So, let's say eBay is gone....

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Posted By: Mike C

1) Another online auction place takes it throne?
My answer - I wouldn't count Ebay out just yet. It wouldn't be hard for them to switch back to what made them famous. Plus, they still have a ton of cash and they really never marketed themselves. A few "sell your junk" tv ads and they might be able to get new customers or returned old ones. "The new Ebay is the old Ebay" ad campaign would work wonders.


2) Vintage collectors flock to online auction houses such as Heritage, Mastro, REA, etc. and these sites become even more competitive?

No. I think the vintage people are already there. I think the collectors are there also. Plus the "common" stuff isn't sold there. Want a Ruth signed bat, go there. Want a SGC 30 T206, out of luck. These houses will never get the "common person" that Ebay got.

3) Not that I really care, but what happens to those who collect the 1990s and 2000s stuff? Other online venues available?
No. No market so these cards will slowly die out. Except Hall of Famer rookies cards in NM-MT condition.


4) We flood the BSTs with crazy "deals"?
Yes. That is the market now. People are looking to sell for cash. It is a great buy time. I have purchased some items for hundreds less than I thought they would be. (I just bought a 33 Gehrig and T206 Cobb for near steal prices, low grade but that is where the market will head).


5) Do prices take a serious hit?
Yes and no. Hard to find and big name cards will continue to sell. There will always be a demand for Cobb, Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, Koufax rookies or high grade material. Mid-level & commons (low to mid grade) will drop but steady out. Low grade of the big names will always sell.

What do you think?
For the person who thinks cards are an investment, they are poop out of luck right now. For the person looking at high end or hard to find items; the market will always be strong. Something will take the place of Ebay, or it will rise from the ashes.

The business model might change a little; I think the key will be getting the volume & quality items. Remember, the first Ebay auction was for a broken laser pointer - who knows what the future holds but something will happen.