Do some card dealers actually want to sell their cards?

[ChasHawk]

Some people just don’t want to sell their cards for anything less than they’re asking. Think Burbank. Some people have either the space, $, time, sugarmomma/sugardaddy, etc. to NOT have to sell their cards as fast as some others. Some dealers overpaid for the card and so DON’T want to take a $ loss even though they’ve had the card for 2-3 years + the player sucks/you’d need hay-zeus to perform a miracle for the card to go back up.

While most cards ARE going to be a $ loss if you’ve held onto them for 2 years, I think dealers “feel better” knowing that technically they are NOT taking a loss until they sell the card…even if they could likely sell the card at the going rate + reinvest the $ to make up for the loss. Who knows, maybe they think the card will go back to its former highs. Maybe they just like lugging their cards around + showing them off while hanging out w/guys in tshirts who hoover hotdogs + nachos like it’s going out of style?

Maybe they want to make $X/% on every card they sell…why pay $43 (+ probably 2-3 s/h) just to sell a card for $50? Yeah, you’re “profiting,” but a happy meal type of profit isn’t really worth it imo. Maybe they’re looking for that 1 sucker buyer to whom price doesn’t matter. Maybe they still think price guides are relevant. Maybe they’re tired of having buyers haggle them over small $ b/c it’s “cheaper on ebay.” Maybe they want to make up their food, hotel, time off work, table fees, etc. costs associated w/setting up @ shows + aren’t desperate enough to sell the card for less than $X?

Not saying you are wrong in any way, but how does all the above work out when you sell:

10 cards @ a little less profit

ZERO cards @ your full wanted price?



edit: Btw, just for shizz & grins - The BV of the card is my example is $30. :lol:

 

[rainmanesq]

Some people just don’t want to sell their cards for anything less than they’re asking. Think Burbank. Some people have either the space, $, time, sugarmomma/sugardaddy, etc. to NOT have to sell their cards as fast as some others. Some dealers overpaid for the card and so DON’T want to take a $ loss even though they’ve had the card for 2-3 years + the player sucks/you’d need hay-zeus to perform a miracle for the card to go back up.

While most cards ARE going to be a $ loss if you’ve held onto them for 2 years, I think dealers “feel better” knowing that technically they are NOT taking a loss until they sell the card…even if they could likely sell the card at the going rate + reinvest the $ to make up for the loss. Who knows, maybe they think the card will go back to its former highs. Maybe they just like lugging their cards around + showing them off while hanging out w/guys in tshirts who hoover hotdogs + nachos like it’s going out of style?

Maybe they want to make $X/% on every card they sell…why pay $43 (+ probably 2-3 s/h) just to sell a card for $50? Yeah, you’re “profiting,” but a happy meal type of profit isn’t really worth it imo. Maybe they’re looking for that 1 sucker buyer to whom price doesn’t matter. Maybe they still think price guides are relevant. Maybe they’re tired of having buyers haggle them over small $ b/c it’s “cheaper on ebay.” Maybe they want to make up their food, hotel, time off work, table fees, etc. costs associated w/setting up @ shows + aren’t desperate enough to sell the card for less than $X?

Not saying you are wrong in any way, but how does all the above work out when you sell:

10 cards @ a little less profit

ZERO cards @ your full wanted price?

Lol, I’m not saying it works (personally I turn over inventory very quickly…unless it’s something like a prospect that I don’t mind holding)…just saying what I’ve seen when setting up @ card shows. I know some guys w/very nice cards (raw + graded) who will lug them to shows for 2-4 years b/c “someday, someone will pay it.” Eh, maybe someday, someone does pay it, but I don’t really see the point of holding onto most cards for that long. Time= $ + most assets depreciate, but I don’t think most dealers “get it.”

I’ve also had cases where I’ve gone to a show, buyers have said “goes for less on ebay” + boom, I come back, list it on ebay for what I was asking @ the show + it sells within 1-7 days. I think many buyers glom onto 1-2 low sales rather than actually take the typical “going rate”. Yeah, occasionally someone may get a “steal” on ebay or @ a show, but if the true going rate is closer to say $80, why should I sell it for $50 just b/c some guy saw 1 card go for that?

