Barewooley

So I was looking at the WATA Grading Scale for carts and I basically learned nothing... 7.5 shows obvious label wear. 8.0-10.0 look basically the same. I’ve heard WATA grades carts harshly. So what are the biggest things to look out for before submitting a cart to be graded?

No offense taken, I get it. I’m not sure how I feel about grading either way. The rising prices have certainly made me think differently. It’s comical that I was mad at myself for overpaying for some titles about a year or two ago. I don’t plan to sell anytime soon... I honestly hate selling (making a listing) and shipping. I just don’t enjoy the selling process and then worrying about scammers. Even if I graded CIBs, I’d enjoy looking at them on the shelf. For now, I submitted two sealed games for grading and we’ll see how that goes. I do like the idea of opening things up anytime (as one poster stated, I’m not likely to further damage a box or manual any more than it already is).

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. I’m not normally in favor of grading CIBs, but Dino Peak and Little Samson seem to be on another level. I probably should not have mentioned Bonk or Panic Restaurant because they do come up more frequently. I did learn how to open boxes properly using both hands on the sides of the flap (didn’t realize I was doing it incorrectly until I watched a collector on a YouTube channel).

I’m not trying to start an argument, I’m simply asking for advice... I saw a WATA Dinosaur Peak CIB 7.5 on eBay for $24,999. I see there is some interest in it with 7 watchers already. It’s a CIB, not the greatest grade, but it’s rare and sought after and not easy to find in excellent shape. I have some rare NES CIBs that I don’t feel comfortable opening their boxes/manuals given their value. They are in the 7.0-8.0 grade range for WATA (if I got them graded). My question is... would you advise me to get higher end CIBs in decent shape (7.0-8.0 range) graded or just leave as is? I’m talking Little Samson, Dinosaur Peak, Power Blade 2 (big bump recently)... maybe Bonk/Panic? I’m on the fence. I respect your opinions and thoughts. Any advice would be appreciated. If you would rather send a private message, that would be great too. Thanks.

Bump... it’s worth a shot

My WATA dashboard updated after 1 business day, which I thought was reasonable. I felt like the amount to grade was very high. I don’t think prices should depend on declared value, but I’m not going to get pissed off over a few hundred dollars... yet.

Oops! It’s late. 2021!

I sent my games to WATA (first submission). They received them on 4/19/22 according to tracking/signature. However, my open orders on the website still says “Awaiting”. When does the “Awaiting” icon usually update to “Scanned”? A few business days? I just want to make sure it’s there and in good hands but they don’t respond to emails. I did the Speed Run— 15 days.

I chose the 15 day tier. It will probably take longer which I’m fine with. I have been comparing boxes and grades. 7.5 shows too much wear. I think mine is likely 8.0-8.5. Maybe I’ll get lucky. People don’t seem to care though if it’s 8.5 or 9.0. I guess if it’s rare and not highly graded (9.6 or higher), one level doesn’t matter much?

No, I bought this box awhile ago for much less. The $12K auction made me re-think about getting my copy graded.

Thanks, I will hope for an 8.5. Thank you.

One sold for $650 in decent condition. I am willing to overpay. I’m trying to flush out a manual with a big bounty.

I submitted a sealed Kid Klown to WATA... There is some crushing/creasing on the top of the box but the rest of the box is pretty nice. I was wondering if there is any chance the box would grade 9.0 or if the crushing automatically brings it down to 8.5. Thank you for your time and happy collecting!

Bump... lost a BIN manual on eBay because I was at work Help me... please.

Looking to buy NES Flintstones Surprise at Dinosaur Peak manual. Willing to pay up to $1,500 depending on condition.