AFA grading

[suspense39]

i don't really understand this in regard to toy collecting, do they have separate grading categories like loose and packaged. i saw a spiderman on ebay it was 85 what does that mean it had like 3 different criteria package figure etc. it pretty much seems to me that any figure in a package is going to be mint unless the package was crushed or punctured. i don't collect graded items but am curious about the process.
Thanks
Chris

[Blue Meanie]

Unfortunately all of the grading services such as CGC, AFA etc. have no written standards on how they grade items...that's why in my opinion Grading Services are a complete CROCK. At least Overstreet came out with a book separate from the price guide that actually tells you how they grade books in regards to how they come up with the terms in their overstreet price guie (Fair, Good, Fine, Near Mint).

As long as there are no written standards...I have no respect whatsoever for any grading service.

[suspense39]

feelin the same

yeah, that's pretty much how i feel about them as well. I like getting the ones that just feel right, flaws that you can deal with. comic paper breaks down just like plastic does....the grading is no longer accurate. plus you can't even touch them any more.. to me these types of grading companies take a little bit of fun out of collecting and steer it more towards investment.