Observations on the current state of the hobby from a show this weekend - Page 77

mwash1983 · 02-19-2023, 08:28 PM

Went to the Albany show today for the last time, not much to buy anymore, same dealers, same overpriced garbage, who asks for 25 on a Kyler Murray Donruss rc in 2023. I spent three dollars today and found some stuff in hockey. The crowd was good but my goodness the pelican cases were overloaded today. I also can’t stand dealers who don’t have prices on their stuff, I inquired on a card and then they whip out their phones for comps, I walked away.

FT35 · 02-20-2023, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwash1983

I also can’t stand dealers who don’t have prices on their stuff, I inquired on a card and then they whip out their phones for comps, I walked away.

I certainly follow your sentiments here. But not sure I understand this one? Prices change frequently and it would be a pain to change stickers on top loaders/slabs every week or so to keep up. Is a comp, not at least a reasonable piece of starting point info on a less-traded card?

13CardinalsFan · 02-20-2023, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FT35

I certainly follow your sentiments here. But not sure I understand this one? Prices change frequently and it would be a pain to change stickers on top loaders/slabs every week or so to keep up. Is a comp, not at least a reasonable piece of starting point info on a less-traded card?

If a seller can not price their cards, then IMO they are just lazy. If they can't keep up or price there items then just go to ebay. Sorry if that is a pain to you, but it is just good business practice.

oldgoldy97 · 02-20-2023, 10:24 AM

Which is the site that takes out shilled prices and unpaid for items?

hermanotarjeta · 02-20-2023, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13CardinalsFan

If a seller can not price their cards, then IMO they are just lazy. If they can't keep up or price there items then just go to ebay. Sorry if that is a pain to you, but it is just good business practice.

It’s funny, dealers are only lazy to change prices when card prices are going down.

But when card prices are going up, they are on top of it, instantly.

LVDan · 02-20-2023, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

It’s funny, dealers are only lazy to change prices when card prices are going down.

But when card prices are going up, they are on top of it, instantly.

Very true for most

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Philthy · 02-20-2023, 12:40 PM

Setup a small local card show this past Sunday.

Had a blast chatting about the hobby with everyone. Lots of positivity and good vibes. I only sold a single slab (traded a couple others), but sold about $500 worth of $1-$20 singles which is a great feeling.

From the buyer side, I tried to pick up some BCA of guys. I was buying to flip so my offers were for multiple cards under comps. No one accepted my offers which is totally understandable given baseball season is around the corner.

cholodolo · 02-20-2023, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

You should start a blog. This hobby could use more people who tell it like it really is. It seems like everyone in this hobby is blowing smoke, always trying to create a fake image.

Thank you, I've considered it. I don't really have a stake other than I hate seeing people take advantage of others. Some might find my collecting (not player, but team/event/Freeway Series) interesting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prox3

They are people that have a vested interest in the success of the business. This guy isn’t trying to tell the true story either as he is trying to portray everything negatively for clicks/views. There’s a middle ground between the two and that’s the everyday person enjoying a card show.

I don't have a blog, social media, or YouTube account which makes it tough getting clicks/views. What is the true story if I only portrayed the negative? Are you of the mind nobody should speak about the negative sides of the hobby? Sounds a bit like Curator.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

It’s funny, dealers are only lazy to change prices when card prices are going down.

But when card prices are going up, they are on top of it, instantly.

Rack 'em.

marl1220 · 02-20-2023, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philthy

Setup a small local card show this past Sunday.

Had a blast chatting about the hobby with everyone. Lots of positivity and good vibes. I only sold a single slab (traded a couple others), but sold about $500 worth of $1-$20 singles which is a great feeling.

From the buyer side, I tried to pick up some BCA of guys. I was buying to flip so my offers were for multiple cards under comps. No one accepted my offers which is totally understandable given baseball season is around the corner.

Can you blame them?

FT35 · 02-20-2023, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13CardinalsFan

If a seller can not price their cards, then IMO they are just lazy. If they can't keep up or price there items then just go to ebay. Sorry if that is a pain to you, but it is just good business practice.

