Anybody submit their 12" inch Jedi Luke to AFA, yet?

[Polystoner]

Sloooow in marketing today (good weather here so sales is out meeting clients (aka, playing golf) so there is no one around to bug me), so I was packing an action figure to be graded by AFA.

Which made me wonder for non-openers, has anyone submitted Jedi Luke for grading?

Entertain me, flame me, prevent me from falling asleep!

Thanks.

[EVILFACE]

Seems like a waste to me.

[Polystoner]

Seems like a waste to me.

Yeah, sort of. Jedi Luke is too cool to just keep him in the box. (although mine is still boxed because we're moving soon). But considering the price that Star Wars AFA graded products can fetch, plus the limited availability of this first SS 12" inch, I just thought that maybe someone did submit with an eye down the road for resell.

The price would be really prohibitive, though. Probably at least the cost of the figure at MSRP.

[TOE]

Is it free to get it graded?? If not, what are the rates? :chew

[Polystoner]

Is it free to get it graded?? If not, what are the rates? :chew

I wish it were free. No, Action Figure Authority is a business, they are at toygrader.com.

I think it would be around $50-$60 bucks to get it graded and cased. But it could be as much as $100 for the grading, not to mention the return postage and insurance. Don't know, they don't really list Sideshow specifically on their site. They also take a really long time at the lowest priced tier.

Not for the casual collector, at those prices.

[Darklord Dave]

They probably don't have an enclosure that's the right size for Luke. However if they could do it so the box is open and you can see the figure, it might not be so stupid. But if they just enclose the closed box then it's kind of a waste I think.

[miles]

I had posed this question over at Rebelscum,and was told that grading any of the Sideshow 12" would fall under AFA's "custom tier" pricing and that they would encase it with the box "opened" so the figure and accessories could be viewed.I personally think it would look really cool on display for a piece such as the SDCC Vader.

[Polystoner]

I had posed this question over at Rebelscum,and was told that grading any of the Sideshow 12" would fall under AFA's "custom tier" pricing and that they would encase it with the box "opened" so the figure and accessories could be viewed.I personally think it would look really cool on display for a piece such as the SDCC Vader.

Huh, cool. So, using the measurements and weight of the box at the SS website, it would fall into custom tier 3.

So for the cheapest grading (if I'm doing this right), it would be $55 for the grading, plus about $17.25 for return shipping and insurance. So fees to AFA would be about $72.25 for grading and return. That's not too bad, considering an exclusive luke still goes for about double on ebay. But poor Luke would be encased in "carbonite". Any future SS 12" Leia might have to bust him out.

Mmmm, 12" Leia.

[TOE]

I had posed this question over at Rebelscum,and was told that grading any of the Sideshow 12" would fall under AFA's "custom tier" pricing and that they would encase it with the box "opened" so the figure and accessories could be viewed.I personally think it would look really cool on display for a piece such as the SDCC Vader.

Cool!! Since I buy 2 of each figures I may consider having one of them graded and the other opened. :chew

[Darth Robbler]

I don't think they'll grade it because it is not sealed. They are very picky about that.

[Shai Hulud]

I don't think they'll grade it because it is not sealed. They are very picky about that.

AFA ARE GRADING LOOSE FIGURES NOW.

[Darklord Dave]

NOt to be difficult but how do you describe a loose figure that has been graded and encapsulated? Loose, but not very? MIMGPNTOPBTTTGPO? (mint in mint graded package, not the original package, but the thing the graders put on).

[Batty]

Would they grade the bubble wrap and cardboard box it was shipped in? :rolleyes:

[galactiboy]

Doesn't AFA grade items that are cases and mailers as well? If that's the case the ultimate SS Ex. Luke would just be the mailer box sealed up and given a grade... Man that would look beautiful on a shelf :duh

[Darth Madden]

Doesn't AFA grade items that are cases and mailers as well? If that's the case the ultimate SS Ex. Luke would just be the mailer box sealed up and given a grade... Man that would look beautiful on a shelf :duh

I am looking on ebay for one now... me want. :rotfl

[Polystoner]

Doesn't AFA grade items that are cases and mailers as well? If that's the case the ultimate SS Ex. Luke would just be the mailer box sealed up and given a grade... Man that would look beautiful on a shelf :duh

Nah, when you send them a sealed case of say, action figures, they open the case and grade each one. They would have to see the figure, they give a grade for the figure, for the packaging, and for the bubble or window (I forget), and then average for an overall score.

