UKGraders Questions.

[ukgraders]

Nah mate they are all the same prices we never wanted to do different tiers like you say it's awkard and unfair we charge 1 price and thats it weather it's more work for us research wise or not it's all part of the price :0)

 

[Caswellbot]

There are some good points raised here and I thinly ukg have got this right. It should really be one flat rate wherever possible. I guess it could differ slightly in terms of cost of materials. It must cost considerably more in acrylic to make a case for a loose figure in comparison to oversized carded or boxed items. Does the cost change at all in this way Steve. Does a mini rig cost the same to grade as an at-at or falcon?

Last time I checked, Afa wanted to charge $255 to grade a six pack and that seems a little excessive to me.

 

[PGowdy]

That sounds like a bloody rip-off Chris! :lol: Tho that doesn't surprise me with AFA. Are you actually thinking of getting yours graded then??

 

[Caswellbot]

Yeah maybe Pete. Of all the acrylic housings for things, I must say I actually quite like the way they do the six packs. Check out Hoth Tony's one or the one in Jeff's Toy Museum. The cost is a major issue though youre right.

 

[palitoyjunky]

Hi all, I know some of you know me as Steve from UKGraders I want to know your thoughts on UKG I might be putting me head on the chopping board but hey I am old enough to take it, and all I want to do is improve the whole aspect of UKG.
We all know there was originally some key issues with the cases not being completely tamper proof which we resolved long ago.
Also some of you may remember a certain squid head which we took out of circulation.
We know other mistakes have been made but hopefully lessons have been learned from these mistakes.
We are here for you guys at the end of the day I am much like most of you a massive fan and always have been this is why UKG started in the first place.
We have been going now for 3 yrs and I want to improve everything here.
So please fire away good or bad I want to know what we can do to help.

Hello there, I do like your new label design, it is so much more professional looking than your previous blue/purple one however I am not happy with the detail on the label. I have a Palitoy 45a R2 sensorscope UKG graded and on the label it just says 45back not 45a! As you must know that difference between 45a and 45b is so significant in the secondary market in terms of value and desirability! AFA include that kind of detail and I think you guys should also especially as my piece is domestic to you.

 

[ukgraders]

Hi mate thanks for your input, we will add the different backs we already do for a few of our customers and it is somthing that we will be doing for all carded figures in the future the only problem is people sometimes knocked the likes of AFA for the way they do their cardbacks as they go from different sources we specifically use Kellermens as the main source but I know AFA use something else which some people dont agree with at times.

 

[C20ona]

I've had a couple of my figs graded/cased by Steve at UKGraders and can easily say I'm very pleased with the results. Customer service is second to none also. You can view some of the stuff cased at the following link:

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/C20ona/UKG%20AFA%20Graded%20Figures%20-%20Star%20Wars/


They're not the best shots taken but will hopefully give an idea of the quality and overall finish of the Work done.


Regards

Kenny

 

[palitoyjunky]

I've had a couple of my figs graded/cased by Steve at UKGraders and can easily say I'm very pleased with the results. Customer service is second to none also. You can view some of the stuff cased at the following link:

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/C20ona/UKG%20AFA%20Graded%20Figures%20-%20Star%20Wars/


They're not the best shots taken but will hopefully give an idea of the quality and overall finish of the Work done.


Regards

Kenny

Quality is not in question my friend, it is detail! Attention needs 2 b paid to detail and it's a bit late on UKG's part as AFA have been including more detail for quite sometime now! Also as I said we r talking domestic pieces here and 1 would expect a British grading company 2 b most accurate in grading a British piece!

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Recently, I have noticed both UKG and AFA to be really poor in looking after the figures, the grading system. I am sceptical about whether to start using them. :?

 

[Frunkstar]

I have recently been in contact with Steve at UKG regarding the possibility of having my baggied figures graded by them & have been back & forth via email several times & found him/them to very helpful & accommodating regarding specific requirements for the process.

