All I want to do is talk about COMC

[jmscoggin]

Originally Posted by chezball

No I haven't,so if you put all the clues together they have no plan.

Crap, I was hoping that you were going to be the voice of reassurance and reason. We're all f'd, the ship is going down, we're going to die.

[sthoemke]

Originally Posted by JustMoe

It's the pacific northwest, dude - there's trees everywhere.

But, seriously, you can view the physical property (and surrounding area) via Google maps; it's more a "high-end" industrial area, than anything else. The biggest concern (in regards to natural disasters) would be earthquakes, but even then, every building is engineered with this in mind, to withstand such an event.

Forest fires shouldn't be a concern, neither should flooding or mudslides, since the building is pretty elevated.

My main concern has always been the lack of proper management from within...until that changes, it's my opinion that they're just going to tread water until they get tired and sink.

I just hope the roof doesn't leak.

[chezball]

One more thing,Mt. Rainier is only 92 miles away.

[JustMoe]

Originally Posted by chezball

One more thing,Mt. Rainier is only 92 miles away.

And its a nice drive in the summer time...

However, its been dormant for over 150+ years. If it did erupt, the biggest issue would be lahars - mud slides caused by all the snow melting off the mountain, flooding and filling the nearby valleys. Redmond is too far away to be affected by any of that...and, since the cards are stored inside, they'd be pretty well protected by any ash or other airborne particles that managed to go that far north.

[BBallCT]

Originally Posted by Cactuspies

I find it not very mobile friendly at all. I have to zoom in just to log in and even then I get the pop up for what menu I want to use. Heck I still don't like the search drill down function. I've never done it on a tablet or phone but I'd be ripping out my arm hairs trying to get it to work (try using sportlots on a mobile device too...ugh) I should try to take some screen shots of it.

I do miss checkoutmycards.com

I could see just a simplified version of the site as an app. I understand not wanting to maintain 2 sites one non mobile friendly and one pc/mac friendly

It goes fairly well on a tablet, better than on a phone. To me an app would be even more useful to navigate, search, make offers, ect.

In addition, I have a feeling that more people would be willing to buy from comc if it's only a few quick click away via phone while waiting for the bus or wherever else (instead of having to zoom like you said, wait for load time, ect). Again, I completely dropped the eBay site once I loaded their app, simply easier.

[HammerinHank]

I started using the site maybe 6 months before the Beckett issues and was a huge fan. My issues actually arose after things started to get better with regard to processing times. I primarily send in and sell vintage and my last two or three submissions left me disillusioned. In the beginning I had no issues but those last groups would always have lots of cards post the day they were due (or pretty close) with blanket low grades which appeared to have been put in just to get it done. When I voiced concern they would go back and adjust some things claiming it was an entry error of some sort. Just left me very uneasy and wondering who is handling my stuff and what exactly I'm paying for if I have to point out work need be corrected. I went from literally writing Tim fan mail (I hand wrote and sent him a letter which may be one of 5 times I've done that in a decade) to selling off most of my port and not submitting in months...I may give them another try though, still the best way to go when it works right

[zebrastar]

Came across this quote and thought, what happens when you stop caring about your customers AND your advertising. This ship is sinking.

[shrevecity]

Originally Posted by zebrastar

Came across this quote and thought, what happens when you stop caring about your customers AND your advertising. This ship is sinking.

Holds true, in the days before social media it used to be said you upset one customer they tell 13 other people on average, you please one customer they tell 3 others. Modern social media just makes it more like 1300 instead of 13.

[thebrett]

The 6 cent phenomenon is always entertaining to me

When I look at my lowest end stuff and realize I would be better off not having it cluttering up my inventory I mark it to 7 cents (6 on sale) and it sells in minutes. From there it sits in dead inventory for all eternity.

Just an interesting economic outcome that the 7 cent mark is such a breaking point.

[phillies347]

Originally Posted by thebrett

The 6 cent phenomenon is always entertaining to me

When I look at my lowest end stuff and realize I would be better off not having it cluttering up my inventory I mark it to 7 cents (6 on sale) and it sells in minutes. From there it sits in dead inventory for all eternity.

Just an interesting economic outcome that the 7 cent mark is such a breaking point.

I feel like it used to be 8 cents that an item would sell instantly, than 7 cents, now 6 cents, and it will slowly get lower and lower

[thebrett]

Originally Posted by phillies347

I feel like it used to be 8 cents that an item would sell instantly, than 7 cents, now 6 cents, and it will slowly get lower and lower

I just marked 800 items for 6 cents and went and bought one $49 card
THEN! I overpriced that card assuming prices will go up when he gets close to his call up. Basically turned 800 totally worthless pieces of garbage into a Rodgers Chrome auto

2015 Bowman Draft Chrome Draft Pick Autographs #BCA-BR - Brendan Rodgers
Courtesy of COMC.com

[jmscoggin]

Originally Posted by thebrett

I just marked 800 items for 6 cents and went and bought one $49 card
THEN! I overpriced that card assuming prices will go up when he gets close to his call up. Basically turned 800 totally worthless pieces of garbage into a Rodgers Chrome auto.