I

[galactiboy]

Nah, when you send them a sealed case of say, action figures, they open the case and grade each one. They would have to see the figure, they give a grade for the figure, for the packaging, and for the bubble or window (I forget), and then average for an overall score.


Well then its not worth it then... I want my figure encased in plastic and guaranteed that even the packaging never saw the light of day :lol

[Darth Madden]

Nah, when you send them a sealed case of say, action figures, they open the case and grade each one. They would have to see the figure, they give a grade for the figure, for the packaging, and for the bubble or window (I forget), and then average for an overall score.

I

I do remember that somebody submited an unopened Yoda boxed figure (not in the shipping box) just the regular box but they did grade it.. YIKES.. how fun looking at a GRADED box. I can understand a MIP person but thats taking it too far.

[Fritz]

I'm thinking about sending them my XTra Salty Ermey and telling them to press his button and grade that. Personally I'm not a big fan of AFA or grading, etc. It's a collectible/figure. Open it, smell it, caress it, lick it, rub it, hug it... ...Enjoy it!! :D

[King Darkness]

I'm thinking about sending them my XTra Salty Ermey and telling them to press his button and grade that. Personally I'm not a big fan of AFA or grading, etc. It's a collectible/figure. Open it, smell it, caress it, lick it, rub it, hug it... ...Enjoy it!! :D

AMEN BROTHER..... I believe that figures/collectibles should be open and loved with a hands on approach.....

[Seaward]

I considered doing this, but the glee of opening the figure took over instantly. When I looked at their website, the cost of doing a custom case for this figure seemed prohibitively expensive as well. Trading Cards I could understand, as you could still see both sides, but for comics and figures, ferget it!

[Gruson]

I can understand the grading of old 70s and 80s carded figures but grading a new Sideshow figure is just ridiculous and a waste of money.

[Shai Hulud]

Well heres a case of 6 jedi luke uncirculated to grade....:cool:


http://cgi.ebay.com/Sideshow-Collectables-12-Inch-Luke-Skywalker-Jedi-X6_W0QQitemZ6062846389QQihZ009QQcategoryZ751QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

[Michael Crawford]

Don't even get me started on the ridiculousness of AFA grading. If you're interested in why it's insane to pay huge amounts for a figure in plastic, then check out my three articles on the subject from over five years ago:

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_022101.html

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_031401.html

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_031901.html

I can only shake my head at buyers of AFA graded stuff paying more for the grading than the figure is worth by itself.

[Polystoner]

Don't even get me started on the ridiculousness of AFA grading. If you're interested in why it's insane to pay huge amounts for a figure in plastic, then check out my three articles on the subject from over five years ago:

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_022101.html

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_031401.html

http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_031901.html

I can only shake my head at buyers of AFA graded stuff paying more for the grading than the figure is worth by itself.

Hey thanks for the links, Michael. That was fun reading. It's funny because I only got started on AF collecting after I got burnt out on collecting cameras. Camera collecting has no "independent" grader, and the condition of used cameras can swing wildly between collectors, due to the mechanical operations and the cosmetic appearance. Some like cameras that just look perfect and don't care if they work. Others like me, want a camera we could actually take pictures with sometimes. Anyway, the grading thing in my new hobby seemed like a novelty to me, so I got a figure graded just to see if my expectations & judgement meet the "profesisonals." Much to my surprise, they gave me a better grade than I expected. So I just sent them my second figure, not knowing what to expect this time. But you're right about the fees, collecting can make you broke as it is. Grading only limits the amount of things you can purchase for the collection.

[Polystoner]

Well heres a case of 6 jedi luke uncirculated to grade....:cool:


http://cgi.ebay.com/Sideshow-Collectables-12-Inch-Luke-Skywalker-Jedi-X6_W0QQitemZ6062846389QQihZ009QQcategoryZ751QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

Wow, that's nuts. They even list it as $86 per figure.

[Michael Crawford]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the concept of a consistent grading system (although it can never be completely consistent, even using AFA). If you have a figure that the market says is worth $500 in mint condition, and you pay someone $20 to verify that yes, it really is in mint condition, that figure is now worth $520. Not $700, not $800, not $1000. It's still the same mint figure (or comic) it was before it was graded - all you did is pay for some insurance for the buyer.

