Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>I'm not sure if its just the stuff I'm looking at...or maybe it has to do with Christmas coming up...but seems there are quite a bit of fall off in auction prices of late. Even with the E cards that were up before....<br /><br />I watched a E94 Cobb PSA 1 go for $880 or something last night....even though PSA screwed up and had labeled it a E98...I would have thought the card would have went for $1200-1300. Kicking myself for forgetting to set a snipe. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14> <br /><br />And I know it was a board member's here as well..but I do see more and more going for under what they have been..

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>the downturn and upcoming recession is taking a toll on general spending.<br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Brian E.</b><p>I won the E94 Cobb and was happily surprised by the price. I was far from confident in my snipe and only had another $30 more of cushion.<br /><br />I do agree the economy in general is keeping prices from continuing to skyrocket.<br /><br />Brian E.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>No question there are soft spots in the market, but overall my ebay sales are very strong. However, the economy is likely to get worse in 2008 and it will certainly take a toll.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Mark L</b><p>Prices have gone down every November and December. What was notable was the softness in September and October. It is hard to say how the overall macroeconomic situation affects current prices. I would be surprised if card prices moved along with the GDP or interest rates or the employment rate.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I said it before and a few disagreed. It's certainly everyone's prerogative to disagree with me. It's a fact though that card prices, on medium to low scarcity stuff, are down. E-cards as well as T-cards are off about 25%-30%, from my gut feel (more on some T issues). Now, if you have something that is not seen everyday then the price could still be up, up, and away. The holidays and economy definitely account for some of it but I do think there is a general softness. I am glad I am a collector 98% and a flipper 2%.....I haven't really worried about anything going down in value in my collection though some of my for sale stuff isn't worth what I paid for it <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>......such is life...best regards

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>The few cards I am buying these days I am buying at lower than expected prices. I don't think its the economy--consumer confidence up sharply last month and the Holiday season is off with a bang. I think the concern over graded cards and alterations is having an effect. There has been a buzz recently on private e-mails on who is altering cards or what auction houses may or may not be selling them.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Jim- while I agree that there is more awareness about altered cards today than ever before, there are collectors who will be hurt in the pocketbook if we head in some kind of recession (perhaps too strong a word). I think it's a combination of factors. When the economy weakens there are always a group of buyers who decide to take things a little slower.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>steve</b><p>In the past week I sold 12 cards for total $3,700. <br />A few were grade 8 Aaron's from the 1960's. <br />A few were grade 9 Walter Payton's. <br />A 1933 Sport Kings grade 7.<br />A 1948 Leaf grade 7.<br />Happy with the strong sales price results overall.<br /><br />I also had for sale BIN a very desireable and reasonably priced high grade 1939 PB $5,000.ish card with no bites. Thought it would sell.<br /><br />And I picked up a 1941 PB Foxx grade 8 and a 1969 Ryan grade 9 - paid lower than expected.<br /><br />You gotta cherry pick the market, Steve.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob Pomilla</b><p>Just heard a report that Thanksgiving holiday spending was down this year and it was attributed to people's fears regarding the strength of the economy. So, in general it would seem, people are being more cautious in their spending habits.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Funny Bob--I heard exactly the opposite.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>If consumer confidence is up -- and not just up, but "sharply" up -- last month, it is only because it had nowhere else to go.<br /><br />Anybody that is interested in any number of measures can just google "consumer confidence" and see what I did -- i.e., that housing (down) and oil (up) prices have hurt tremendously.<br /><br />Here's a random article; and the Consumer Confidence Index issues its next report tomorrow.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21707442/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21707442/</a><br /><br />It is one thing to suggest that altered card concerns may impact people's spending habits without any evidence supporting the claim; it is another thing entirely to suggest that the economy is booming in light of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Economy booming? Who said that?<br /><br />However overall growth continues at an impressive rate, inflation is low and there are personnel shortages in many areas of the country. On the other hand, concern about card alteration is real.<br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>...watching Fox News, and start reading the New York Times. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>This past quarter it was 3.9%--the quarter before it was 3.8%--both are sonsidered strong numbers--read the WSJ and stay away from the Village Voice <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>robert a</b><p>I'm pretty sure no one was concerned about my PSA 1 E94 Cobb being altered.<br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob Pomilla</b><p>Jim,<br />Not that the media hasn't been known to talk out of both sides of their mouths, but apparently, while more customers visited stores this year, individual shoppers spent less per person. So, I guess, results are mixed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ab.HYma7x48w&refer=home" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ab.HYma7x48w&refer=home</a>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>scgaynor</b><p>Do people still read the New York Times? Talk about declining sales! <br /><br />Scott

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jay</b><p>Jim--I'll take the under in 3% growth for the 4th Qtr. Do you want the other side of the bet?

