Do not support the vga!

[LonestarGoner]

Unfortunately, there is no current group that rivals the name recognition of VGA - which is truly a shame, as actually the VGA is NOT an actual appraisal group. Appraisal attaches not only a condition (mint, near-mint, etc.) but also a monetary value, not just an arbitrary (and completely self-designed) grading scale. VGA has a great scam. The boxes, the labels, the numeric designation of quality, all that, combine to make it look like it is legit. It's all a smoke-screen.

As for "ragtag bands of VG appraisers" (I do enjoy the phrase) there are no major groups that I know of. Video games are a different breed. Few other things have become so highly collectible in such a short time, so an appraisal society specifically for video games hasn't yet come about. Obviously, profiteers like VGA are making a killing in the vacuum. This will most likely begin as "parlor shops" - trained appraisers building a forum in small businesses, establishing a system of universal ethics in the growing. As for alternatives? Right now, keep your stuff in good shape. An actual society will come about soon enough. I myself have been working on this for some time, and I'm glad there is some interest out there.