You sir ........................................ are a genius. I on the other hand struggle to sell anything less than .25 because I mentally can't get past losing money even though my brain knows it is better to have liquid cash vs dead stock, regardless of initial buy in.

[brewcrew82]

Originally Posted by jmscoggin

I'm good, he was talking to the kraut.



No, no it's not, at least not where I live. Should I ever move to Germany, I may feel the need to modify how I spell it but I can't see that happening. Also, it's 'they're'.

Are they? Are you personally guaranteeing any losses I may take should they close the doors and not return my cards to me?

No but I'm not stupid enough to think it isn't a possibility. I grew up shopping at Kmart, Montgomery Wards and Circuit City, my dad had an Oldsmobile, Enron was a behemoth. Things change and giants fall. Make no mistake, COMC is no giant and it is far from rock solid.

Maybe you would tie up six figures of net worth in a business without a written guarantee and wouldn't mind being ignored when asking over and over about it. Me? Not so much. How hard is it to say that if they were to go under that all of our items would be returned to us and that they have an insurance policy solely to ensure that happens?

If I was Tim, the policy would have been drafted and put on the website on day one. I also would have an insurance policy or a self insured cookie jar fund that was set aside for the sole purpose of paying for shipping to send items back in the event of the company going under. What a great marketing tool that would have paid for itself and the money could be an an interest bearing account so should they never go under, it is still earning for them, win/win.

I deserve an answer and I demand an answer and won't stop asking until I get one. It has been said that they have a "contingency plan", great, post it on the website. I've asked at least four different COMC employees over multiple mediums what happens to my cards should they go out of business and each and every one of them rapidly changed the subject. Do you really think that shouldn't concern me?

Me too. But if your so pissed take your cards and leave. Cash out drive to Washington and pick your cards up.

Nobody will miss you. NOBODOY !!

You got answerd Your Covered !!

[brewcrew82]

Originally Posted by Swipe79

In the English language, we spell it kaput.

Kaput | Define Kaput at Dictionary.com

Since when is Kaput an English word ??

When I went to school in the 70- 80´s it wasn´t ??

[thebrett]

Originally Posted by jmscoggin

You sir ........................................ are a genius. I on the other hand struggle to sell anything less than .25 because I mentally can't get past losing money even though my brain knows it is better to have liquid cash vs dead stock, regardless of initial buy in.

I paid less than 6 cents for 90% of those

[brewcrew82]

Just wanted to give this little bit of info.

Talked too my Insurance guy today, Had to adjust a few policies.

If you want to insure your cards it will cost you about 10,00 euro´s a month .

But you have to Show Proof what there worth !!

If I can buy this in Germany you can buy it in the States if your so worried.

[Swipe79]

We like to steal words from all over the world and make them ours.

Originally Posted by brewcrew82

Since when is Kaput an English word ??

When I went to school in the 70- 80´s it wasn´t ??

[phillies347]

Originally Posted by thebrett

I just marked 800 items for 6 cents and went and bought one $49 card
THEN! I overpriced that card assuming prices will go up when he gets close to his call up. Basically turned 800 totally worthless pieces of garbage into a Rodgers Chrome auto

2015 Bowman Draft Chrome Draft Pick Autographs #BCA-BR - Brendan Rodgers
Courtesy of COMC.com

This is brilliant, especially if you aren't losing money on those 6cent cards

[brewcrew82]

Originally Posted by Swipe79

We like to steal words from all over the world and make them ours.

O.K. Thanks for the erklärung.

[jmscoggin]

Originally Posted by thebrett

I paid less than 6 cents for 90% of those

Just goes back to my earlier posts. You've figured out the game and are using it to your full advantage which I think is awesome. Unfortunately, those of us with different models can't compete. Again, that's my problem, not yours but it is still a reality. Just curious, what is your end game? Are you going to keep the snowball rolling indefinitely or just get it to a point that makes sense and sell out?

[tyrodsports]

Originally Posted by HammerinHank

I started using the site maybe 6 months before the Beckett issues and was a huge fan. My issues actually arose after things started to get better with regard to processing times. I primarily send in and sell vintage and my last two or three submissions left me disillusioned. In the beginning I had no issues but those last groups would always have lots of cards post the day they were due (or pretty close) with blanket low grades which appeared to have been put in just to get it done. When I voiced concern they would go back and adjust some things claiming it was an entry error of some sort. Just left me very uneasy and wondering who is handling my stuff and what exactly I'm paying for if I have to point out work need be corrected. I went from literally writing Tim fan mail (I hand wrote and sent him a letter which may be one of 5 times I've done that in a decade) to selling off most of my port and not submitting in months...I may give them another try though, still the best way to go when it works right

I wondered where you went. Always enjoyed your port and your flexibility.

