Ran an add today to buy collections

[Tom Oates]

Ran an add today and got a call immediately. This guy told me he had a lot of cards from the late 80's and early 90's. I informed him that was the time when the card companies cranked up the printing presses and the cards are not really worth much but I would be happy to take a look at and if there was nothing I wanted that I would give him some advice. I went by his house after dinner tonight. We went into his garage and he started pulling box after box after case of 1986-91 Donruss and Topps. He had a couple boxes full of factory sets and many boxes full of singles. I felt bad for the guy because he really thought he had something special. In his stack of singles he did have a nice 1983 Topps Gwynn RC. I offered $15 but he wanted $20 and would not budge. He also had a Reggie Jackson RC but it was chewed up and sun faded. I didn't even bother trying to negotiate with the guy. He was getting a little agitated when I told him he should probably box most of it up and donate it for a tax write off, so I wished him luck with his move to Tennessee and excused myself. I was very tactful and tried to share his pain since I too bought a lot of that stuff back in the day. Now he gets to pay by the pound to move all of that crud across the country.

The add runs for a week so hopefully something cool will turn up

 

[markakis8]

There are many people that just don't understand what they have. My best friend's father-in-law is a prime example. He has one large shoebox in the attic FULL of premium vintage cards - Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. My best friend and I donated as many screw downs as we could just to keep those puppies safe...he has commons in there as well but he doesn't know the value difference between Mays and Joe Schmo - even though his commons would probably sell for .50 to $5 each.

So he thinks we love baseball cards (as we do) and he goes to an auction house and spends $100 on baseball cards for my best friend...

What are they? about 2 5,000 count boxes packed FULL of 1988-1993 commons and a few stars. I cringed. My best friend doesn't have the heart to throw them out and can't give them away.

 

[All The Hype]

There are many people that just don't understand what they have. My best friend's father-in-law is a prime example. He has one large shoebox in the attic FULL of premium vintage cards - Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. My best friend and I donated as many screw downs as we could just to keep those puppies safe...he has commons in there as well but he doesn't know the value difference between Mays and Joe Schmo - even though his commons would probably sell for .50 to $5 each.

So he thinks we love baseball cards (as we do) and he goes to an auction house and spends $100 on baseball cards for my best friend...

What are they? about 2 5,000 count boxes packed FULL of 1988-1993 commons and a few stars. I cringed. My best friend doesn't have the heart to throw them out and can't give them away.

One of my favorite parts of the baseball card hobby is when you find something that is unexpectedly valuable. For example, a strange oddball card that you never even knew you had that someone is willing to pay $50 for...or finding that a friend or relative has some vintage stashed away in a closet or attic.

One of my best friends, who does not do cards but is well aware that I am way into the hobby, recently informed me that his father has some old 500 count boxes of cards that he thinks are from the 70s that he would like for me to go through and possibly get graded/sell.

Pre-1990s stuff is by no means my forte, but I'm really excited to get the opportunity to search through his stuff and see what hidden gold may or me not be in those boxes waiting to be rediscovered.

 

[CollectorsCorner]

happens all the time on stuff like craigslist. But my question is you offered 15 and he wanted 20 that doesn't seem like to much to complain about...

 

[bodiaz]

What kind of stuff are you looking for? I have a ton of stuff I want to move. Sets, partial sets, gued, autos, aamoung others. 1000's of cards in all. I can list a few of the bigger items if you want.

 

[serving4theking]

happens all the time on stuff like craigslist. But my question is you offered 15 and he wanted 20 that doesn't seem like to much to complain about...

Sounds like he was willing to offer $15 because the card was in nice shape, even though a Gwynn RC probably isn't worth that much. But the guy wanted $20 (probably book value or something).

