Applying Grades to Raw Cards

I have never quite understood why people apply grades to raw cards in auctions. To me it can do no good since it is so subjective. When I look at an auction with an obvious over grade applied it really raises question marks about the seller to me.

What I have always done with raw cards is provide scans of the front and back plus add description of the card and leave it up to the potential buyer to make his decision from that point.

My Beef of the day,

Lee

I agree. Dealers only hurt themselves when apply a grade to a raw card. Your method (and mine) is perfect. Big scans, front and back and description of any flaws that may not be picked up by the scanner. That way, you never end up with a pissed off customer because you sent an overgraded card.

Jay

generally i would like the seller to apply the grade, kinda give me a reference point. big scans/description of flaws/grade=trifecta!

Nice, clear scans are essential - heck, I don't even buy graded cards if the scan is too small or blurry - but I don't mind sellers of raw cards giving a prediction of a numerical grade. I often do it myself. Like Quan says, it's such a part of the common language of the hobby that it just makes sense to include a probable PSA or SGC grade.

graded cards are just a subjective opinion too.

Bicem wrote:graded cards are just a subjective opinion too.

Yes they are, but they far more consistent and accurate then grades applied by dealers and the average collector. Although cards from Larry Fritsch and Kit Young are severely overgraded, at least you know what you are getting them. Most sellers on eBay lack the reputation of those guys and better off just not applying a grade to a card. We are all very knowledgable collectors and don't really need someone else to tell us what the grade of a card is.