It's not the AFA that's the real problem - or the sellers who use AFA to insure that what you get is what they say you get. It's the buyers who pay ridiculous amounts because something is graded.

[Polystoner]

...all you did is pay for some insurance for the buyer.

That's a good point.

[coolkansaswind]

That's a good point.


well we will find out how AFA will grade this one i have sent them my 1/6 LUKE and i should have it back in 14 days i will post pics

[Darklord Dave]

I still have an exclusive Luke in the brown shipping box. Should I submit to AFA for grading like that? Isn't it worth more still in the shipping box?

[coolkansaswind]

I still have an exclusive Luke in the brown shipping box. Should I submit to AFA for grading like that? Isn't it worth more still in the shipping box?


with the way SS boxed the first ones .. i would want to open it and find out what i have in condition ... but its worth what ever you think it is ... i will post pics when i get my 1/6 luke back from AFA

[NSFolsom]

I still have an exclusive Luke in the brown shipping box. Should I submit to AFA for grading like that? Isn't it worth more still in the shipping box?

Is the one I didn't even buy worth even more than that? :duh

[Amir]

I can understand the grading of old 70s and 80s carded figures but grading a new Sideshow figure is just ridiculous and a waste of money.


Not to mention AFA's record is far from perfect...mistakes...certain repeat customers seem to get higher grades...the list goes on...

[Polystoner]

Wow, resurrecting this old thread...I'd be interested in seeing how it all turns out. I dropped the 12" inch line just recently, but still send out some AFs for grading. I'm finding I have a much more critical eye than AFA, which is good I guess because their scores are always one notch higher than what I think it should be...

[Blu-Vapor00725]

Wow I had no idea this was afecting the market, but now that you come to think about it, it is an uneccesary evil. lol. Some people will buy anything certified mint. :rolleyes: :D

[The Mike]

with the way SS boxed the first ones .. i would want to open it and find out what i have in condition ... but its worth what ever you think it is ... i will post pics when i get my 1/6 luke back from AFA

Did we ever get to see this? I'm interested in the look of the Luke AFA Graded. I open all of my figures but it'd be interesting to see what the final product looked like.

[coolkansaswind]

I don't think they'll grade it because it is not sealed. They are very picky about that.


they do ... i have had a few talks with them on this matter .... and they will grade the SS 1/6 ... i have one right know being graded and when i get it back i will post pics

:emperor

[Amanaman]

How about grading Jabba's throne or some 1:1 busts? How about MR props? Or the SS lifesize droids?

Yeah, I'm testing the limits of this idiocy.

[coolkansaswind]

How about grading Jabba's throne or some 1:1 busts? How about MR props? Or the SS lifesize droids?

Yeah, I'm testing the limits of this idiocy.


i think its funny how much people get BINT out of shape over a little question :monkey1

[Memnoch21]

Well honestly, what enjoyment are you going to get out of looking at a SS figure encased in plastic? I wouldn't get any. These are collector friendly for a reason, you take the figure out, have one hell of a good time with them, then put them back when you so desire. I see no point in it being sealed in an acrylic case with a number and label slapped on it unless you plan to sell it in the future and even then I bet the person that does eventually buy it will find a way to free it from its acrylic prision and take him out and pose him.

[Serpentor]

Not to mention AFA's record is far from perfect...mistakes...certain repeat customers seem to get higher grades...the list goes on...

CGC is the same for comics, repeat customers get higher grades. The whole concept of grading stuff is crazy as it is but for these reasons it makes it worse.

Of course the even larger problem is once other companies show up and start doing this since AFA was the frist they will be the ones who will be deemed to be the most acurate. Graded comics that are not CGC graded tend to get treated as they have lower grades its beyond dumb.

What one person sees as a Mint figure someone else may see a tiny imperfection that makes it near mint. Or in very good condition.
Well honestly, what enjoyment are you going to get out of looking at a SS figure encased in plastic? I wouldn't get any. These are collector friendly for a reason, you take the figure out, have one hell of a good time with them, then put them back when you so desire. I see no point in it being sealed in an acrylic case with a number and label slapped on it unless you plan to sell it in the future and even then I bet the person that does eventually buy it will find a way to free it from its acrylic prision and take him out and pose him.