BTW, in my experience, a decent chunk of show profit comes from selling “cheap stuff”- base cards, #d cards, inserts, low end gu/aus, etc. rather than say moving 10 Exquisite Auto Patches.

 

[francisjniskey]

My wife and I opened up a card shop in the local mall for a while. I never minded hooking people up. It is what brings them back in to buy from you again. I however only had cards out that I was willing to give people deals on. I obviously wouldn't part with any of my Ruth cards so they never see the light of day. I did a lot of buying on Ebay to supply the store and got really good deals so I had a lot of space for profit. Also how can you say no to a little kid who comes up to you and collects a player and only has a dollar to spend. I had dollar boxes set up and they would grab about 5 or 10 cards of their favorite player like Pujols, Jeter, etc. and come up and ask me what was the price. I'd just look at them and say we are having a sale on those today and all 10 of them are yours for $1. Just seeing the smile on the kids face was payment enough. Too much of a greed factor out there now as far as people not budging on their prices. I just move on to the next table at the show.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Without having read this entire thread, some dealers like to have certain cards always for sale because it brings them more potential buyers to look at their other cards.

 

[ChasHawk]

Without having read this entire thread, some dealers like to have certain cards always for sale because it brings them more potential buyers to look at their other cards.

All you'd really need to read is the OP.

 

[theplasticman]

After being in the dealer scene for 4 years, I met a lot of others who just don't have much business sense. Which is/was a shame because they could be doing a lot more business if they did something to build customer relationships. Card collecting at its roots is steeped in loyalty. Anyone willing to market their business (even "weekend business") on that can find a lot of enjoyment and a lot of business. It's too bad that integrity and honesty are so scarce in the hobby/business as well.

I continue to be shocked at how poorly sports cards in general are marketed from top to bottom (card companies and dealers).

 

[A_Pharis]

Dealers like Burbank know that if there are (A) hard core collectors of a certain set/player that (B) are desperate enough, then they will eventually get the sale.

Look at their DK recollections.. $300 - $500 for cards not worth 25% of those prices. But they also know there's me and around 3 other pretty hard core collectors (even though I think I am the #1 for these).

Edit: Doh! :benson:

 

[Sean_C]

Sadly, I think this has more to do with it than anything else. Some guys would rather hold on to what they overpaid for as "inventory" than churn it for a loss to sell it at it's real current market value. I understand the need to have inventory, but at a certain point, you're just paying more for the card (in terms of table space). Granted, their answer is usually "then go buy it on eBay" if you mention that it's not worth that much or is selling cheaper elsewhere.

It's for reasons like this that I rarely ever go to card shows. It's just not worth it.

I know dealers who absolutely refuse to lose money on a card. I think it's just the principal of it for them.

If they paid $1000 for a Matt Leinart exqusite rookie in 2006, they won't let it go for less than that.

If they paid $150 for some Cal Ripken auto jersey insert back in 2006, they won't let it go for less than that, even if the market value is $80 on ebay.

Some people can accept losses, and some simply just can't.

 

[ChasHawk]

Dealers like Blowoutcards know that if there are (A) hard core collectors of a certain set/player that (B) are desperate enough, then they will eventually get the sale.

Look at their DK recollections.. $300 - $500 for cards not worth 25% of those prices. But they also know there's me and around 3 other pretty hard core collectors (even though I think I am the #1 for these).

:lol: I think you meant Burbank :lol:

But yeah, there are plenty of eBay sellers, who I won't name, that are just off the charts ridiculous with their prices and justification therefore.


And again, I'm not at all talking about dealers not wanting to sell a card they over-paid for at a loss.
I'm talking about not being willing to budge from a $40 price on a card that routinely sells for $10.

The "go buy it on eBay" thing astounds me. By saying that, you've pretty much just eliminated the possibility of ever selling that person anything, ever.