I must admit I would like to see UKG doing better & being the grade of choice for Europe, as sending our most treasured collectables half way round the world & back makes little sense to me, in order to accomplish this I think several issues need to be addressed (which I imagine they are?).

1. the product must be equal to or better quality than its competitors - a hard nut to crack considering AFA have been at it for so long, but with the arrival of your own machines to make the cases I can't see that being an issue.

2a. Labelling of the item, needs to be clearly visible through the case even on photographs & of a colour format that is appealing to the majority & ideally copy proof - holograms & copy proof patterning etc

2.b & most likely IMHO the most important point - accurate labelling, this includes spelling/variations/coo's types for instance in my case (example) - Greedo - ESB-c Baggie - Light torso variant & then the grade mark(s).

3. time scale to turn things round, as no one wants to be without there treasured items for any longer than necessary - being address as I understand with the acquisition of the right machinery to produce your own cases.

4. customer service - friendly impartial advice - knowledgeable about subject - after sales - willingness to do orders to customers specification if wanting unusual cases (like the bubble surrounds Joe linked to earlier in the thread) - willingness to correct any errors etc.

5. also top of the list IMO - getting a web site that looks professional & up to date on a monthly basis, which will work through almost any browser - I can't get photos up on google chrome & some do not even show in the old google format?? - I think it would pay you to have a pro do the web site as this is what folks see first & its imperative that folks get a good first impression, as an initial assessment can be hard to get past once made, I am sure you could find someone in the community who is a specialist in that field & would love the idea of being involved.

I must admit I am happy with all contact I have had with Steve/UKG up to date & will be sending my baggies in to them at some point when funds allow, though I can see the allure of sending them to AFA simply due to the re sale issue if selling abroad.

I do hope this post comes across as it is intended - a impartial look at the issues surrounding grading from someone who has never had a thing grade, I would like to see & UK company making it in this US governed field, after all, that's why this county in in a mess, as we now import everything & do not support our own dwindling trades & industries.

& I for 1 wish you nothing but success for the future guys, here's to keeping in British!

 

[ukgraders]

Always happy to help and thanks for your comments.

Our main focus at the minute is re-vamping the website I want a total overhaul of the website, you mighht remember me saying I had to take over the whole apsect of the website to get the archive up to date.
My computer knowledge is ok but by no means am I a tech guy but I did ok for someone that had to learn as they went along.
The most important thing at the time when I took over was to get the Archive up to date and add the new catergories we saw this as the imediate work that needed doing, and we are on top of that, we capped Star Wars images at 2500(some images up to 2500 need to be added)because a lot of the items were repeats so it seemed pointless in using the time to take photos and add them in ect, so instead of this we added a Graded Items of the Month section so for any un-usual items or custom jobs then this would be the best place for them.
The website is going to be totally re-done with all new features including news letter and a total re-vamp of the price list.
The best way to view images is use internet explorer like I said I am not a tech guy so why they dont show on certain browsers I dont know I use code when updating the website so I cant see why they arent showing on other browsers.
But I did add on the main webpage this info.

Ok so we are looking for someone who can re-vamp the website for us so if any of you have the time or do this for a living and what to earn some extra money then email me at [email protected] so we can talk about it we are looking at the total re-vamp in January 2012 so if your interested drop me an email guys.

 

[Grant_C]

Hi,

I've been interested in using you for sometime. The main issue i have would be pricing- though i haven't checked yours but have with AFA (+shipping).

One or two figures isn't much of a problem, but what if i need 100 carded figures cased and rated. Its going to cost a fortune.


Maybe i need to check your website, do you have one?

 

[ukgraders]

Hi Maulster the website is www.ukgraders.co.uk or ukgraders.com you can contact me direct through the site if you want or PM me through the forum.
Thank you for the interest.

 

[plantman]

I will also add here that the quality and care of casing has improved immensly at UKG, and whilst i age considerably while waiting for items back (just kidding mate) i dont hesitate to use them ahead of AFA.



Andy

 

[Frunkstar]

Thank you for the reply Steve