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Well with that Ty Cobb E94 going for so low...and then a E93 Wagner I was watching the other day going for $400 and something...its just crazy. Maybe this is the time to just be buying and hope things come back in the spring. <br /><br />Jim, I hardly think the "altered card" debate has much to do with the prices...I haven't even looked at high grade cards....I have no idea where they are at...the ones I'm looking at a low grade.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Robert,<br /><br />I wasnt concerned about the Cobb being altered...lol, with Jim...who knows. <br /><br />I do think it was a really presentable 1 though to go for that price...

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Dave,,<br /><br />You're right --I forgot to take into account when I said that you were a lower grade buyer. I was thinking of all the e-mails I get every day expressing concerns or citing evidence that xyz dealer or auction house is selling altered cards. <br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Jim- there are certainly negative factors affecting the economy today. Try selling a home in an area where there aren't too many jobs available. You might have to pay someone to take it off your hands.<br /><br />And the NY Times is hurting for sure. It's starting to look like SCD. It's getting smaller.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>David Goff</b><p>I am sure this is a problem that several collectors face, and that's a roller coaster affect. It not only happens in card market, but just about any collector's area. Prices peak and fall, but I am positive the price will go up 2Q '08.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Barry,<br /><br />There are always weak sectors--even in a strong economy--look at the oil business--it suffered for 20 years but finally it has improved over the last 5 years. No doubt though housing is weak--except in Sag Harbor <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Sag Harbor is not as strong as you might think. Houses in the 750K- $1 million range have fallen. The $3-5 million and above still are strong. Unfortunately, we're in the first group.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Barry,<br /><br />Same with Westhampton Beach--and I'm with you on values.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Do you have a place in Westhampton?

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Fascinating topic - can we all discuss where our houses are located <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I know Josh- it's an out and out hijack job. I will cease and desist.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Corey R. Shanus</b><p>I think the economy is soft and it doesn't surprise me to hear reports of soft card prices. The very highest end, though, I suspect will escape (mostly) unscathed.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Barry,<br /><br />Yes--I own a house in Westhampton that I am thinking either of selling or upgrading with a nicer place.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Jim- by using the term "upgrading" you've managed to get us back on topic. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Matt</b><p>Jim - you may want to have Kevin come over and check out your new place in case they painted over any cracks in the ceilings or rebuilt any walls that are not structurally sound. Although, since you haven't asked Kevin to look over the house you're currently in, some might say you're not really interested in cleaning up the cheap housing repairs market.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>nbrazil</b><p>there are a couple of big online auctions ending this week and next week (goodwin, mastro, leland, memory lane). I did notice a decline in ebay prices for a few items in the past several weeks. I just attributed that to people saving for both these larger auctions and for the holidays in general.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>For whatever the reason, prices are down. Period.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>I remember our last thread on this. And the one before that. <br /><br />I don't know from macro-economic issues but here's what I see on the ground, so to speak:<br /><br />People are tight right now. They are always tight when the gifting season is upon us and what the kids want this year costs more than it did last year. I may not be able to get the G.I. Joe with the kung fu grip and my wife may not want to...wait, that was Trading Places...But among my clients and colleagues, receivables are way up. I am filing more collections cases than earlier this year. I ams also being stretched on my receivables and clients are opting not to file smaller cases that would be filed without hesitation a year ago. People are definitely feeling house-poor here in LA, even if they haven't purchased or refinanced and aren't affected except on paper. The real estate crash was front and center in conversations over the weekend at various get-togethers. I also heard a lot of pissing and moaning over the stock market. The local high-end mall near my house was busy but nowhere near as jammed as it was over the last few years--I was able to turn right onto my street without hitting overflow traffic. All that tells me it will be a disappointing season and a slow new year, at least around here. <br /><br />Looks like a good time to buy quality cards...

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>paulstratton</b><p>I guess the stuff I'm bidding on must be recession proof. T207's seem strong to me, especially anything that is at least semi-tough. Red Cycle's are on fire!

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Joe D.</b><p>the stuff I bid on seems to be strong as ever. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>Prices are very high on all the stuff I'm buying.<br /><br />I have noticed pricing is very low on the items I'm selling, however.<br /><br />I attribute this to economics.<br /><br />-Al

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Al,<br /><br />What you are describing is not economics. Its the effect of being routinely shilled when you buy and being ethical when you sell.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>What Josh said.<br /><br />Al, perhaps I can sell my stuff to you and you to me. We'd make out like bandits!

