Observations on the current state of the hobby from a show this weekend

[MOONBASE1]

I've lost out on profit $ not selling, and I've made $ by not buying.

[MoreToppsPlease]

Originally Posted by MOONBASE1

I've lost out on profit $ not selling, and I've made $ by not buying.

This

[bear0555]

Originally Posted by as921011

I was setting up at the Phoenix show, overall I think the crowd is little bit lesser than the one they have in March. But I think I still doing alright. Maybe most of card are fresh price, not like some are 2 years old sticker? lol
BTW not sure you went by my booth, I think I'm the only dealer have some old Japanese vintage card and some odd card like Bruce Lee cards.

I'd love to go in March too, but the hotel cost for 4 days would be in the $700s due to spring training.

I should have walked by every table, but I have to limit what I'm interested in to keep myself from getting overwhelmed. Hopefully you did well at the show.

[Donald1942]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

I've had the same experience with dealers at shows and even the local LCS. Been to about 5 shows in the last year and rarely see a parallel outside of the guy who has two showcases full of Bowman teenagers.

One LCS said I was a "sophisticated collector" (thanks, I guess) for inquiring about game-used patches and offering to sell him parallels (Indy, Black, Father's, TC /25, /10). I get those of us on this board may be a bit advanced or well informed, but those types of cards aren't that exotic.



Yeah, and I can see why people who collect cards can't stand those types of dealers or people in the hobby. Collectors want cards; these "big dealers" only want cash within their margin.



Why are you so riled up about this? You aren't adding anything new to the conversation by saying "his card, his price". Everyone is aware of that...the issues raised are legitimate. People going to shows and coming home empty handed sucks for collectors. This is a place to discuss why/how that continues to happen. Seems weird to want to tell people to stop discussing cards on a card discussion board.

Definitely not riled up more like annoyed. It's always the same complaint on pricing to high. Which I agree is legitimate but if your going to a show and coming home empty handed maybe it's time that we realize we're not getting near comp prices at a show from most dealers. Its time to stop being cheap maybe negotiate and pay more than the last comp if we want the cards.im not telling people to stop discussing cards on here. I'm just saying when someone discusses a show they went to and prices were high everyone knows this already. Let's talk about the cool card we saw or rare cards anything but what were all aware of (pricing). The why/how it continues is the dealers can and want to price cards at there prices. The how is because they don't need to flip and pay bills maybe. Life is good Great conversation....

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by Donald1942

Definitely not riled up more like annoyed. It's always the same complaint on pricing to high. Which I agree is legitimate but if your going to a show and coming home empty handed maybe it's time that we realize we're not getting near comp prices at a show from most dealers. Its time to stop being cheap maybe negotiate and pay more than the last comp if we want the cards.im not telling people to stop discussing cards on here. I'm just saying when someone discusses a show they went to and prices were high everyone knows this already. Let's talk about the cool card we saw or rare cards anything but what were all aware of (pricing). The why/how it continues is the dealers can and want to price cards at there prices. The how is because they don't need to flip and pay bills maybe. Life is good Great conversation....

Respectfully, it sounds like you are approaching it from the dealer perspective (which is entirely legitimate).

Well, I'd say those are individual reviews of card shows. The pattern of "prices too high" is not the fault of the collectors showing up at the show and giving their honest takes from around the country. It's actually quite useful information, if only anecdotal. Why does it bother you so much to read people giving their honest opinions of prices at shows? Do you think people show up to not purchase cards? I'm not following who you are annoyed at, exactly.

Maybe it isn't the fault of the dealers either, but there's the impasse.

What do you think solves the problem? Collectors overpaying for the cards? That's the rub; collectors don't have to walk up and drop their pants at the dealer's table like old times. eBay has leveled the playing field. I also don't like people throwing around comps as I also occasionally sell cards, but I also don't price my cards $2-300 over and harangue buyers to "stop being cheap" (or as the peanut gallery calls them "the poors").

It's also been my experience that many of the shows have been quite unremarkable. From the cards to the prices, just meh. I wish I could come back from a show and discuss the amazing cards I saw, but that's just not the reality at a lot of shows these days. Shows, outside of the mega events, are also pretty poorly advertised. If you don't check the right social feed on the right day you may miss a show altogether.

[jkampis]

Originally Posted by MiamiMarlinsFan

That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear. I’m pro-healthy card economy. While I’ll always fine with my cards being as cheap as possible, I don’t cheer for a complete market collapse like some here.

I’m assuming you actively adjust your prices and don’t hold firm on 2021 numbers?

That is correct. Plus, when you own a store there will always be a constant influx of singles and misc from collections so you have to keep adjusting your prices or you will REALLY be over encumbered with inventory. What I really took a licking on in 2021 was wax, but fortunately I was starting small so it wasn’t too bad.

[Donald1942]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

Respectfully, it sounds like you are approaching it from the dealer perspective (which is entirely legitimate).

Well, I'd say those are individual reviews of card shows. The pattern of "prices too high" is not the fault of the collectors showing up at the show and giving their honest takes from around the country. It's actually quite useful information, if only anecdotal. Why does it bother you so much to read people giving their honest opinions of prices at shows? Do you think people show up to not purchase cards? I'm not following who you are annoyed at, exactly.

Maybe it isn't the fault of the dealers either, but there's the impasse.

What do you think solves the problem? Collectors overpaying for the cards? That's the rub; collectors don't have to walk up and drop their pants at the dealer's table like old times. eBay has leveled the playing field. I also don't like people throwing around comps as I also occasionally sell cards, but I also don't price my cards $2-300 over and harangue buyers to "stop being cheap" (or as the peanut gallery calls them "the poors").