 

[A_Pharis]

Dealers like Blowoutcards know that if there are (A) hard core collectors of a certain set/player that (B) are desperate enough, then they will eventually get the sale.

Look at their DK recollections.. $300 - $500 for cards not worth 25% of those prices. But they also know there's me and around 3 other pretty hard core collectors (even though I think I am the #1 for these).

:lol: I think you meant Burbank :lol:

But yeah, there are plenty of eBay sellers, who I won't name, that are just off the charts ridiculous with their prices and justification therefore.


And again, I'm not at all talking about dealers not wanting to sell a card they over-paid for at a loss.
I'm talking about not being willing to budge from a $40 price on a card that routinely sells for $10.

The "go buy it on eBay" thing astounds me. By saying that, you've pretty much just eliminated the possibility of ever selling that person anything, ever.

Oh crap I did. My bad, blowout!

 

[brouthercard]

I know a guy who is sitting on 10 cases each of 2006 and 2007 bowman draft that he paid $700 a case for. He refuses to sell the cases at less than $700 because frankly, he will absolutely not allow himself to take the loss. He would rather give the cases to his children and grandchildren than to take the loss. He doesn't need the money. He just hates losing it.

Then again, he is a pack rat. And he's not alone- they are out there, everywhere.

 

[Mr.Whipple]

Have tried countless times, To buy cards of two specific vintage dealers. Both have had 10 cards total between them, I wanna buy and put in my PC. They just are asking to much and give me the blah blah they're 80 years old story. I am the type who can walk out of a card show empty handed and not feel like it was a waste of time. Last time, I went to a show that they were set up at. Went to the bank and took some of my vintage PC with me, Showed both of them my Cobb collection and both tried and tried to buy them. My prices were insanely high and way over market, When they asked why the high prices. Simply stated, "I place values on them like you and price them when I am stoned". One guy eventually sold me the card, I wanted after about 3 years of asking.

Most of them really like showing off and keep them to draw people to their table, Like others said. Cant say, I blame them for it. Chris. D probably knows both of these vintage dealers, He lives near me and attends the same shows.

 

[predatorkj]

I know a guy who is sitting on 10 cases each of 2006 and 2007 bowman draft that he paid $700 a case for. He refuses to sell the cases at less than $700 because frankly, he will absolutely not allow himself to take the loss. He would rather give the cases to his children and grandchildren than to take the loss. He doesn't need the money. He just hates losing it.

Then again, he is a pack rat. And he's not alone- they are out there, everywhere.

Can't say it better myself. I don't know anyone holding onto a bunch of cases of Draft but I do know one of the very guys I trade with is a total pack rat. A lot of the higher end comics and stuff I traded to him for my current collection of cards...well he just has them all stashed away in his house. He has a huge house with about 3 rooms he doesn't use plus a huge garage and a huge room that used to be a garage that he actually turned into a storage room. This thing is big enough to fit four cars in all by itself. And in every room its packed to the ceiling with cards, comics, toy, non-sports cards, and CCG's. What he plans to do with all this stuff I have no idea but he gets awful crabby a lot of times and almost gets to the point where he refuses to trade if its not heavily in his favor. I have mentioned to him several times that he could afford to give more if he would just get around to actually trying to sell some of the stuff he has but he never seems to care. He is not interested in selling on ebay and he owns a place out at a flea market. That is where any of it goes but I noticed a trend a long time ago...he never brings stuff out there unless its the really cheap kind of stuff. Why? I have no idea. Its almost like he is afraid to try to move anything that is rare or higher dollar.



As far as why dealers prefer to sit on cards...aside from the pack rat types...there has never been not one "true dealer" I have run across who wanted to take less than double his money on any item he had. This board is one of the best when it comes to getting a nice deal where the collector doesn't feel *****. But sadly I have never encountered an acutal dealer in person who was interested in letting anything go cheap. The closest I come is either finding something somebody doesn't care about or didn't pay much for so they end up letting it go cheap. But they, while still giving me a great deal, are at least doubling what they have into the item. If I get a great deal on a single from my LCS...you can bet somebody else got next to nothing for the card in the first place. That is just how it is. Which is why I never sell anything to my local shop. But every single one of them wants to double whatever they have into it. In some cases...triple. Its like some kind fo unspoken formula they use.