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jim VB</b><p>Al, Paul, Joe D., et al, <br /><br />I have studied this economic phenomena for years. It is a condition that occurs in the stock market, housing, major electronic purchases, and sports cards. <br /><br />The term I use to describe it is "The Jerk Factor". Anytime I make a major purchase, the market starts down (In Electronics, a new model comes out with better features and a lower price.) Within six months, if not sooner, I feel like a "jerk". <br /><br />Causation is still in question, but I suspect it's tied to my checking account.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jason</b><p>Al, <br />I suffer from the same affliction that you are battling. It took me selling a few more cards than I expected to be able to fund a recent purchase <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Josh, <br />Getting back to the previous hijack: for the record, my house is located in the US. On the mainland, to be more specific.<br /><br />Edited to add: <br />JimVB, I do believe that several of those spending phenomena that you list are actually attributable to the same group of small elven creatures that turn off your fridge light when you close the door.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Adam,<br /><br />You are pretty accurate on the economy. I've noticed it too, people are filing lawsuits instead of trying to resolve real estate partnership disputes. <br /><br />Peter C.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Jason,<br /><br />Small world - my house is located on the US mainland as well - imagine that.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jason</b><p>That's why I just can't see why we just can't all learn to get along?! <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br /><br />Howdy neighbor!

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>If global warming continues, in about ten years my house will no longer be on the US mainland.<br /><br />It will be in Peconic Bay.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>..and not to mention paying $3.40 a gallon for Gas. I'm paying an extra $150 a month for Gas. <br /><br />I as well see lowering prices in Cards (watching carefully a sector or two)and have talked to retailers who expect lower earnings from the years before. <br /><br />My friend, Comic book guy, says it's the same on his end for the Golden and Silver age comics in high grade. You also have to look at horror in real estate. When there is questioning in the economy, the hoi polloi prefers the essentials over collectibles. <br /><br />We'll see next week when five giant catalogs end at roughly the same time. <br /><br />It's not just the NY Times, look at every periodical at your Borders or super market. My local newspaper is combining sections now and dedicate about six pages to Sports and Business, half of what it was a few years ago. <br /><br />DJ

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>Global warming will be fixed by end of week since Al Gore met with George Bush today.........and..........GDP will come in below 2.0 for 4Q07.........<br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>paulstratton</b><p>Jim VB,<br /><br />Your theory would be correct if I was actually winning what I was bidding on, but I'm not.<br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Ricky Y</b><p>Maybe its seasonal..or a market correction..either way it doesn't seem like I got any bargains at least on the ones I have been buying... <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Ricky Y

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>Yipes! Peter C. and I agree. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Barry: I'm busily buying up beachfront property: in Palm Springs...It's only a matter of time. <br /><br />Al: I have the same experience: Buying or Selling the cards are worth a mint. A gold mint buying; a chocolate mint when I sell. <br /><br />It's Monday; is GAI back in business or did I have the wrong Monday?<br /><br />Thanks, enjoy Foghat!

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>T207 red Cycle backs, just as I am collecting the subset, have gone whacko. <br />If you really think the prices are falling, now might be a good time to get rid of those E94s and E97s <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />I echo the sentiments of a poster above, the prices on the cards I am bidding have NOT fallen off, they continue to climb. Am I a trend setter or just the unluckiest guy in the hobby <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Brian Weisner</b><p><br /><br /> Hi Guys,<br /> No big mystery... EBay sales on regular issues almost always slow down during the silly season. Couple that with the crash in the housing market and the increase in core commodities and it's not that big of a surprise.<br /> 2008 will probably be an up and down year until Wall Street and the country find out who's going to be running things in Washington. <br /><br /> Be well Brian<br /><br />PS I have gotten some of my best EBay deals during the silly season(especially over the last 4 years)<br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>CN</b><p> I don,t know about most of you but if you are invested in the stock market it is down 10% since October 9 after losing 237 pts. Today. That has to play some sort of factor in card prices being down. CN

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>The S&P 500 is up 1.6% year to date and up 0.6% for the past three months

