New to manga grading : How to land BGS 9.8s, sourcing true mint 1st prints
Hey everyone! I’m pretty new to collecting and looking to get into grading manga with BGS. Since hitting a 9.8 is so tough, I wanted to reach out to people with experience to ask a few questions:
Grading Standards and Inspection: What are the main things BGS looks for when evaluating a book? Aside from obvious defects like bent corners or spine ticks, what subtle flaws usually knock a volume down from a 9.8 to a 9.6 or 9.4?
Original Sealed Shrink Wrap: Does buying a volume that comes factory-sealed give you a significantly higher chance of hitting a 9.8? Or do factory seals often hide factory defects (like crushed corners, cover scuffs under the wrap, or uneven trimming)? Also, does BGS require you to unseal factory-wrapped manga before submitting, or do they remove/grade through it?
Sourcing Minty First Prints: What strategies or sources do you rely on to find immaculate, gem-mint 1st printing volumes? Is it best to inspect copy-by-copy in physical bookstores, or are there specific online retailers/import sellers known for careful shipping and mint inventory?
Would appreciate any advice, tips, or personal experiences you all have with the submission process! Thanks!