BST Flippers

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Snowman

Dealers don't determine prices though. Buyers do.

If you want to sell something for below market to a fellow collector as a kind gesture, I think it's on you to ask the right questions first before selling it to someone. It's a kind gesture and I certainly see the value in it, but you would be wise to recognize that this is a free market we all swim in, and if you just post some random card for half of what it's worth and let anyone buy it, no questions asked, you're effectively throwing meat out to the wolves. Whenever I "pay it forward", I always make sure I either know the buyer already or at least sniff them out first.

And all potential buyers always tell the truth when sniffed, but are the wolves honest.

[parkplace33]

I never use the “it’s for my personal collection” when trying to get a card. If I want the card, I just get the card, no explanation needed.

Just remember, a lot of card collectors tell taller tales than fisherman.

[Arazi4442]

I guess it depends on how you view the N54 BST. Is it a marketplace or is it a forum for like minded collectors to get together and exchange cards, memorabilia, etc. I would like to think it’s the second but with so much money in the hobby now, that’s probably naive to wish for. The answer to all your questions is 💰

[Leon]

I think the BST is both a marketplace and a community. If I see a card listed for $100 and I feel it's worth $300 I will buy it and flip it. Most times those buys are for my collection though. And if I tell someone something is for my collection it's true and I won't be flipping it anytime soon. If someone gives someone their asking price then what's the big deal? Knowledge is king.

BTW, I have had the ole crying ,weeping issue before where a member said he didn't mean to sell me a 30k card...cried and whined to undo the deal and said he was keeping it and would die with it. But for some reason he had me send the card to REA and I got a check from them (many years ago now). I won't ever trust him again.

edited to say, after more reflection, I would actually trust the person in my situation again. I think he had some very serious personal issues going on at the time. He's a good guy...
.

[jingram058]

The thing is this, if I was a seller (which I most definitely am not), and I negotiate a deal whereby I am helping someone out, for whatever their reason in their collecting, and they turn around and flip, then I would not be annoyed, I would be downright pissed. If I sold and no special deal, and someone bought it and then flipped, that's on me.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by jingram058

The thing is this, if I was a seller (which I most definitely am not), and I negotiate a deal whereby I am helping someone out, for whatever their reason in their collecting, and they turn around and flip, then I would not be annoyed, I would be downright pissed. If I sold and no special deal, and someone bought it and then flipped, that's on me.

Agreed. Members shouldn't by lying to each other in order to make a profit. If that's they way they do business, they should take their deceitful immaturity someplace else. There are plenty of online cesspools for that sort of behavior.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

If I'm negotiating I usually preface the negotiation with "I'm buying for resale." If I am just paying someone's asking price I just pay.

[Tao_Moko]

Originally Posted by Leon

I think the BST is both a marketplace and a community. If I see a card listed for $100 and I feel it's worth $300 I will buy it and flip it. Most times those buys are for my collection though. And if I tell someone something is for my collection it's true and I won't be flipping it anytime soon. If someone gives someone their asking price then what's the big deal? Knowledge is king.

BTW, I have had the ole crying ,weeping issue before where a member said he didn't mean to sell me a 30k card...cried and whined to undo the deal and said he was keeping it and would die with it. But for some reason he had me send the card to REA and I got a check from them (many years ago now). I won't ever trust him again.
.

That would turn me off for future transactions too. Empathy is not a strong attribute of mine. I'd be more apt to reverse a deal if the seller were honest with me. "Hey, I didn't do my research and screwed up. Any chance I can refund you and make it up in a future transaction?"

[Exhibitman]

I try hard not to personalize a transaction nor commoditize a relationship. I don't care if you want it for your collection, have a personal connection, etc.: that's very nice, but not a basis for a discount. On the buying side, I also don't care if you've had it for a long time, have more than my offer into it, etc. We reach a deal or we don't based on item value. And once the card changes hands the recipient is free to sell it for whatever he wants. No buyer or seller remorse allowed, except in the abstract (I sold a W530 Wagner some years ago for <10% of what one went for in Heritage this weekend. D'oh! But the deal was still fair and free when made).

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

What some are describing is why I don't care if you want it for your collection, have a personal connection, etc. On the buying side, I also don't care if you've had it for a long time, have more than my offer into it, etc. We reach a deal or we don't. Once the card changes hands the recipient is free to sell it for whatever he wants. No regrets allowed.

I try hard not to personalize a transaction nor commoditize a relationship.

Exactly. When someone tries to get an item for a lower price because it's needed for his collection, my thought is, okay, you're building a collection by buying things. So, why is that deserving of a discount from me?

If you're selling puppies, yes, you want them to go to good homes, and not end up in a laboratory to be experimented on. But collectibles - when you sell something, let it go.