 

[matfanofold]

It's their cards and their price. I eithor buy or not. Make an offer, accepted? Great! Not? Oh well, move along....

Thats as far as I concern myself with others selling method(s).

 

[NYCrulesU]

I totally understand what the OP is saying. I just wanted to throw this into the mix. It's all about patience. Eventually the card or item you're looking at will come up again at the right price. My example is something I have wanted for nearly 11 years. A seller had this exact item last year and wanted $1500 which is so overpriced it's not even funny. A decent price would be $800 absolute maximum. I had actually considered pulling the trigger just to own something I've wanted for so long. I chose to pass because I just couldn't bring myself to overpay so much. And you know what? I'm so glad I did pass. Another one has hit Ebay and is well within actual price range for this item. I plan on owning this one.

 

[Dpanthers14]

When I set up at shows I take all my card there are some I'll move but in my pc case i'm not looking to sell unless its a huge profit. I mainly set up to see what people coming around have forsell and showing off my cards that usually set in boxes.All in all its a good time.

 

[ChasHawk]

It's their cards and their price. I eithor buy or not. Make an offer, accepted? Great! Not? Oh well, move along....
Thats as far as I concern myself with others selling method(s).

Thanks for contributing.

When I set up at shows I take all my card there are some I'll move but in my pc case i'm not looking to sell unless its a huge profit. I mainly set up to see what people coming around have forsell and showing off my cards that usually set in boxes.All in all its a good time.

My impression is that's not the case with the sellers I encounter. I'm guessing you set up at a few shows near you.

These guys drag 1,000s of cards and 100s of pounds all over the country. For the cards I'm buying, they're not likely
to get a higher price than in Chicago, or from anyone other than me. Hence why they still have the cards.

I have no problem walking away from cards.

 

[gt2590]

After being in the dealer scene for 4 years, I met a lot of others who just don't have much business sense. Which is/was a shame because they could be doing a lot more business if they did something to build customer relationships. Card collecting at its roots is steeped in loyalty. Anyone willing to market their business (even "weekend business") on that can find a lot of enjoyment and a lot of business. It's too bad that integrity and honesty are so scarce in the hobby/business as well. I continue to be shocked at how poorly sports cards in general are marketed from top to bottom (card companies and dealers).

I have always felt that way, especially. I've never set up at a show but I'm thinking of doing it. I sell my own inventory off at the end of each calendar year, so I'm low on stock right now and it'll take a while to get good stuff to sell. I think good customer service and reasonable prices would be a welcome change at most shows. I think it'd take some work to get started, but it'd probably work.

For example, I went to terrible mall card show yesterday, only about 10 tables. One guy selling "Hot Packs" for $10, mostly selling over-priced singles, and the rest selling tons of 80s and lame 90s inserts. And if something doesn't sell quick enough, don't drag it around for years and years, just sell, even if you take a loss on it.

Only two of the guys even had Justin Upton cards, and they were a total of 6 cards, I think. I've had recent shows where the dealers didn't even know who he was. Sigh. :?

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Unlike buyers who pay an unusual amount of money for a card, sellers who are looking to sell for an a unusual amount of money for a card are crazy and/or desperate.

This is unless the seller doesn't need the money, only looking to show the card off or is just looking for the card to bring more attention to their other wares.

 

[ChasHawk]

Unlike buyers who pay an unusual amount of money for a card that is worth that amount, sellers who are looking to sell for an a unusual amount of money for a card worth 1/10th their asking price are crazy and/or desperate.

This is unless the seller doesn't need the money, only looking to show the card off or is just looking for the card to bring more attention to their other wares.

fixed