Flash Them or Keep Them Hidden?

[Jobu]

After spending a decade in New Orleans I can tell you that this question has been considered by many thirsty women (in this case the correct answer is always “Flash Them”).

I would like to know how you would answer this question regarding your cards. Is it wise to publicize a card by showing it to other collectors on a public forum like Net54? It is certainly fun, but what does it do to value?

For common cards there is no reason not to show them. However, for rarer cards I have heard people say that showing a card can decrease its value because it is perceived as being more common than it really is -- in the back of their minds future buyers may think “well I have seen that before somewhere so it can’t be too rare.”

On the other hand, if you don’t show off a rare card a little bit there are many people who won’t know that you have one and may carry on not even knowing that the cards exists. In other words, by showing a card you create a market for it and advertise to potential buyers/trade partners.

I realize that showing and discussing cards is highly enjoyable, I enjoy it too, so we can leave the pleasure aspect out of this. I am more curious about everyone’s feelings on the demand and economics side of the ledger.

I am looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on this. Gracias.

[bbcard1]

Flash them.

Several of the posters have been known to throw lovely beads.

[ullmandds]

if u show your rarer cards often enough...there is a good chance you will get offers for them...sadly they are usually low ball offers!!!!

[yanksfan09]

I'd say go for whatever makes you happier. You only live once, what's a few bucks? It could possibly make rarer cards seem less rare but I don't think the effect would be that big probably.

[39special]

Show um if you got um.

[EvilKing00]

Flash them! Love seeing beautiful cards and sometimes its a card i have never or rarely seen, gets me to either try and buy it from the flasher or begin my search for one like it.

[Bocabirdman]

Let the puppies breathe!!!!!

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Whatever makes you happy

[Exhibitman]

Hiding your cards away and looking at them all alone isn't collecting it is masturbation.

[atx840]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Hiding your cards away and looking at them all alone isn't collecting it is masturbation.

username checks out.

[Jobu]

Chris, LOL.

Thank you for all of your responses so far. I should have clarified at the start - I do share the cards I have with the forum when appropriate and I am all for sharing. This place is great and openness is why. I have learned a ton and without this community's willingness to share I think I would have learned about 5% of what I have over the past few months.

I was more curious to see where everyone stood on this as I have heard both sides of the argument. I am glad to see that there are so many in favor of flashing them!

[GoldenAge50s]

The Wagner alone answers the question. Do you in any way believe that showing one over & over hurts the value?

NO, it only increases it!