SMR vs. VCP

[HRBAKER]

Hi David,
Good question. I have to assume that circulation numbers for the SMR are large enough for most of them to see it as cost effective. I have no doubt that many people pick up and look at and read a SMR. I am not sure however how many of those folks give the pricing any creedence at all (i.e., see it as a starting point to negotiate down from).

And David, I could be wrong.

I also think that Barry hit the nail on the head for the differences in the prices btw the two, one is based of verifiable results and the other on ?????
I see it like this; VCP is like the stock page in the WSJ and the SMR is more like Pravda.

[barrysloate]

Doesn't everybody who becomes a member of PSA, and I believe that is a requirement to have cards graded by them, automatically get a subscription to SMR? As such, it has a very wide readership. It would make perfect sense for dealers and auction houses to advertise there, especially those that typically handle a lot of PSA graded cards. There are also some articles, albeit not always that interesting, as well as the price guide. The fact that it is not accurate, well that's another story. But I bet a ton of collectors read it, thus making it a great place to advertise.

And David, I think you have one thing backwards: I wouldn't be asking why VCP prices are lower than SMR's, but why SMR's are higher than VCP's. VCP has no control over what they publish. If a thousand dollar card sells for fifty bucks, that's what they are obligated to publish. It's SMR that makes the determination regarding what price to post.

[toppcat]

I find VCP to be quite useful and it has paid for itself every year I have had it and then some. It's not perfect but it's got a ton of information and also a lot of images. I use it for any number of purposes, not just buying and selling but if you use the site on a regular basis you will save money on your purchases.

[smotan_02]

I wish VCP had an iPhone app for when I visit shows. I love the info, just too hard to search the main site on my phone.

[BobbyVCP]

Originally Posted by smotan_02

I wish VCP had an iPhone app for when I visit shows. I love the info, just too hard to search the main site on my phone.

We have been working on one since last December and just working out the bugs now. Hope to have it live soon.

[smotan_02]

Originally Posted by bobbyvcp

we have been working on one since last december and just working out the bugs now. Hope to have it live soon.

perfect!!!