Quote:
Originally Posted by RCMcKenzie
I was the 2nd underbidder on the 1952 Topps Solly Hemus. I bid 44.44 and it sold for $58. The one that got away.
I don't understand the prices today. I was watching a T206 Matty earlier that sold for 9 clams. Who has 9 dimes for a baseball card? I didn't leave the hobby. The hobby left me.
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Hi Rob, let me say this, and dare I say I will opine as to the state of (some) the hobby. people from all walks of life and demographics collect cards, that is one area which is amazing about the hobby. So many people I have met, including some I consider friends, which I would have never known without this hobby of ours. Anyone can jump in, all it takes is having time, money and some effort. My back story, I can remember many of the old dealers back in the early 90s which are still around today. When I was just a kid at 16 or so, they were always willing to take to the time to educate me. Whether it was explaining the grades, oddball issue, or signed cards, I felt these guys were kind of like Curators at a museum.
Just like any other "hot" commodity, be is stocks during covid, beanie babies, what have you, you have the innovator, imitator and the fool. Now I wont pontificate about stubble-beards and what have you, I dont think generalizing will help any. However quite a few new people have (tried) made a splash in the hobby. The advent of social media can put your inventory in front of faces 24/7. I remember, years before covid, one big splash came from a guy who, i believe, got a big settlement, and walked around shows with a briefcase full of cash buying. A gimmick like this can put you on the map!
Anyhow, I am seeing these amazingly high prices on cards, only to be turned around and being relisted, or showcased, for even more. This was the old 707 model, but I dont believe anybody can do it like Levi. If you are new in the hobby, and have 10 1952 mantles, 20 1954 aarons, etc in a showcase, the dealer will get a lot of attention, but my guess is they are dollar cost averaging and trying to prop up your inventory. Again, aside from 707, this business model has never been used in the hobby. I always found it strange, but it did work for 707. Nothing against it and I always used to like looking and speaking with both Levi and Jim (RIP) about cards. I do not remember Levi from the 90s, but do remember Don Hontz and a few others. I went to shows almost every weekend throughout the northeast.
That being said, it seems like a new type/style of dealer (in vintage) has popped up, and I for one and curious how it will work out. if I had another life maybe I would enjoy doing shows. The energy, the excitement, this kids faces are all a part of the hobby. Sadly, I would "get high on my own supply" and have to think about time away from my family, so I would not pursue this venture. Also, at some point, you need to make a profit, the must be worth the squeeze. People are not buying 1952 mantles on ebay every weekend, and if shows are panning out, what is a dealer to do?
Thanks for reading a morning rambling from the fixed museum, not a traveling one