[thebrett]

Originally Posted by jmscoggin

Just goes back to my earlier posts. You've figured out the game and are using it to your full advantage which I think is awesome. Unfortunately, those of us with different models can't compete. Again, that's my problem, not yours but it is still a reality. Just curious, what is your end game? Are you going to keep the snowball rolling indefinitely or just get it to a point that makes sense and sell out?

Interesting question.

Original plan was to get to 100,000 items just for fun then bail

Basically I have a very unique job and this is my escape from the details and daily stresses plus it fills my wait times

Now, I'm honestly not that optimistic about COMC long term so I will likely see if anything improves in the coming months and slowly start looking at an exit strategy. I generally don't remain invested in things where I lack faith in leadership. To say I lack faith in COMC leadership is a comical understatement. I would leave today if it was anything more than a fun way for me to interact with the hobby.

My eventual out plan will have to be to run increasing percent off sales until it's all gone or someone offers me enough to walk away.

I probably have a firm $25,000 invested in my overall inventory. My current ask is $78,000 and it goes up daily with almost zero additional invested. It will eventually get to $100,000 then $125,000 etc... Given my pricing and how ports are bought and sold plus the idiotic 5,000 card port sale max it will be tricky.

I'd guess if and when I get to a place where I could cash out $50,000 I'd start to cycle out.

That being said, check back next week it may change

[jmscoggin]

Originally Posted by thebrett

Interesting question.

Original plan was to get to 100,000 items just for fun then bail

Basically I have a very unique job and this is my escape from the details and daily stresses plus it fills my wait times

Now, I'm honestly not that optimistic about COMC long term so I will likely see if anything improves in the coming months and slowly start looking at an exit strategy. I generally don't remain invested in things where I lack faith in leadership. To say I lack faith in COMC leadership is a comical understatement. I would leave today if it was anything more than a fun way for me to interact with the hobby.

My eventual out plan will have to be to run increasing percent off sales until it's all gone or someone offers me enough to walk away.

I probably have a firm $25,000 invested in my overall inventory. My current ask is $78,000 and it goes up daily with almost zero additional invested. It will eventually get to $100,000 then $125,000 etc... Given my pricing and how ports are bought and sold plus the idiotic 5,000 card port sale max it will be tricky.

I'd guess if and when I get to a place where I could cash out $50,000 I'd start to cycle out.

That being said, check back next week it may change

I initially had the same thoughts as you which we've discussed a few times in the past. Truth be told, I'm large enough and sell enough to quickly be one of the biggest sellers as well if I so chose and at one time, that was my goal. Unfortunately, I changed course for the exact same reasons that you mentioned above. If things were the same as they were in 2012, I'd be all in and buying ports left and right but sadly, we all know that ship has sailed. Instead of buying in, I'm selling out. Sad that management can't see the issues and get them sorted.

[JustMoe]

Originally Posted by jmscoggin

I initially had the same thoughts as you which we've discussed a few times in the past. Truth be told, I'm large enough and sell enough to quickly be one of the biggest sellers as well if I so chose and at one time, that was my goal. Unfortunately, I changed course for the exact same reasons that you mentioned above. If things were the same as they were in 2012, I'd be all in and buying ports left and right but sadly, we all know that ship has sailed. Instead of buying in, I'm selling out. Sad that management can't see the issues and get them sorted.

I'm with you on this, even though I have more "personal" reasons for wanting to get out. ;-)

But, seriously - I haven't added any new cards since March and once I sell off my port, I'll be looking at COMC via my rearview mirror...I may still buy cards but not nearly the volume I did before, and the ones I don't want I'll just keep in storage until I can figure out a viable option...

[thebrett]

Originally Posted by jmscoggin

I initially had the same thoughts as you which we've discussed a few times in the past. Truth be told, I'm large enough and sell enough to quickly be one of the biggest sellers as well if I so chose and at one time, that was my goal. Unfortunately, I changed course for the exact same reasons that you mentioned above. If things were the same as they were in 2012, I'd be all in and buying ports left and right but sadly, we all know that ship has sailed. Instead of buying in, I'm selling out. Sad that management can't see the issues and get them sorted.

Port sales have been completely awful lately. Jacked up prices on terrible, Un sellable cards. I wish I could block clowns like BuyMore and SellMore and all these habitual trash peddlers.

Good cards at fair prices is a good business model

Trying to trick people into buying a steaming pile of crap is bad for the site and leaves a bad taste in people's mouth

Some days I just think ill run a big sale and be done

If I don't deal with COMC, I'll probably be out of non personal collection cards entirely

Sucks, because I enjoy the process when it works well