot point if they can't even be consistent with their grading or even identifying of toys.

It's funny, I feel the exact opposite, ideologically. I love the idea of having an expert who knows more than most people appraising an item's condition and value. Ideally, having a consistent grading scale should help regulate the market, and ensure people are getting what they expect when purchasing an item over eBay or whatever.

Not to mention, its a beautiful way to display your items.

That being said, unfortunately, I completely agree with you that they're not as consistent as I would wish, by any means. Which sucks.

Even so, as said above, it's still better than anything else out there in determining whether an item is worth what you're paying for it if you can't hold it in your hands before purchasing.

[M_renegade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROC Solid Snake

If a national news show was doing a story on action figure collecting, a well kept AFA collection would represent the hobby well. There is a difference between a G.I. Joe collection and a toy assortment. Alot of you haters only have mediocre assortments.

So, if you have every figure of the line -and i mean every single one, even the international and all- but they're not AFA graded, is not really a collection?
C'mon.

You're just looking for an excuse to justify the money you spent* on your precioussss.
It is okay to have them encased. They're your toys.

personally, i prefer to open them. I buy some of them for the memories, and my memories as a child don't include a toy i can't even touch. If they were intended to be like that, they won't have detachable gear, articulations or even sculpted details.
But again, to each his own.



*(note: i said spent, not wasted. I'm not against people wanting their toys AFAd, it's their business after all)

[Glumby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG76

If you've got something worth a lot money or of great sentimental value, say unopened mint vintage item, it's worth paying a $50 to a hundred or two to get it graded and encased in a nice display case, that will also protect it. It'll last longer than otherwise.

It's like buying a ring for your girl. If you are going to spend over a certain amount, you should get it verified and appraised for peace of mind. That's just my opinion.

Right on the money, CG76.

[Zefram]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG76

I can't tell you enough how many times I got screwed buying an ungraded item over eBay. Sellers have an incentive to over-grade their items. Not everyone does, but a lot do. So some collectors like me, are a bit finicky about that.

Wouldn't just demanding high-res pics solve a lot of those problems?

[zedhatch]

THe major problem with these "experts" is they have no more qualifications than anyone else on this board, or any other toy collector board, or anyone in existance. There is no qualifications to be an "expert" at AFA, nor with its comic grading counterpart.

They just say they are experts and people follow suit thinking "well they must be if they say so, there is no way they could exist."

But there is nothing that makes them any better than anyone else who collects toys to ID anything about the quality of the toys.

[CG76]

That would help which I would love to see -- high resolution pics of every side of the box or carded figure on eBay. But most sellers won't post high resolution pics of all sides. And sometimes, pics won't even do the item justice. You need to see the item in person. But that's the limitation of online buying, especially if there's no return policy for a lot of these items that gets sold.

And unless you know the seller has a good reputation (e.g. bought a lot from them), it's difficult for the casual collector (not die-hard collector who buys a lot) to tell what's good or not so good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zefram

Wouldn't just demanding high-res pics solve a lot of those problems?

[CobraElite]

For most of us AFA collectors, its not about making money off of the toys or trying to buy something to flip it to make a quick buck. It's about what CG76's says...its about peace of mind, its about preservation.
I am very surprised to see all the haters on this. Who cares how someone collects? Loose, Moc, MISB, or AFA...it really shouldn't matter. This is America and the last time I checked I thought that if you had the money and wanted to spend it...then you had the right to do so. What is this world coming to!?

[Mazinger]

Can you tell when an item was graded?

A 90 today won't necessarily be a 90 in several years.

[CVdelgado]

i think its a symptom of something larger...