When I had my books signed last year, the CGC crew were the ones who prep my comics with by cracking the slab, cutting out the plastic cover, and placing backing board - it was nicely done. They also had the artists signed without my presence and WITHOUT extra costs.
This year I only had 2 books to submit and signed but I was told to cracked the slab by myself and to prepare the book for signing (cut the plastic cover, placed backing board). I wasn't even given instructions how to cut the slab properly without damaging the books and they just stood there without giving me instructions. Atleast one of the CGC guys who accompany me to witness the signing was nice enough to suggest what to do coz i was too scared to damaged the books. Wasn't the handling fee suppose to cover the prepping?
I'm also confused about the pricing. Is CGC charging $5 for every artist who signed the book eventhough the artist never asked for any authograph fee? how much will it cost for a 2 modern comics with less than $50 value -1. three artists signed for one comic book, and 2. one artist for the other. Is the handling fee charged per book or per submission form? I'm from 98295 WA using a PO box - how much is the shipping fee?
DrakeprimeoneDrakeprimeone
The Post-man always rings twice. Uhm... ring ring?
Registered: 11/18/08
Posts: 1757
A rough price is 35$ for one of your books 45$ for the book with 3 sigs then add another 5$ for the invoice assuming the 2 books are on the same invoice
As far as prepping your books for you, I wouldn't see why they wouldn't help you crack your books out of their slabs. Not everyone is good at doing it. Last show I went to CGC cracked my books for me. I don't know if they will go the extra mile as to prepare a nice cut out window bag for you for sig placement but you should be able to do that yourself before you go to the show, if anything it saves time for you to do it yourself in advance, also you get the window placement exactly how you want it.
DrakeprimeoneDrakeprimeone
The Post-man always rings twice. Uhm... ring ring?
Registered: 11/18/08
Posts: 1757
Originally Posted By: GODOFTHUNDER
As far as cracking Blue Lables, they won't. Yellow SS, they have to.
Wow they really won't? So if I were to walk up to their table with a blue label slab and say "hey, I want to get this signed but I'm not sure how to crack this out." they will not help me out? Or do you mean they won't let me drop off a stack of slabs and expect them to crack them out for me?
Registered: 10/18/04
Posts: 5022
Loc: No Longer Behind the Number On...
I talked to Joe about this at ECCC. CGC used to do all the prep work for collectors getting SS books done but they recently implemented a new policy after the New York show for a couple reasons.
First, people were showing up with boxes and boxes of slabs and the prep workload at the booth was becoming overwhelming. I prepped 25 blue label books this year for Silvestri to sign and I understand much better all the work involved. I can't imagine having to do 2000 or more. But, I also share your fear about not knowing how and wanting to do it right so I don't screw up the books. JJ was working at the booth and gave me some helpful advice but it was stressful and depending on the results, I may not do it again.
Second, there is a liability issue. I didn't ask Joe for details but CGC's insurance company may be concerned about claims being filed on books that come back with a lower grade.
edited it hope it's better 
