You know... while I don't like AFA (I have my reasons; one of them being that I don't think they're very consistent with the grades they give, but I digress)... this thread really isn't about whether or not we personally like AFA or not as a business or on principle or whatever other nonsense people are bringing up. It's about the fact that some of our fellow collectors are being potentially taken advantage of by these douche bags that are selling fake AFA graded toys. And, again, while I don't like AFA at all, I think it's just wrong for some people to bash them and the people whom collect AFA graded items as a whole. Sure, I have my issues with AFA as to whether it's a legitimate service (I say no for a variety of reasons), but I have to say that there are apparently enough collectors out there that do use their service (or are willing to pay big bucks for high graded items so they don't have to go through the hassle of getting something graded themselves) to keep them in business. That says to me that enough people consider them reliable or at least the best option they have and if they choose to spend that kind of money on their hobby than what right do any of us (regardless of what you feel about AFA) have to bash how they choose to collect?

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Malach Ra, this has degenerated from the actual issue into a bash AFA thread. I'll admit to making my feelings on the matter known in my first sentence, but I also addressed the fact that our fellow collectors are being taken advantage of by these fake graded toys... to which all I can say again is to make yourself aware of what you're purchasing and double checking with AFA about these items. Buyer be ware and all that.

 

This point actually piqued my curiosity. Are there any people out there that have lost AFA toys in a fire or tornado, or something, and have been reimbursed by insurance for the full AFA Graded market replacement value? I've never heard any stories to that effect.

 

Do you think graded sports cards and comics are rip offs too?

Sealed transformers with no windows have the box graded and then put in a case.

Windowed transformers have their box, figure (they look thru the window to see if the figure is broken, bad paint, etc), and window graded.

Its fine to not like what someone else is collecting but wow. No one is forcing you to spend the money to buy something you dont like.