Makes sense. I haven’t been to shows in way too long to witness/know why this would cause someone to walk away from a card they’re interested in. I’d think of it more as a norm these days. Interesting thoughts for sure, thanks for the post.

SupermanBrandon · 02-20-2023, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

It’s funny, dealers are only lazy to change prices when card prices are going down.

But when card prices are going up, they are on top of it, instantly.

I love this comment. Its 100% true. It shows complete laziness and lack of care to your potential buyers. When have you ever walked up to a table and the seller say: "The prices on the slabs are actually higher than listed, let me know what you're looking at"

Philthy · 02-20-2023, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marl1220

Can you blame them?

Of course not, I even put that in my comment! The other show I setup, I was able to trade for or buy several cards so I was just making note how it was a different experience.

I also want to be clear that this was not a situation of me going to delears and shooting lowball offers. These were people who came to my table and said "Are you buying?"

I made an offer and they declined it. I would be buying strictly to re-sale so I can't offer 100% comps. No harm, no foul!

Donkaylove · 02-20-2023, 05:30 PM

more saturation. More secondary pelliboi sellers. Most comps are crap. Nobody throwing out cash. You are gonna have to lower your prices........yes you will. Only high end will sustain to a degree.

Sales are down down down.......

ThoseBackPages · 02-20-2023, 05:32 PM

shows are awesome!

fabiani12333 · 02-20-2023, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

It’s funny, dealers are only lazy to change prices when card prices are going down.

But when card prices are going up, they are on top of it, instantly.

That's because those dealers aren't selling out of financial necessity. They likely made good money during the bubble and are playing with essentially house money. They are looking for opportunities to flip, just like the buyers who approach their showcases. They are hoping to fleece someone in need of cash.

fabiani12333 · 02-20-2023, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FT35

I certainly follow your sentiments here. But not sure I understand this one? Prices change frequently and it would be a pain to change stickers on top loaders/slabs every week or so to keep up. Is a comp, not at least a reasonable piece of starting point info on a less-traded card?

What if sales data aren't reliable? What if flippers change prices by regularly generating fake sales? Some food for thought.

blackbears86 · 02-20-2023, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FT35

I certainly follow your sentiments here. But not sure I understand this one? Prices change frequently and it would be a pain to change stickers on top loaders/slabs every week or so to keep up. Is a comp, not at least a reasonable piece of starting point info on a less-traded card?

Unless you have a transcendent player who changes in price dramatically because of a big game (Patty comes to mind) You shouldn't have to change prices often.

vintg · 02-20-2023, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philthy

Setup a small local card show this past Sunday.

Had a blast chatting about the hobby with everyone. Lots of positivity and good vibes. I only sold a single slab (traded a couple others), but sold about $500 worth of $1-$20 singles which is a great feeling.

+ 1 this to me is exactly what the hobby is about.

enjoy yourself, maybe forget about real world problems, make a few bucks.

talk/interact with hobby buddies

HAVE FUN

fabiani12333 · 02-20-2023, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbears86

Unless you have a transcendent player who changes in price dramatically because of a big game (Patty comes to mind) You shouldn't have to change prices often.

Yeah, but remember, prices were changing rapidly during the bubble. These dealers might still have the mindset that card prices generally change rapidly. They look at Card Ladder or some sales data site to see the latest price trends.

What are the latest trends? Down. No reason for dealers to think prices will suddenly go higher. Put your phone down and do some negotiating. Price your cards like a professional.

vintg · 02-20-2023, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Yeah, but remember, prices were changing rapidly during the bubble. These dealers might still have the mindset that card prices generally change rapidly. They look at Card Ladder or some sales data site to see the latest price trends.

What are the latest trends? Down. No reason for dealers to think prices will suddenly go higher. Put your phone down and do some negotiating. Price your cards like a professional.

that's the thing, alot of people who set up at card shows are not "professionals".

have you ever set up at a show ??? maybe you have, maybe you haven't.

i would bet my ass the VAST MAJORITY of complainers have NEVER set up !!

i set up maybe 3-4 times a year. prices change, inventories change.

my stuff is not priced, and it doesn't bother me at all when dealers don't have things priced. after inquiring about 1-3 cards, you get a general consensus on where they're at price -wise.

you're really gonna pass a guy up that has great inventory b/c a lack of pricing - you're potential loss.

enjoy yourself for god's sake, it's a hobby. a hobby with financial benefits.