Thats pretty much the other thing that makes grading seem crazy. I know some people are MIB collectors I personally dont get it since these things are sculpted and designed to be displayed but you know if you pay for the item its your choice what you do with it. But to go the extra mile and have your box encased into a plastic case so that you really have no option other then to display it as such seems even more obsured. And due to the higher value given to a graded figure or comic when someone is looking for that figure or comic after a certain time and the only ones availbe are graded the cost is so outragous its not worth getting. Overall the concept of grading is useless IMO.

[Blu-Vapor00725]

CGC is the same for comics, repeat customers get higher grades. The whole concept of grading stuff is crazy as it is but for these reasons it makes it worse.

Of course the even larger problem is once other companies show up and start doing this since AFA was the frist they will be the ones who will be deemed to be the most acurate. Graded comics that are not CGC graded tend to get treated as they have lower grades its beyond dumb.

What one person sees as a Mint figure someone else may see a tiny imperfection that makes it near mint. Or in very good condition.


Thats pretty much the other thing that makes grading seem crazy. I know some people are MIB collectors I personally dont get it since these things are sculpted and designed to be displayed but you know if you pay for the item its your choice what you do with it. But to go the extra mile and have your box encased into a plastic case so that you really have no option other then to display it as such seems even more obsured. And due to the higher value given to a graded figure or comic when someone is looking for that figure or comic after a certain time and the only ones availbe are graded the cost is so outragous its not worth getting. Overall the concept of grading is useless IMO.


I personally agree , the concept of not being able to enjoy the fig is dumb. And grading in general sounds like a drag.

[jgatienza]

good post, i never knew that about repeat customers getting better grades. thanks for everyone opinions. i was wondering about grading some of my figures (loose), but now, i'm not even going to waste my time and money on it.

haven't said this, but i think this is a great forum.

[coolkansaswind]

good post, i never knew that about repeat customers getting better grades. thanks for everyone opinions. i was wondering about grading some of my figures (loose), but now, i'm not even going to waste my time and money on it.

haven't said this, but i think this is a great forum.


just for all you nay sayer out there here is some thing from AFA web site on grading stuff like the SS 1/9

....Un-commonly submitted or irregularly sized figures are graded under our Custom Category.


....Virtually all sealed vehicles, playsets, games, model kits, and other items eligible for AFA grading fall under one of our custom tiers.


....AFA also grades certain items which never came factory sealed, provided the items are in new and unused condition. AFA can also grade boxed items that are no longer factory sealed (i.e. the tape has been broken or come loose) as long as the boxed item has an interior sealed bubble and all the contents (paperwork) are stilled sealed in their bags.

....AFA will grade proof cards including those handcut from proof sheets.


Examples of Custom Category items:
Star Wars Deluxe figures, DC Comics, Indiana Jones horses, Spawn, new Lord of the Rings, Starting Line-up One-on-Ones and Headlines, Thundercats, most Transformers, and World's Greatest Superheroes.

[coolkansaswind]

just for all you nay sayer out there here is some thing from AFA web site on grading stuff like the SS 1/9

....Un-commonly submitted or irregularly sized figures are graded under our Custom Category.


....Virtually all sealed vehicles, playsets, games, model kits, and other items eligible for AFA grading fall under one of our custom tiers.


....AFA also grades certain items which never came factory sealed, provided the items are in new and unused condition. AFA can also grade boxed items that are no longer factory sealed (i.e. the tape has been broken or come loose) as long as the boxed item has an interior sealed bubble and all the contents (paperwork) are stilled sealed in their bags.

....AFA will grade proof cards including those handcut from proof sheets.


Examples of Custom Category items:
Star Wars Deluxe figures, DC Comics, Indiana Jones horses, Spawn, new Lord of the Rings, Starting Line-up One-on-Ones and Headlines, Thundercats, most Transformers, and World's Greatest Superheroes.

well who ever sead that AFA grades better for those who send in more i think is WRONG .... this is my first that i have sent in and !!!!!!!

i just got my grade for my SS 1/6 Luke exclusive ... U90 ..... i will have it back next week ... will post pics then ....

:google :lol

[Amanaman]

Do you plan to cash-in on these?

