Never understood "paying strong" on BST

[the-illini]

I use terms like "paying strong" or "paying above market" to attract people who may have a card I want, but would only sell for what many would consider an exorbitant price.

For example, an M101-6 of Gavvy Cravath books for 175 dollars in the Standard Catalog - if someone had one I would gladly pay 6-7x that for it, maybe more. There might be 2-3 other collectors out there who would pay that much for the card - this is not a Goudey Ruth.

Someone that had this card probably got it quite a while ago in all likelihood (I haven't seen one for sale publicly) so maybe my offer to "pay strong" would convince them to sell a card that has a narrow market for a nice chunk of change - can't hurt to try on my side...

[hangman62]

After the words " paying strong "..later on comes " what the least you'll take for it "

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by hangman62

After the words " paying strong "..later on comes " what the least you'll take for it "

"Paying strong" usually means "I'm a lowballer and I'll do whatever it takes to steal that card from you, including lying about my willingness to pay even market value."

[Peter_Spaeth]

Too many cynics here. I am sure I have used the term and I mean exactly what Conor said -- if I like the card I will probably pay more than most people would for it, although not off the charts insane new world record wtf type price.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Too many cynics here. I am sure I have used the term and I mean exactly what Conor said -- if I like the card I will probably pay more than most people would for it, although not off the charts insane new world record wtf type price.

You say cynics....I say "seasoned pros"....doubtful any of us will buy a card from yepbg or 707 anytime soon.....

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I've bought from Levi, if his price is right to start it's great. Just very little negotiating room if you don't like the price.

[mintacular]

A lot of cynics here, I see. "Paying strong" implies to me that there is a collector that desires a certain card(s) and will pay a price that sold at a nice price via auction/somewhat high-ish BIN for said card... i.e. They are not looking get a "fair" (mediocre) price and of course not a resale price (to
"flip") but want that card(s) without waiting for said card to be listed in an auction. That said, of course folks misuse / abuse that term.

Example: A few years ago I was dead set on completing a 1957 Topps Baseball Set in EXMT+/NM centered condition. I think it would be fair to say that the right card I would spend "strong" in that the right common for example I would pay close to book if the eye appeal/centering was right.

[KMayUSA6060]

Originally Posted by the-illini

I use terms like "paying strong" or "paying above market" to attract people who may have a card I want, but would only sell for what many would consider an exorbitant price.

This is where I've seen it most useful. I've never used it myself, but I've seen the best response with this.

[buymycards]

15% below eBay price is a fair price, considering that eBay takes 12% and PayPal takes 3%, so it would be a wash for the seller and the buyer would save 15%.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by buymycards

15% below eBay price is a fair price, considering that eBay takes 12% and PayPal takes 3%, so it would be a wash for the seller and the buyer would save 15%.

When did EBay start taking 12%? It was 10% for the card that I sold last month. Also, EBay discounts off that. The seller is losing 2% + and the buyer is the only one with savings. Fair is both buyer and seller meeting in the middle, not one taking all the savings plus more.

[Mdmtx]

If all cards have an exact value, then auctions are obsolete.

[swarmee]

I prefer paying weak, but I don't advertise it on the BST board. That's why I buy on COMC or buy auction lots on eBay. Do some digging and you can find a bunch of wheat in the chaff.

[buymycards]

Hi, you are correct. When I had my basic store I was paying 12%, but that was over a year ago. I checked on eBay and the final value fees have been lowered to 9.15%, but remember that you are also paying a 9.15% fee on shipping charges, and a basic store costs 19.95 per month for an annual subscription and $24.95 per month for a monthly subscription, so those fees need to be factored in. PayPal takes 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction. Maybe something in the 12-13% discount range would be more fair.

Rick

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Mdmtx

If all cards have an exact value, then auctions are obsolete.

Crap, NOW you tell me

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by buymycards

15% below eBay price is a fair price, considering that eBay takes 12% and PayPal takes 3%, so it would be a wash for the seller and the buyer would save 15%.

Seems to me that everyone is confused on what Ebay takes....it is 10%. Less if you have a store.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Seems to me that everyone is confused on what Ebay takes....it is 10%. Less if you have a store.

Seems to me people are forgetting some fees.

For regular sellers eBay takes 10% of everything including shipping. PayPal takes $.30 plus 2.9% of everything including shipping. On lower end sales the total fees are over 15%.

EDIT: To keep this kind of on track I also like to pay weak.