PDCCollectibles · 02-20-2023, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

shows are awesome!

Agree! One of the few constants is you can go to shows and talk about the Hobby.....and have fun! I don't care what dealers have their prices at, who's carrying around what case, who has bad comps, who's flippin' retail, etc. People are free to do what they want.....it's just a good time to talk to fellow peeps who love cards

MoreToppsPlease · 02-20-2023, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintg

enjoy yourself for god's sake, it's a hobby. a hobby with financial benefits.

This is pretty thick…jobs have financial benefits, they even help society function better. Trying to convince others to make money off a hobby sounds like a Ponzi scheme.

PDCCollectibles · 02-20-2023, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

This is pretty thick…jobs have financial benefits, they even help society function better. Trying to convince others to make money off a hobby sounds like a Ponzi scheme.

Doesn't have to be a 'job' in order to make money....imo. Not sure why you can't enjoy the hobby and be happy for others that can make money for themselves off of cards. Life's too short....

mfw13 · 02-20-2023, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwash1983

I also can’t stand dealers who don’t have prices on their stuff, I inquired on a card and then they whip out their phones for comps, I walked away.

Agreed.

But people need to understand that 80-90 percent of the "dealers" setting up at shows are not dealers in the traditional sense of the word....buying/selling cards is not their full-time business, nor their only source of income. Nor do they own a physical store anywhere.

In most cases, they're investors/flippers/collectors who deal cards on the side and therefore are often lacking in traditional business or customer service skills.

vintg · 02-20-2023, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoreToppsPlease

This is pretty thick…jobs have financial benefits, they even help society function better. Trying to convince others to make money off a hobby sounds like a Ponzi scheme.

i phrased, "it's a hobby, with financial benefits", as carefully as i could.

i do not ever buy a card, hoping it goes down in value.

i enjoy buying a card for $200, and selling it for $3-400.

i enjoy buying a psa 3 or sgc 3, cracking it, and getting an sgc 4.

i enjoy buying centered vintage cards that i like and enjoy, and selling
them for a premium.

my profession is owning real estate, and i happen to see alot of parallels
with owning cards.

do i make a living off of cards, no. are there financial benefits (especially
if i'm good at it), yes there are.

02-20-2023, 10:24 AM	#1904
oldgoldy97 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 50,864	Which is the site that takes out shilled prices and unpaid for items? __________________ Truly riveting discussion: that’s what your wife/girlfriend/sheep said.

02-20-2023, 05:32 PM	#1914
ThoseBackPages Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 90,126 ThoseBackPages	shows are awesome! __________________ Pumpers Paradise #YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards

02-19-2023, 08:28 PM	#1901
mwash1983 Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 6,148	Went to the Albany show today for the last time, not much to buy anymore, same dealers, same overpriced garbage, who asks for 25 on a Kyler Murray Donruss rc in 2023. I spent three dollars today and found some stuff in hockey. The crowd was good but my goodness the pelican cases were overloaded today. I also can’t stand dealers who don’t have prices on their stuff, I inquired on a card and then they whip out their phones for comps, I walked away.

02-20-2023, 12:40 PM	#1907
Philthy Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Nebraska Posts: 1,144	Setup a small local card show this past Sunday. Had a blast chatting about the hobby with everyone. Lots of positivity and good vibes. I only sold a single slab (traded a couple others), but sold about $500 worth of $1-$20 singles which is a great feeling. From the buyer side, I tried to pick up some BCA of guys. I was buying to flip so my offers were for multiple cards under comps. No one accepted my offers which is totally understandable given baseball season is around the corner.

02-20-2023, 05:30 PM	#1913
Donkaylove Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: PNW Posts: 3,194	more saturation. More secondary pelliboi sellers. Most comps are crap. Nobody throwing out cash. You are gonna have to lower your prices........yes you will. Only high end will sustain to a degree. Sales are down down down.......