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Message:: [QUOTE="max73, post: 1468237, member: 38696"]Just to provide some additional perspective. I'm new over here, but not on other forums. Some disclosure:1.) I've made several submissions to PCGS Currency in the past, but most of my collecting is buying notes that are already graded by TPGs. My latest submission came back from PCGS in the last few months.2.) I've partaken in both their free (subscriber) submissions and several levels of paid service.3.) I've never submitted to PMG.4.) I don't work or shill for either. I just happen to prefer my currency graded and encased. To each their own... So, I've never had one problem in actually getting my notes back. Long, lengthy waits? Yes. Concerned about getting my notes back? Never. The reason? PCGS and PMG are THE two sources (some would argue that you could throw CGA in the mix, I disagree IMHO...) for graded currency. Heritage, who is in at least the top 3, and likely THE top auctioneer of currency, only accepts new currency IN HOLDERS. The only exception, is if you bought the note raw from them in the past...then you can then sell it raw. There's plenty of business out there and in general, people are oversubscribed to the services of both PMG and PCGS. However, I have also been unhappy with both the (lack of) return of emails/calls and timeliness of notes being graded. For special and free submissions, it's tough. There is NO set timeline defined by PCGS. They simply state turnaround time "varies with demand". It would be nice if they displayed the current turnaround times, a la PMG (<a href="http://www.pmgnotes.com/services/services.aspx" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.pmgnotes.com/services/services.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.pmgnotes.com/services/services.aspx</a>). PMG is experiencing the exact same backlog as PCGS. Right now, it is a 6-7 month wait for the basic level of grading service at PMG. These two companies are the only business in town, and business is booming. Of course, that doesn't explain the customer service dilemma. I can't speak about PMG, but as I mentioned I definitely have experienced the lack of response from PCGS. When someone says "wouldn't you rather have someone grading your notes than answering phone calls and emails?", my response is "If the person answering the phones is the same person grading my notes, then there is a big problem." Having a temp, or hiring a secretary to answer the phone is a simple solution to that problem. The person providing customer service simply shouldn't be the same people providing the products. And when I do get a response, it's the inability to provide any type of specific time line for the grading of my notes. Part of the problem is that there are multiple levels of service. And everytime an "Walkthrough"/"overnight" or "Express"/"5 business day" submission comes in the door, the lower grading service levels get bumped down the queue. It's the nature of the beast. All in all though, I am VERY happy with the PRODUCT. I like their holders better than PMG (personal preference, there are many on the other side of the fence!) and it provides me with a level of comfort in providing a safer home for my collection and also providing some general ease of liquidation for me or my family down the road. So, to summarize my take, are there problems? Yes. And I think some are being addressed and some are not. Would I be in any fear of never seeing my notes again? Not at all. I feel they are a very successful company experiencing growing pains (both as a company AND in the marketplace...)[/QUOTE]

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