 

[CollectorsCorner]

OOOO I see I misread the first statement

 

[Guest]

This, I think, is the one last appeal of being a brick-and-mortar dealer, if you are also a collector.
In the internet age it is very easy for collectors such as ourselves to price and sell our collection, but for every educated collector there are perhaps five (or more) ignorant collectors. While it is common to see someone over-value 'modern' cards, it is as common to see someone under-value 'vintage' cards.
I am not a dealer, but have two decade-long relationships with several who specialize in vintage cards. When they set up at a show, particularly what is considered a 'local show', uninformed collectors often bring them 'treasures' at very reasonable, almost criminal, prices. I am not talking about 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn RCs (which is a nice card of a great player, but one any of us could easily own a dozen of), but rather tobacco cards, pre-war candy issues, and the ubiquitous Toppps and Bowman cards of the 1950s.
Often I see relatives of a deceased love one come to a show as I am looking over cards, and of course eavesdropping, opening up ordinary boxes full of 60+ year-old cards. For whatever reason, a disturbing number of vintage collectors do not inform their family about what exactly they have, how much it is worth, where and how to sell it. Why? Well, first ... not many wives are interested in the hobby, particularly when they view each Mantle card purchased as a missed opportunity at a new piece for the living room. And second ... not many true collectors want to think of selling the cards (even in the wake of their passing) and therefore do not make any provision in a will (or in documents) dictating their sale or what was paid for them.
These factors, and others, combine to fill the display cases of vintage dealers across the country. If you do have a 'serious' collection and already have a will, please do the right thing by your family and document what you have or else your beloved cards will find their way into a bargain bin in the suburbs of Cleveland.

 

[tonsofcommons]

I think that these ads have two different outcomes that we hope for...

1) someone that knows what they have and is willing to dump it at insanely cheap prices

or

2) someone that has that hidden gem stuff and doesn't know it and we are hoping for a steal.

of course there is the other outcome that is most likely, as in this scenario.

 

[EricInCT]

Just be careful, I don't want to see how you died on NCIS.

 

[SilverandBlack]

I have run ads like these for years an for every good collecion you get you will get calls or emails about 100 80s and 90s collections so get ready for that. It does pay off though as some of my best cards have come from these type of buys. Good luck

 

[011873]

Outside of my regular customers, I dont think I get TEN quality buys from walk ins a year.

THey always have the basics: late 80s/early 90's stuff.

Just today, someone walked in with baggies full of 1992 Topps. I didnt even look through them, just told them theres nothing of value and thanks anyway.

Last week, someone came in with a box full of late 70's Baseball and FB. Shock right there. Problem was that the only two good cards were a 1978 Ryan and Murray rookie which were not good. The Murray was so bad that I put it into my $5 rookie card book.

I actually didnt even offer him anything for the box, he wound up just giving it to me. Even the commons were beat.

 

[Weimer]

Would be fun to see what kind of stuff comes your way. Good luck with it and make sure to keep us updated. Hopefully you find something cool and worthwhile.

 

[wolfmanalfredo]

Would be fun to see what kind of stuff comes your way. Good luck with it and make sure to keep us updated. Hopefully you find something cool and worthwhile.

What this guy said +1

 

[Weimer]

Andy I'm going to run an ad in the Champlin/Dayton Press. Please call me with an offer to show me your collection. :lol:

 

[MojoDan]

Keep us posted on how this turns out, even when you just look through a collection and dont buy...

 

[rob167]

i am not sure how much you are planning to spend, but you can make an offer on my collection if you would like (scans can be made available):

