B/S/T Bargain Section?

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Posted By: James Feagin

I have thought about this for a couple of days and have yet to express it. With the value of pre-war cards rising at such a rapid rate, many of us on a budget are being priced out. Additionally, many threads on the B/S/T with affordable cards are not seen by many "bargain" hunters. I think a "bargain" thread on the B/S/T section would be valuable in attracting new pre-war collector's, valuable for those looking to finish sets, and important for the increasing "jaded with pre-war because they cost too much" crowd. I think an arbitrary number is that cards should all be below $100. I hope this is met with some reception and given consideration.

James

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Posted By: Wesley

There are already too many sections in the B/S/T. In order to see what is for sale, one would have to look at five separate categories. Instead of yet another category, the moderators may wish to consider going back to the orignal format, where we made one thread per month.

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Posted By: James Feagin

I think that a couple of those threads could be consolidated though to add mine

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Posted By: leon

Thanks for the suggestion. I believe the Buy/Sell/Trade thread is exactly how it is needed. When I first took the board over I started several threads about what to do with the board and how to organize it. I listened to everyone then made my decision on what I thought was the best for the welfare of the board. I also took the opinions of my assistant(s)into account. My/our opinion hasn't changed. I do always appreciate comments and concerns though....best regards....moderator dude

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Posted By: identify7

Although I accept that the decision has been made, I agree that adding a <$100 section is a good idea - without consolidating other catagories.

I wonder if there is some way to incorporate James' idea within our current framework, without upsetting the membership or moderators.

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Posted By: Brian McQueen

Just a thought here....

Back in July, Leon and I agreed on allowing for a monthly "trade" thread that would keep circulating to the top each time someone added something new. I kind of always wondered what the ongoing thread would accomplish that couldn't be accomplished in BST. This is kind of along those same lines. I would rather promote the extensive BST section that we have instead of diluting that particular section by starting others. I assure you, if you list cards at good, bargain prices, others will see them, myself included!

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Posted By: Wesley

I am more concerned about it from the buying end than the selling one. I have found under this current format, I miss a lot of cards that I would otherwise purchase because I mainly look at one or two sections. On the other hand, I cannot look at all five sections each hour everyday. If everything stayed in a single thread, then I would see everything. Either way is fine; it's not going to kill me to miss a few cards. Keep up the good work.

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Posted By: Anson

Perhaps retaining the current format but allowing a red check or some other icon to be placed next to "budget-related" item posts would be helpful. This way, you can still search for the appropriate type of card (using the current categories) and view specific posts that address budget cards.

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Posted By: jay behrens

I am starting to get the feeling I'm selling my cards too cheap. Most of them haven't even lasted 15 minutes on the BST. There are bargins to be had on the BST and just like eBay, you have to be vigilant and get a little lucky to get the good deals.

Jay

My place is full of valuable, worthless junk.

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Posted By: leon

As my right hand person said "we like it the way it is." As Jay said you just need to be vigilant. Great deals can be had but ya' need to be checking the BST fairly frequently to get one. They don't last long. I also feel the monthly BST in the main forum, as a rotating thread, would dilute the other BST page. As for $100 or less deals they are on there too, ya just gotta look. With so many great transactions why on earth would we want to change it? I just am not convinced that any other way would be better, even slightly. So for now this subject is really closed. With that last sentence I don't want folks to think they can't offer up suggestions of what would be better. The day we/I quit listening is the day we are not trying to do what's best for the board......thanks guys and girls.....

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Posted By: James Feagin

Leon,

I thought I'd check and I do see your reasoning. I do whole-heartedly agree with a previous poster that perhaps bargains or cheaper cards can be flagged.

James

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Posted By: leon

I am not sure there is a feature, with this site, that would allow flagging a particular post about card, if it was a bargain (or less than $100)....and also, every card I have ever sold has been a bargain so wouldn't I flag them all? (that last statement is in jest and no response required)

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Posted By: identify7

James:

Is it your intent to provide focus on bargains, cards under $100, off grade cards, or something else?

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Posted By: James Feagin

Leon,

It is my intent to focus on the all-encompassing term of bargains or cards under $100. For young married guys like myself with first jobs, first homes, and not a whole lot of disposable income, this would be a great step in building a vintage collection. Additionally, with the rapid escalation of pre-war cards, I feel that so many folks are being priced out, in which only the wealthy amongst us will be able to participate in this great genre of collecting. A bargain, or "under $100", section or tag would provide a decent service where someone could find all those items in one spot, instead of navigating through months of threads. I think it would generate even greater interest in the pre-war market and hopefully the B/S/T index. I understand there are already bargains through much navigation to be had, but I feel this would make that section even better! Thanks Leon for all your hard work on this site.

James

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Posted By: Brian McQueen

Perhaps sellers could simply add a note to their title such as "BARGAIN - e95 Frank Chance PSA 2" will let others know that you've got a card reasonably priced? Actually, there's no rule that states you can't list a price in the subject line either.

I don't know....it just seems to me that if you have an eyecatching title, or better yet, a desirable card mentioned in the subject line, people will click on your post to read more. As far as those looking to buy are concerned, part of finding a good deal is having the patience to look for it.

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Posted By: bob

I agree with Brian. Often the simplest solution is the best. As a certified CCC (cheap card colletor) any mention of BARGAIN, UNDER $100 (better yet $25) will definately get my attention.

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Posted By: identify7

If what is being sought here are bargains (cards priced below market value); and the issue is that the bargains are not organized to simplify your shopping, well I have no sympathy for that viewpoint.

Please tell me that this is not the point of this thread.

Gilbert Maines

Edited to correct typo.

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Posted By: James Feagin

No sympathy? Devastation. Seriously, I have shopped with Wayne Varner for a while and have marvelled of his ungraded selection. Many newbies who want to develop an interest think pre-war commons can't be had for under $100 and quickly go back to modern (I know a few). I like steals as much as the next guy, I just thought it would be a good resource for the common-joe card guy. It's an idea, nothing more, nothing less.

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Posted By: identify7

In my mind there is quite a difference between pre-war cards priced below $100. and pre-war cards which are priced below their fair market value.

I have no problem making it as convenient as possible for new collectors, but when someone is seeking a bargain and his complaint is that he has to look for it - what would your response be?

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Posted By: James Feagin

If someone was wants a "steal" this isn't the board to be at. However "a good deal" entails both parties are happy despite a reasonable price. It should be fair, and I think cards will be priced as such. I would either respond by saying "try eBay" or "there really aren't so many "steals" in vintage cards. Have a good weekend everyone.