Do VCP and CardTarget show a better picture than POP reports?

[bn2cardz]

Originally Posted by AMBST95

Why would it be in an auction's or seller's best interest to make a rare collectible appear to be less rare? Could they use these sources for more accurate descriptions, sure. Is there an incentive to not do it, sure. Is the seller being inaccurate by using the population reports to make an item sound more appealing, no.

I think as a buyer, scanning multiple auction listings and comparing photos on VCP and Cardtarget makes sense if trying to compile the most accurate sales history for a specific card, but if selling, that's a lot of legwork to make your item less desirable. The number of raw cards basically throw most of it out the window though as you never know for sure how many are out there. If you found 2 raw cards and the 3 graded, now you have 5 that you know of. There are still going to be others you have no clue about. Look at the new T206 discoveries still happening 104 years after production. We will never know for sure.

You may be missing the point. I never said you would get a full picture. I actually said quite the opposite:

"I know there is still a hole because some cards may be sold in lots so neither past sales sites have the data for that. Also those past sale sites don't catch sales at shows and between two collectors outside an auction site. I would think it helps get a better picture."

My point is that if you are going to try and get a full picture why wouldn't you use all the data out there? Why do people (Sellers and Buyers alike) stop at the POP reports? If looking for a full picture of the scarcity of a card wouldn't it behoove you to look at at these extra two sites?

You say it makes the card sound less desirable, but you are just making yourself seem less honest if you are going to say 1 of 1 card when a quick look from a diligent buyer would show that there have been many other sales (maybe even by your own company). Also you are wrong about making it look less desirable, in the case of my card it would make it more desirable (if it is sought after at all) because I can now say it is "1 of 3 known graded cards AND with no single card sales history since VCP and Card Targets inceptions in the hobby".