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Brian W.,<br /><br />I agree with you, at this time of the year, people will buy fewer big ticket items for their hobby and buy more gifts for others.<br /><br />The proper way to figure out the direction the card market is going is to do what real estate people do. They compare sales in Nov '06 with sales in Nov '07.<br /><br />Peter C.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Barry,<br /><br />Dont worry about your house. Try this experiment - take a glass and put ice into it (the ice represents the polar ice caps). Fill to the rim with water (representing our oceans). Let the cup sit. Notice that as the ice melts, the water does not overflow the glass. <br /><br />Sea levels may be rising. However, there is no "scientific consensus" that global warming is the cause of or that it will cause damaging climate change. Claims that there is such a consensus mischaracterize the scientific research.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>First of all I agree that it seems shilling may get the best of my buys and the worst of my sales (none). I was lamenting to Jeff L not long ago, after many of my ebay sales got me creamed in the wallet. Shilling could be an issue....but overall, as I stated, I feel many cards are off somewhat.....Not a huge deal to a collector but folks that make their livelihood better be a little more careful. I think it has been irrational exuberance (Greenspan, I believe) for the last 5-6 years and we are coming back to reality. <br /><br />On the global warming...I am not so worried about ocean front property in Dallas as I am the depleting of our ecosystem. It really is a bad deal for wildlife and flora. There is a ripple effect and I think our great, great...add some more "greats" grandchildren, could have some issues because of it....best regards<br /><br />edited spelling...yuck

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Jim VB</b><p>JK, <br /><br />Your experiment is flawed. If the ice in you glass extends OVER the rim of the glass when it is frozen, it will indeed overflow the glass when it melts. <br /><br />The part of the ice cap currently below water is not a concern for us. The parts currently higher in elevation than the sea level... bigger issue.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>robert</b><p>Tbob,<br /><br />When have T207 cycles been cheap? Don't remember that. T207s have been pretty hot though, thanks to Lionel Carter and a couple other large hoards that have hit the market.<br /><br />As far as the E94s, I think most of the group I sold last night went for pretty fair prices. The 1s have come back down to where they were a couple of years ago though.<br /><br />Rob<br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Josh- that's good to know. I'm cancelling my flood insurance! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>JimVB - with all due respect, you are incorrect and it is easily proven. <br /><br />Try the experiment tonight - except for the condensation that may drip off the glass, the melting ice will not cause the glass to overflow (better yet, use a cup so you dont get any condensation). I will concede, however, that when chunks of ice fall off of a land based object such as a glacier, it will cause an rise in the sea level because more mass is being added to the water (just like if you threw an extra ice cube in the full cup it would overflow).

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Jim - Here is an article to check out. The quoted section is from the article which originally appeared in the USA Today about an ice shelf that fell into the sea.<br /><br />"There are no doubts about one point: The breakup and eventual melting of an ice shelf, like the melting of icebergs, does not increase sea levels for the same reason melting ice in a glass of water does not make the glass overflow, the ice is already floating."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/coldscience/2004-05-26-peninsula-conf_x.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/coldscience/2004-05-26-peninsula-conf_x.htm</a>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>ernest reyes</b><p>JK & Robert: On Global Warming: actually, its the glaciers in Greenland that scares everybody. That ice sits on land and therefore is not already accounted for in current sea levels. When or if it melts that would cause sea levels to rise significantly. <br /><br />On the economy: none of the numbers i've seen are encouraging at all. The subprime mess is only going to get worse. FT has a recent article about a hedge fund that has reaped 1000% return by shorting subprime linked securities this past year. That manager stated: <br /><br />"In his letter, Mr Lahde said he expected the collapse in value of subprime mortgage-linked securities to be repeated for bonds backed by commercial property loans in a deep recession – which he also predicts.<br /><br />“Our entire banking system is a complete disaster,” he wrote. “In my opinion, nearly every major bank would be insolvent if they marked their assets to market.” He also said he would be putting some of his own profits into gold and other precious metals."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7b6160be-9b80-11dc-8aad-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7b6160be-9b80-11dc-8aad-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1</a><br /><br />scary stuff out there<br><br><a href="http://dodgersblueheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://dodgersblueheaven.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://imageevent.com/ernestreyes" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://imageevent.com/ernestreyes</a><br /><a href="http://mywantlist.blogspot.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://mywantlist.blogspot.com/</a>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Rob Dewolf</b><p><i>On Global Warming: actually, its the glaciers in Greenland that scares everybody.</i><br /><br />No, not everybody.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Right now the economy scares me worse than glaciers.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p><a href="http://tinyurl.com/26kbn7" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/26kbn7</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/2y8f83" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/2y8f83</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Pretty healthy prices for SGC 40s. <br />I remember when you could get T207 Cycles for less than Broadleafs, it hasn't been that long ago, everyone wanted Broadleafs. Then was it revealed that Anonymous' are the toughest backs, Cycles dropped in to 3rd place. Now everyone and his brother wants Cycles.<br />As far as the E94s go, I think 30s and 40s are still high as ever. It just depends on who it is and (sometimes) what color background. Throw a violet on in decent shape and the prices go nuts.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>ernest reyes</b><p>I agree Barry. The economy has me very worried. Glaciers.. not so much. Nevertheless, I'm keeping a close eye on even my money market funds. Keep in mind, even those very liquid assets may have invested in sub-prime mortgage backed securities. I've called my broker about it and was assured they did not make those investments, but then, in the back of my mind, I keep thinking- remember what's happening to Merrill Lynch right now? The fear of enron type machinations within the financial markets worry me. <br /><br />On the card side: card collecting is based on discretionary income. If the economy slides then I would expect discretionary income to decrease significantly overall. This would naturally lead to lower prices since the pool of buyers would get smaller and the amount they would spend would also shrink. For those with a lot of extra dough the next few years may prove to be a great buying opportunity. <br><br><a href="http://dodgersblueheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://dodgersblueheaven.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://imageevent.com/ernestreyes" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://imageevent.com/ernestreyes</a><br /><a href="http://mywantlist.blogspot.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://mywantlist.blogspot.com/</a>

