Posted By:
mcavoy1. I think eBay increased the liquidity of cards, improving pricing both on the buy and sell side.
2. The acceptance of 3rd party grading by dealers is a major development.
3. I think the reduction in the number of shops reflects the lack of expertise and professionalism on the seller's side and the fall-out from the speculative nature on the buyer's side. Although, I wonder if the reduced number of shops has reduced the flow of collections into the hobby from leavers, estates, and heirs.
4. I do not know if the auction house prevalence is a development from the last ten years, but the continuation of this trend is all good, even if I rarely win a lot. Nice catalogs!
5. The lack of publications may be a long term problem, but a decent vintage magazine has been available from one publisher or another for the past 25 years, if one considers trader speaks, old judge, OK nothing during the hyped up hey day of the late 1980s and early 1990s, then Becket Vintage, VCBC, and Old Cardboard.
6. I think the purchase & sale of cards has moved from catalogs, shows, and SCD, more to eBay, this board, & auction houses.