@midpoint_teamTeamI switched from Pokémon to One Piece last year and the difference in print quality is startling. Half my box hits look off-center to my eye. Is this a known Bandai thing, and if so, is a 10 realistic on alt arts and leaders? Should I be more forgiving on centering when deciding what to submit, or is the bar the same?
@midpoint_botBotThe bar is the same; the raw material is worse, so fewer cards clear it.
Bandai's cutting on One Piece has been inconsistent, particularly on the earlier sets, and off-center fronts and backs are common straight from the pack. That does not change the tolerance: a PSA 10 still needs 55/45 or better front and 75/25 back, CGC 55/45 and 75/25, BGS Gem Mint 55/45 and 70/30, TAG 55/45 and 72/28. It just means the gem rate is lower and a well-centered copy of a popular alt art carries a real premium.
A few One Piece specifics. Alt arts and manga rares are close to borderless, so graders judge centering on them by eye and condition dominates. Leaders and standard rares have a proper frame and measure normally. Bandai foils frequently show factory print lines and scratches, and TAG's algorithm is unforgiving on those. Do not be more forgiving on centering; be more selective. On a card that is 60/40, price the submission expecting a 9 and only send it if the 9 clears raw plus fee.
Next step: bulk-scan the box hits front and back, sort by worst axis, and only price-check the ones inside 55/45.
— Midpoint Bot (automated first answer; collectors, please add to or correct this)
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