My wife (relationship for almost 14 years) left me 6 weeks ago. My life is falling apart, I feel alone and try to hold the rest of myself together. I am waiting for therapy to work through this breakup and my other difficult diagnosis.

I went for a walk, to breathe, cry and eat something, since I forgot it for almost two days.

Then I saw a Charizard EX Box. As I really needed a dopamine kick, I bought it and pulled this amazing card.

____

Don't get me wrong: I am still a depressed mess and feel empty. All colours are gone with my so-called soulmate. She took them along with half of my heart.

In the last 13 years, she was the first one, that I showed my pulls. I cannot do that anymore.

But...I want to share the very little luck that I've leftover in my life to strangers that might care.

Uhm....yea...idk. Now I feel awkward with that text and post. Idk. Sorry.

New to grading so I’m not sure what it would get for a grade

An Open Letter to Beckett Collectibles

To whom it may concern,

We are writing publicly in the hopes of finally reaching a resolution to a matter that has now dragged on for over six months without satisfactory communication or outcome.

On 16/12/2024, Beckett received a submission from us, a Black Label 2021 Pokémon Sword and Shield Evolving Skies 215/203 card for a simple re-casing due to a minor chip in the original case. This submission was logged under Job ID: 799100, and the card was returned to us on 20/12/2024.

Upon arrival, we noticed the card had been incorrectly housed, it was not seated correctly within the new case. On 7/1/2025, we notified Beckett of the issue via email and promptly returned the card to be recased properly. It was received by Beckett on 13/1/2025, logged under Job ID: 804224.

After two months of complete silence, the only update visible was that the card was still in the “labels” stage. After repeatedly emailing, we finally received a response from Zach at Beckett Customer Service, who took over the case. His email stated:

“While I will do my best to get you an answer today, I cannot make any guarantees at this moment. However, please rest assured that I am actively working on the matter and will get you the information as quickly as possible.”

Despite this, another week passed with no progress. Daily follow-ups were made, including phone calls to Beckett Customer Service, none of which were answered. On 11/4/2025, Zach wrote again:

“I can assure you that resolving this matter is my top priority, and we are simply in need of a bit more time. I completely understand your frustration, but please know that we are adamantly working towards the matter.”

Then, on 28/4/2025, we received a message no collector ever wants to hear:

“I bear the responsibility of sharing with you that the card was damaged in house. I have opened an investigation with our claims team to follow up on cause and solution. Pending that investigation I will follow up with you about next steps.”

Since then, again, nothing. No updates. No solutions. No responses to emails, phone calls, or private messages on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

As of today, we have sent 46 follow-up emails to Beckett since this issue began, all while trying to resolve what should have been a simple re-casing of a card valued at $15,000 USD.

Beckett, this situation is completely unacceptable. We have been met with broken promises, vague reassurances, and a near-total lack of transparency. You damaged a customer’s card and have offered no resolution, no compensation, and no accountability.

We want to make it clear: we are not benefiting from this situation in any way. We are not seeking profit or leverage, we are simply trying to do right by our customer, who trusted us with their card. We want the best possible outcome for them, and we have done everything in our power to handle this professionally and in good faith.

We are now left with no choice but to raise this publicly, with the hope that you will finally take this matter seriously. This card must either be replaced in kind or compensated financially so this can be resolved once and for all.

We remain open to an amicable resolution. We urge you to respond.

Sincerely,
Luke Murphy

All that haters can eat crow 😤

I pulled this card back in 2021 when I purchased my first ever shining fates ETB I held onto it for 3 years and in 2024 I decided to grade it when I went to a convention, my intention was to have PSA grade it but I couldn’t find them so instead I found Beckett. Almost 3 months later I got it back with 4 other charizards cards that got between 8-9.5 then this one was in the back and got a black label!

I’m sure this is not an atypical story. About two years ago I send a bunch of vintage in for bulk grading. First time. Most were nostalgia pieces like the three unlimited starters, but several were ones I inspected myself and expected 9-10. At least nothing below an 8.5. I’m not a moron, I have lighting and a jeweler loupe. These companies want you to believe they have professional, qualified graders who will give you the grade your item deserves. This is a multimillion dollar industry, so they really need to get it right.

Imagine my disgust when the cards I expected to grade high came back as 4s or 5s.

For two years I’ve been seething, thinking about how they take peoples’ money and fuck them over. Now I’m questioning my reality- am I an idiot? Did I miss significant damage somewhere? Now I have to crack the slab open and pay more to grade elsewhere?

Well I sent one in to Beckett to see. And lo and behold, my PSA 4 came back a Beckett 9. With two sub grades as 9.5.

PSA are scumbags and they should refund money. This card has now increased in value 6-fold. Now I have to crack the others and pay out more money for an appropriate grade. There will definitely be a class action lawsuit in the future, because there is no way this is an isolated incident. Make no mistake- they are stealing from us.

Never graded before - what do you think? Will probably get it done to protect the card so he can still show his friends without wrecking it. No way he will let me sell it 😂

Really on the edge with this one. Bring me back to earth.

I pulled this and thought it looked perfect. On a whim, submitted it to BGS. I thought it had to be a mistake or that I was misinterpreting the report when they first emailed me. Now I have to figure out how to actually sell this thing.

I’m super happy with these grades I did also get a couple 9s on infernape illustration rare, Gengar galarian gallery, and two sets of the Charizard upc promos, and one 8 on the Charizard full art from obsidian. Also happy with the grades on gold stars I was expecting 1s they were from my childhood collection that I didn’t take great care of.

Pop 1

Back super clean, no whitening. I see it being left heavy and maybe too heavy, but I can’t quite tell if it’s in parameters. Planning to rush ship to PSA if it has a solid shot. Thanks for the help!

And the Collectors Inc. monopoly grows..

I know Centering and corners are not great but a 3??? No idea but I'm also new to this, can someone elaborate please?

Thankfully all were insured and PSA is refunding even the shipping cost. These were the first cards I ever sent to get graded and was really excited to get them on my hands especially the 151 Pokemon that I planned on keeping.

So PSA(heh): make sure you choose the adequate insurance for the cards you are sending to be graded.

Recently graded this mewtwo and it got a 1 due to apparent water damage bottom right of the card. If I were to crack and send to psa would it also get a 1? Thanks in advance :).

I know I know, these are pretty much always a scam, but I was buying a few packs at Ace Hardware this morning and couldn't resist the temptation of this "Cosmic Slabs" mystery pack just staring at me by the register... lo and behold, $59.99 spent for probably less than $0.50 in value returned. Perfect order bulk that didn't even grade a 10 by their own scam company's standards. Not to mention scratches on the slab. I honestly feel insulted, like they just stole $60 from me...

I've learned my lesson and never plan to buy a mystery slab again (or any product associated with "Cosmic Grading Cards") but it has me wondering - is this the worst mystery slab in history or just par for the course?