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Melting glaciers are bad too, but they are probably twenty years away.<br /><br />I have to say that despite the gloomy economic forecasts, the card market is holding up surprisingly well. Now that might change, and we all agree there are some soft areas, but there is still plenty of interest in quality collectibles.<br /><br />Yes, prices are inconsistent to be sure. But on average I have no complaints. Six months from now I may feel differently.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>cmoking</b><p>"I may not be able to get the G.I. Joe with the kung fu grip and my wife may not want to...wait, that was Trading Places..."<br /><br />Thanks for the tip Adam, I just bought some pork bellies. I plan to use the profits to buy some cards in January.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>keyway</b><p>Just remember, you are in the best collectables market there is. Antiques and other collectables are droping fast, but sports collectables live on. As long as sports are being played this market will continue. Yes it will have some ups and downs, but it will always come back. Sports is so big in this country that I don't worry about it at all. Besides it's a lot of fun.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Like others here, I have not noticed a downturn in the cards I am actively collecting.<br />jimB

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>TBob, could you please edit your ebay links to tinyurl's. Thanks. <br /><br />Scrolling left to right makes this forum a hassle to read. <br /><br />I suggest anyone that wants to post long URL's in this forum visit this site:<br /><br />www.tinyurl.com

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Rick McQuillan</b><p>I think the country is going into a deep depression. The smart move would be for all of you to sell off your cards right away and stock up on food and blankets,<br /><br />By the way, I would be willing to trade you candles, flashlights, and canned food for your cards.<br /><br />Rick

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Steve Clark</b><p>Using an anecdotal evidence from this fall, the sales of 1957 Topps baseball are up 20-35% from a couple of years ago. I think it all depends on what is being sold and how much demand there is.

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>Dan- done.<br />Bob

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Pennsylvania Ted</b><p>Six recent examples that look strong to me......<br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-Joe-Tinker-Bat-Off-Shoulder-PSA-6-50-50-Sovereign_W0QQitemZ220171180902" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-Joe-Tinker-Bat-Off-Shoulder-PSA-6-50-50-Sovereign_W0QQitemZ220171180902</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Christy-Mathewson-Dark-Cap-PSA-5-Sovereign_W0QQitemZ220171182605" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Christy-Mathewson-Dark-Cap-PSA-5-Sovereign_W0QQitemZ220171182605</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Ty-Cobb-Bat-On-Shoulder-PSA-4-Sovereign-350_W0QQitemZ220170802947" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Ty-Cobb-Bat-On-Shoulder-PSA-4-Sovereign-350_W0QQitemZ220170802947</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Cy-Young-Bare-Hand-Shows-PSA-4-Sovereign-HOF_W0QQitemZ220170799962" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/T206-T-206-Cy-Young-Bare-Hand-Shows-PSA-4-Sovereign-HOF_W0QQitemZ220170799962</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1909-1911-T206-GEORGE-BROWN-WASHINGTON-SOVEREIGN-PSA-4_W0QQitemZ230188373418" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/1909-1911-T206-GEORGE-BROWN-WASHINGTON-SOVEREIGN-PSA-4_W0QQitemZ230188373418</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1909-T206-JOE-TINKER-PORTRAIT-PSA-4-SOVEREIGN-BACK_W0QQitemZ160177619315" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/1909-T206-JOE-TINKER-PORTRAIT-PSA-4-SOVEREIGN-BACK_W0QQitemZ160177619315</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Is it just me...or are pretty much all card sales falling off?
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Thanks Bob!