[AMBST95]

I agree with you that looking at the sites makes sense as a buyer, which is what I said, so I understand your point of looking at them. Your original question was do they show a better picture than POP reports. In the case of your card, there is no sales data, so using just these could create a false impression just as much as using the pop reports alone. The truth is they are both tools that are not entirely accurate and the use of both is better than either individually.

As a seller, the lack of sales on these sites could be favorable if used appropriately in the listing, as you've suggested. Neither are all inclusive of sales activity but a statement worded "no card sales history registered in VCP or Cardtarget" may be helpful as you've implied. It could also hurt. A buyer may be less willing to make a strong bid, not wanting to set a benchmark with no previous history to base their bid on, in fear of taking a loss down the road.

If I were consigning, I'd want my card listed in the most favorable light. Any sales data could cause a buyer to put a cap on what they'd consider bidding. Thats the last thing i want as a seller. The population data is generally only included with cards that have lower pops. It suggests rarity while not putting a number or lack of one in a buyer's mind to ponder like VCP data might do.