Hank Aaron 2005 Leaf Limited Autograph/Jersey 1/5
Hank Aaron 2005 Prime Cuts Auto/Bat/Hat/Jersey 02/10
Sandy Koufax 2005 Prime Cuts Autograph/2-Jersey 08/10
Sandy Koufax 2005 Donruss Greats Autograph/2-Jersey XX/37
Willie Mays 2005 Timeless Treasures Autograph/Bat/Jersey 04/25
Willie Mays 2005 Prime Cuts Auto/2-Bat/2-Jersey 29/50
Albert Pujols 2004 Donruss Elite Autograph/Patch 4/5
Albert Pujols 2004 Timeless Treasures Autograph/Patch/Tag 2/5
Albert Pujols Leaf Certified Cuts Autograph/Patch 5/5
Ozzie Smith 2008 Ultimate Collection Autograph/4-Patch 2/5
Ichiro Suzuki 2001 SPx Rookie/Autograph/Jersey
Ichiro Suzuki 2002 Sweet Spot Autograph 029/145
Ichiro Suzuki 2004 Sweet Spot Autograph
Mystery Cut 2009 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Redemption
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor 39/50
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 067/150
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 121/150
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 131/150
Herbert Hoover 2008 UD Signs of History Cut Autograph 27/34
Mark McGwire 2002 Ultimate Collection Autograph 43/49
Gordon Beckham/Buster Posey 2009 Bowman Sterling Gold Refractor Dual Autograph 24/50

and the "big boys" can also be available:
Ty Cobb 2001 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Autograph 05/24
Walter Johnson 2001 Hall of Famers Cut Autograph X/5
Honus Wagner 2001 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Autograph 23/24

 

[Tom Oates]

happens all the time on stuff like craigslist. But my question is you offered 15 and he wanted 20 that doesn't seem like to much to complain about...

Not complaining at all. I simply mentioned that there was one card we tried to negotiate and could not come to terms. He was getting a little agitated with the ralization that his stash wasn't worth what he had into it, so I wished him luck and kindly excused myself.

 

[Tom Oates]

happens all the time on stuff like craigslist. But my question is you offered 15 and he wanted 20 that doesn't seem like to much to complain about...

Sounds like he was willing to offer $15 because the card was in nice shape, even though a Gwynn RC probably isn't worth that much. But the guy wanted $20 (probably book value or something).

Yes, I figured I could buy comparable raw Gwynn RC all day on eBay for $10 to $15 plus shipping so $15 seemed fair to me. I already have two Gwynn RC so it's not like I needed the card so $15 was as high as I was willing to go.

 

[Tom Oates]

i am not sure how much you are planning to spend, but you can make an offer on my collection if you would like (scans can be made available):

Hank Aaron 2005 Leaf Limited Autograph/Jersey 1/5
Hank Aaron 2005 Prime Cuts Auto/Bat/Hat/Jersey 02/10
Sandy Koufax 2005 Prime Cuts Autograph/2-Jersey 08/10
Sandy Koufax 2005 Donruss Greats Autograph/2-Jersey XX/37
Willie Mays 2005 Timeless Treasures Autograph/Bat/Jersey 04/25
Willie Mays 2005 Prime Cuts Auto/2-Bat/2-Jersey 29/50
Albert Pujols 2004 Donruss Elite Autograph/Patch 4/5
Albert Pujols 2004 Timeless Treasures Autograph/Patch/Tag 2/5
Albert Pujols Leaf Certified Cuts Autograph/Patch 5/5
Ozzie Smith 2008 Ultimate Collection Autograph/4-Patch 2/5
Ichiro Suzuki 2001 SPx Rookie/Autograph/Jersey
Ichiro Suzuki 2002 Sweet Spot Autograph 029/145
Ichiro Suzuki 2004 Sweet Spot Autograph
Mystery Cut 2009 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Redemption
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor 39/50
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 067/150
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 121/150
Jeremy Hellickson 2006 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor 131/150
Herbert Hoover 2008 UD Signs of History Cut Autograph 27/34
Mark McGwire 2002 Ultimate Collection Autograph 43/49
Gordon Beckham/Buster Posey 2009 Bowman Sterling Gold Refractor Dual Autograph 24/50

and the "big boys" can also be available:
Ty Cobb 2001 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Autograph 05/24
Walter Johnson 2001 Hall of Famers Cut Autograph X/5
Honus Wagner 2001 SP Legendary Cuts Cut Autograph 23/24

Wow, that's WAaaayyy out of my league. I'm bush league. Just dabbling to see what might come available. I'll update the post if I get any more calls. I also placed an ad looking for a used downrigger for my boat. I'm actually hoping for that long shot to pan out as much as the cards