In a time in which comic book readers have been increasingly accustomed to news about layoffs, furloughs, and suspension of services due to coronavirus, Thursday Certified Guarantee Company (CGC) took the unusual step of announcing they remain open and fully operational in their Sarasota, Florida headquarters and its office in London.
Founded in 2000, CGC is a grading service that evaluates the authenticity and condition of collectibles including comic books. Readers might recognize the plastic case comic books graded by CGC are placed in, with a score on a grading scale of 0.5 (“poor”) to 10.0 (“gem mint”) affixed to the top left corner.
“CGC meets a number of criteria for essential services according to Florida Executive Order 20-91, issued on April 1 by Governor DeSantis,” announced the company. “The Executive Order specifically defines ‘essential services’ to include, among many others, businesses that interact with customers electronically or by telephone and deliver products through the mail, manufacturing facilities, businesses that supply other essential businesses, and businesses that provide access to financial services, including non-bank financial services.”
In addition to “enhanced cleaning and safety protocols previously instituted, including frequent cleanings of all work areas,” CGC announced they had taken the following immediate steps:
“All customer drop-offs and pick-ups at its Sarasota headquarters, including the recently implemented Contactless Curbside Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs, have been suspended. Any additional employees who have been identified as being able to do a substantial portion of their work from home will be required to do so.”
“CGC Customer Service representatives are working from home and remain available to help. The fastest way to reach CGC Customer Service is to email Service@CGCcomics.com.”