[coolkansaswind]

Do you plan to cash-in on these?

no ... a u90 ... no way keeping this in my collection ... :chew

[Amir]

well who ever sead that AFA grades better for those who send in more i think is WRONG .... this is my first that i have sent in and !!!!!!!

i just got my grade for my SS 1/6 Luke exclusive ... U95 ..... i will have it back next week ... will post pics then ....

:google :lol



There's plenty of evidence on other boards and other AFA threads that proves this. AFA is far from a flawless and upstanding system. Just because you received a high rating means nothing, it's a box as long as the figure's paint and box are not damaged in anyway it's pretty hard to grade it low. It's when it comes to vintage figures that 'preferred grading' seems to happen...

[coolkansaswind]

There's plenty of evidence on other boards and other AFA threads that proves this. AFA is far from a flawless and upstanding system. Just because you received a high rating means nothing, it's a box as long as the figure's paint and box are not damaged in anyway it's pretty hard to grade it low. It's when it comes to vintage figures that 'preferred grading' seems to happen...


im not saying there flawless ... im just saying ... i dont think how much you send makes a diffrence ..... thats how i see it ... and did not send the 1/6 SS figure in to make $ i did it becouse it looks like no one has and i thought it would be cool to have cased and graded ... and to all thoughts people that say open them up ... i have two luke 1/6 figure that i have opened and i have most of the 1/6 figure opened and cased

[Blu-Vapor00725]

im not saying there flawless ... im just saying ... i dont think how much you send makes a diffrence ..... thats how i see it ... and did not send the 1/6 SS figure in to make $ i did it becouse it looks like no one has and i thought it would be cool to have cased and graded ... and to all thoughts people that say open them up ... i have two luke 1/6 figure that i have opened and i have most of the 1/6 figure opened and cased

I think there is nothing wrong with getting it graded for your personal use, the moment it gets silly is when you do it and you think its worth 20 times what you paid for it and you plaster it on ebay hoping to cash in. Its silly. But everyone has their own perception of whats silly and whats not. And further more everyone has the right to do as they please with their figs. :D

[coolkansaswind]

I think there is nothing wrong with getting it graded for your personal use, the moment it gets silly is when you do it and you think its worth 20 times what you paid for it and you plaster it on ebay hoping to cash in. Its silly. But everyone has their own perception of whats silly and whats not. And further more everyone has the right to do as they please with their figs. :D


i will have any pics up tomarrow ....

[drbrad1975]

Sloooow in marketing today (good weather here so sales is out meeting clients (aka, playing golf) so there is no one around to bug me), so I was packing an action figure to be graded by AFA.

Which made me wonder for non-openers, has anyone submitted Jedi Luke for grading?

Entertain me, flame me, prevent me from falling asleep!

Thanks.

ummm....what's the point? Figures are meant to be displayed outside of their cardboard coffins!!!!

Cheers,

Brad

[coolkansaswind]

HERE IS ARE A FEW PICS http://threads.rebelscum.com/imagepopup.php?imagename=http:%2F%2Fthreads.rebels cum.com%2Fphotogallery%2Fwatermark.php?file=26571&imagewidth=1024&imageheight=768

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[coolkansaswind]

here are a few more

http://threads.rebelscum.com/imagepopup.php?imagename=http:%2F%2Fthreads.rebels cum.com%2Fphotogallery%2Fwatermark.php?file=26578&imagewidth=1024&imageheight=768


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[pixletwin]

I am all for freeing figs from their box but I have to confess that I actually kinda like how you have your Luke displayed coolkansaswind. :clap

[Batty]

I would never pay to have a figure graded, but that does look kind of cool. Especially if you're a mint in box collector. It reminds me of Han being encased in carbonite.

[Darklord Dave]

Cool pics, if it has to be encapsulated, that's how it needs to be done.

But Luke's expression has never been more appropriate.

"I've been...WHAT?"

[Smudger9]

How come it got a "u" rating. I thought items only got a U rating if they were pulled out of the original case by the AFA. Did you send it unopened in the SS mailing Box????

[EVILFACE]

That takes up some shelf space to display.

[Smudger9]

That takes up some shelf space to display.

Sure does. DEspite the fact that I hate the AFA and all it stands for, it does look kind of cool. Good Job. Wish I had an exclusive Luke :monkey2 .