Basically, yes. The grading companies evaluate cards on 4 or 5 criteria and give each one a grade, then, combine those in some method to determine the overall score. Grading also removes subjectivity between buyer and seller for transactions.

Two of the largest: https://www.psacard.com/resources/gradingstandards and https://www.beckett.com/news/walking-bgs-process/

What really might look good to you or me, under scrutiny could have many flaws. In a way, I think it's overkill for the average person, but for the right handful of cards, it can matter, and today, kids open a pack, and if card has value, its put into a sleeve and holder and put away. People don't play with cards like they used to, they collect/trade/speculate. That Mickey Mantle rookie - 1952 Topps, Graded 1 is $40K, graded 8 is $1.2 M. There are so few 9 and 10 graded cards, they don't have a consistent value. That card of course is the exception, but highlights the value of grading the right cards.

 

Thanks Gary.
I'll never understand how a photo of a baseball player could be worth millions, or even thousands, even though they are rare. I have a pair of worn shoes in my closet that are one of a kind, but they aren't worth 10cents. I know, I know, I've never hit a home run in a major league baseball game. I did stay at a Howard Johnson's though. Or was that a Holiday Inn? I forgot.

 

You could be surprised. If the cobbler or shoemaker was someone who also made custom shoes for stars, they could be worth a goldmine. Value comes from what people pay. The "right" worn Levi's are worth a bunch, the "wrong" ones, worth nothing. What makes a used 911 worth so much?

Collectibles are an odd, odd world. Cards are very odd. I think that the autograph cards, clothing cards or other special inserts get driven up because of the newness of them. I've vowed that if I open packs today, for fun, and I hit a special card, I'd just sell it right away while that market is hot and before it cools down. There's a frenzy for each new series, model, case, etc...

 

Went to a local supermarket a couple days ago, and was in the Express check-out lane. After the man in front of me paid for his groceries, I noticed he was still standing at the end of the check-out. As the cashier was ringing up my items, he said to her "I want to pay for his groceries," pointing to me. Of course, I strongly objected, but he said something to the effect of "I just want to do something good today, and I insist." I thanked him profusely and told him that I would do the same thing for someone else, paying it forward. So, there are a few good people left!!

 

Very nice! Rick does grocery shopping on Mondays! Just sayin'.

 

Gee and I thought I was lucky after somebody gave me a cart at Aldi's and told me to keep the quarter

 

That's happened to me as well, so when we left, I repeated the gesture.

 

Me too.

 

Jeez Gene, were you wearing some throwaway clothes you happened to have on when you ran to the store? Looking like near homeless? I hope he didn't see you get in your NSX. J/K

 

Geeeeeeezeeeeeee Gene how were you dressed? That was really nice. It would be nice if someone could find me in bourbon line, that's all I shop for.

Speaking of good things. Bought our new washer this afternoon and it will be delivered and installed Tuesday. After hearing a few really bad stories about the wait time for certain appliances and kitchen hardware, weeks and months in some cases, we were pleased.