Whats the point of the SMR?

[JoeyF]

Originally Posted by Cy2009

Joey,

Most people don't use VCP. The fact of the matter is that only a portion of the people on Net 54 use VCP. And the number of collectors here at Net 54 as compared with all the collectors is incredibly small. I know that we think that card collecting revolves around us. But most of our taste is so esoteric that it doesn't even scratch the surface of all card collectors.

Having said that, the vast majority of card collectors use an SMR rather than VCP and they gauge their prices accordingly. These collectors may not buy or sell at those prices. But they do compare those prices.

The next time you go to a card show, check out the number of dealers in 50's and 60's cards. Then check out the number of dealers selling shiny, new cards and unopened wax. Then check th enumber of vintage dealers. Once again, the vintage collector is in a great minority comparatively.

The other thing that may not be considered. A lot of cards are being sold off ebay. There are many dealers who make a very good living at card shows. These prices are never reflected in the VCP, but the dealers are making these sales and they realize what their market is. Hence, the SMR flourishes.

Plus, one extra note. I have found many errors in the VCP. There are many auctions that are not listed. Plus the way that the average price of the card is figured, amazes me, and I have a Masters + in mathematics.

You use whatever resources that you want to buy AND sell your cards. But more knowledge is always better than less.

Cy

thanks for the info cy. Your point is very interesting and makes alot of sense. I remember when i first started collecting and i was arguing with some other members about the validity of the smr and they all said that collectors go by the vcp and that the smr was a fluke. But what i was trying to explain was that if the vcp didnt exist collectors and sellers would need a general idea of what their cards were worth hence the smr. I guess its up to the buyer to decide what the card is worth to THEM not what some magazine says its worth.