It's also been my experience that many of the shows have been quite unremarkable. From the cards to the prices, just meh. I wish I could come back from a show and discuss the amazing cards I saw, but that's just not the reality at a lot of shows these days. Shows, outside of the mega events, are also pretty poorly advertised. If you don't check the right social feed on the right day you may miss a show altogether.

I don't think this will ever be solved some say its a problem some don't not sure what we call it. Nobody is at fault here I understand it being frustrating that cards aren't in the price range some people want. everyone collects differently maybe I shouldn't have used annoying maybe its just human nature or something but I've never understood why we keep getting upset over a price when we can get the cards on Ebay supposedly. Yes we all want to get to the show and find our treasures but it's putting a show and it's dealers in a bad light by saying prices were to high. And yes definitely it's good to hear how the shows look out there just hoping for more positive outlooks from collectors. And most definitely not saying take it in the behind on a price at the show but if it can be purchased online why complain buy it online don't bash a dealer. Maybe if we all stepped away from the shows and bought online then dealers will price better but only time will tell. Happy Collecting

[mfw13]

I'm not sure how this fits in to the discussion regarding prices, but I just had a seller who turned down my $55 offer on a card he had priced at $69 a month ago lower the price to $49 and then accept my offer of $40.

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by mfw13

I'm not sure how this fits in to the discussion regarding prices, but I just had a seller who turned down my $55 offer on a card he had priced at $69 a month ago lower the price to $49 and then accept my offer of $40.

In this market, patience pays off.

[nabzy28]

Originally Posted by mfw13

I'm not sure how this fits in to the discussion regarding prices, but I just had a seller who turned down my $55 offer on a card he had priced at $69 a month ago lower the price to $49 and then accept my offer of $40.

Not sure if it was in another thread, or this one, but it's absolutely astounding how many people have only noticed that prices are declining (cratered) in the last month or two. Must have only been watching influencer vids for the last year and a half.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by nabzy28

Not sure if it was in another thread, or this one, but it's absolutely astounding how many people have only noticed that prices are declining (cratered) in the last month or two. Must have only been watching influencer vids for the last year and a half.

stuff i want is either not dropping or is not available to buy

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by nabzy28

Not sure if it was in another thread, or this one, but it's absolutely astounding how many people have only noticed that prices are declining (cratered) in the last month or two. Must have only been watching influencer vids for the last year and a half.

I think it's a little bit more nuanced/complex than that.

I got a good deal on this specific card, but I've also been getting outbid on plenty of auctions. And as an occasional seller I've had cards sell for both more than I expected and less than I expected in the last couple of weeks.

So IMHO, the way prices are behaving is very specific to the situation of the seller and the card being sold. It's hard to make generalizations....

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by nabzy28

Not sure if it was in another thread, or this one, but it's absolutely astounding how many people have only noticed that prices are declining (cratered) in the last month or two. Must have only been watching influencer vids for the last year and a half.

Prices on the cards I want have not cratered...I wish!!

[MoreToppsPlease]

It’s been a complete fire sale on large swaths of many types of cards. The ones not cratering are being propped up by the usual suspects.

[ken161]

Non-graded stuff seems pretty stable to me. At least what I collect.
Speculators seem much more drawn to high-grade slabs.

I know it's petty to wish misfortune on others, but I'd love to see a 1929-crash of high-grade (altered) vintage and PSA10 modern cards. I just think it would be better for the hobby in the long run.

[MoreToppsPlease]

Originally Posted by ken161

Non-graded stuff seems pretty stable to me. At least what I collect.
Speculators seem much more drawn to high-grade slabs.

I know it's petty to wish misfortune on others, but I'd love to see a 1929-crash of high-grade (altered) vintage and PSA10 modern cards. I just think it would be better for the hobby in the long run.

There’s nothing petty about it. The less money in cards and the fewer speculators there are the more fun ANY hobby would be. Not to mention fewer speculators = less corruption.

[PuddleMonkey]

Originally Posted by ken161

I know it's petty to wish misfortune on others, but I'd love to see a 1929-crash of high-grade (altered) vintage and PSA10 modern cards. I just think it would be better for the hobby in the long run.

[shawnkrebs]

Curious...which cards aren't cratering and who are the usual suspects propping up value?

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

It’s been a complete fire sale on large swaths of many types of cards. The ones not cratering are being propped up by the usual suspects.

[PuddleMonkey]

I thought the singles market collapsed but then I realized I just started a Topps Tier One set and everyone hates that release.

[pewe]

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

It’s been a complete fire sale on large swaths of many types of cards. The ones not cratering are being propped up by the usual suspects.

I assume you are talking about me propping up Carroll and Julio RC cards along with the occasional Witt Jr and a few others. Yes… I do need to stop… but it’s so hard to resist!!!


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[pewe]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

I thought the singles market collapsed but then I realized I just started a Topps Tier One set and everyone hates that release.

Zig while everyone zags!


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[fulltritty]

National tickets on sale soon.

Tickets for the 44th National at the I-X Convention Center, Cleveland, Ohio will go on sale beginning November 27, 2023 on our web site.

[solt0131]

Anyone coming to the big Philly Show this weekend? Should be a great time to buy.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by solt0131

Anyone coming to the big Philly Show this weekend? Should be a great time to buy.

I'll be there with poor people funds. Dollar boxes for me.

[ddearing]

Originally Posted by solt0131

Anyone coming to the big Philly Show this weekend? Should be a great time to buy.

I'll be there with a 10X10 booth. Against the wall if you turn right when you enter the show. I should be the last booth on the wall before the roll-up doors. Come by and say "Hi!"