Are Any of These Cardboard Signs Legimate? Help, Please

ctownboy · #1 08-25-2012, 10:53 PM

Joe,

What you do is copy this thread and then take it to the manager or owner the next time the flea market is open. If the dealer is there with the same pieces at the same prices, you show him the copy of this thread.

That way they BOTH know that YOU know his pieces are fake and worthless. If the dealer doesn't remove the pieces or reduce the prices and list them as repros then you know the dealer is not to be trusted.

If the owner or manager doesn't make sure the dealer removes the pieces or sees that he marks them as repros then you know THEY are also not to be trusted.

In the early 1990's, I was at a flea market and there was a guy who was selling boxes of football cards for less than what you would expect them to sell for. I had some stuff (nothing great) that I was looking to sell or trade and he was VERY interested. He looked at my stuff and offered me a couple of these unopened boxes of football cards in trade.

Now, these football cards weren't that great BUT they at least gave me a chance to possibly get a rookie or insert card or whatever that MIGHT be something valuable that I could sell. So, I made the trade.

I took the boxes home and started opening the packs. Lo and behold, there were NO star players (or rookies or inserts) in these packs. Also, some of the packs didn't have as many cards in them as they were supposed to.

When I looked closer at these "unopened" packs, I saw that there was glue at the areas where they were originally sealed. Also, they smelled like model glue. So, I knew right then and there that the guy had opened these packs, took the good cards out and was selling them individually and then was pawning off the boxes of "unopened" packs (which were full of nothing but commons) for whatever he could get.

Even though it was a long drive back to the flea market, I went back the next day. I confronted the dealer and told him what I knew and that I was going to give him his boxes back and that I wanted my cards that I had traded him.

He denied doing anything wrong and said that he didn't have the cards I traded him. So I made a HUGE scene. I was yelling that this guy ripped me off and that you could still see and smell the glue on the packs that I hadn't opened.

The manager of the flea market (with security) came over to see what was going on. I explained the situation to him and he asked the dealer if this was true. The dealer himmed and hawed around. So, with that, the manager told him to pack up his stuff and get out. He then apologized to me and told me that that guy was not going to be allowed back at his flea market.

I don't know if that happened because I never went back to that flea market. But, at least, I caused a scene and that dealer was exposed as a scam artist and was booted out that day and lost whatever sales he might have had.

David

Joe Hunter · #2 08-26-2012, 11:46 AM

I think I will do that. The next market isn't until November, but I will take the thread with me. If he still has the fakes on his table I will check with the manager and let him know what is going on. I had a similar experience several years ago at an antique show where a dealer was selling obviously reproduced posters. I informed the dealer of this and also told the manager. Went back a few hours later and the posters were still there and at the same price.

murphusa · #3 08-26-2012, 01:09 PM

you guys are starting to sound like the autograph guys.

Why do you care? If the seller was selling them at $25.00 each would it be better? Would you care then? Are you afraid that the seller was taking advantage of would be buyers because they did not have the knowledge to know the items were reproductions?

I was at a flea market today. A dealer I knew was looking at an older bat that is worth about $200.

The seller wanted $30.00 for it, but the dealer was trying to get him down to $20.00. (sold at $25.00)

He was doing the same. Take advantage of a person who did not know what the item was.

But we would cheer the dealer in this case because we would say he got a great deal, "way to go" "like" etc if he posted his buy here.

ctownboy · #4 08-26-2012, 04:42 PM

murphusa,

I think apples and oranges.

If a seller is selling something and they don't know what it is then it is their fault for losing money by not researching it.

On the other hand, when a seller puts out a repro piece and either doesn't know it is a repro or knows but doesn't say, there is an inherent feeling that the piece is real (especially if it has a high price on it).

People going to a flea market might see these three pieces and think the guy found them in an old house or something.

If an older person (like my Mother) saw these, she might spend some money buying one knowing that I love old baseball items. Now think how she would feel if she gave it to me and I told her that it was fake and she wasted her money? She wouldn't feel that great AND it might cause her to NOT buy something she sees the next time (which actually could be real).

No, I have a REAL problem with dealers who sell fake stuff NO MATTER WHAT PRICE THEY ARE ASKING FOR IT!!

David

murphusa · #5 08-26-2012, 05:19 PM

You should also know what you are buying

When was the last time your mother got you something at a flea market for $250

Sorry but most of the time that I see threads like these I think the poster has already made the purchase and they want us to tell them, great find.

deebro041 · #6 08-26-2012, 06:53 PM

David and Jim, I understand where you are both coming from, and I can see value in what both you guys are saying. I would have to argue though Jim, how often can you educate yourself before you see an item you are not sure about? Going to a flea market or garage sale may only be a one day deal and it is impossible to foresee what you may encounter. One may not have time or access to research an item. Researching is possible for auctions when you preview it before the end.
I guess also the excitement of possibly finding something cool may consume one to want to purchase it before investigating.

murphusa · #7 08-26-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deebro041

David and Jim, I understand where you are both coming from, and I can see value in what both you guys are saying. I would have to argue though Jim, how often can you educate yourself before you see an item you are not sure about? Going to a flea market or garage sale may only be a one day deal and it is impossible to foresee what you may encounter. One may not have time or access to research an item. Researching is possible for auctions when you preview it before the end.
I guess also the excitement of possibly finding something cool may consume one to want to purchase it before investigating.

My Last word on the subject, if you do not know what an item is, can't tell if it is a fake or have questions, don't buy, live for another day.

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