Hobby through 2014 so far

Hankphenom · #1 05-20-2014, 11:01 AM

I think it's been long enough now (a year or so) for me to say that eBay is a shadow of its former self when it comes to old stuff. I've never done much with cards, but for memorabilia, it seems to have pretty much died. There used to be a steady stream of nice stuff, and even just bottom feeding could get you some great deals on old and fairly rare pieces. Now I see them occasionally, but it's a trickle, nothing like it was. Anybody else see it that way, and if so, what's the explanation? Is "America's Yard Sale" running dry?

jbsports33 · #2 05-20-2014, 11:23 AM

I have seen the same thing on eBay and at shows that memorabilia has been falling off the cliff - I tend to just buy what I like and focus on cards for now, but when I see a nice baseball, bat or glove and maybe colorful paper items I tend to still buy it. There is no question I am not focused on memorabilia like I was a few years back when items got strong prices. Rare items still can, but that type of stuff is hard to replace and there is much more cards to buy and sell. I am sure at some point memorabilia will get back on track, which is why I still keep looking.

Jimmy

glynparson · #3 05-20-2014, 03:43 PM

I would've been able to find low grade goudey ruths for $400-$450 a year to two years ago. i would've bought everyone I saw.

bbcard1 · #4 05-20-2014, 04:05 PM

In late 2013 I finished piecing together a lower grade DeLong set for much less than I would have thought possible. Buys have seemed few and far in between since. I have putzed around with a couple of 50s and 60s Topps sets, of which there seems to be a virtually unlimited number of cards, it just takes patience to get them at the right price.

kamikidEFFL · #5 05-20-2014, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbsports33

I have seen the same thing on eBay and at shows that memorabilia has been falling off the cliff - I tend to just buy what I like and focus on cards for now, but when I see a nice baseball, bat or glove and maybe colorful paper items I tend to still buy it. There is no question I am not focused on memorabilia like I was a few years back when items got strong prices. Rare items still can, but that type of stuff is hard to replace and there is much more cards to buy and sell. I am sure at some point memorabilia will get back on track, which is why I still keep looking.

Jimmy

I agree even at auction houses it seems like the memorabilia stuff is not bringing nearly what it should. Is it because there is a ton of autograph stuff out there now. The new hobby is all auto/jerseys/helmets etc rookie cards. If you have a base rookie card it isn't worth the paper it was printed on. Anyway, I am just glad my goudey stuff is going for crazy stupid money.

Exhibitman · #6 05-20-2014, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I think it's been long enough now (a year or so) for me to say that eBay is a shadow of its former self when it comes to old stuff. I've never done much with cards, but for memorabilia, it seems to have pretty much died. There used to be a steady stream of nice stuff, and even just bottom feeding could get you some great deals on old and fairly rare pieces. Now I see them occasionally, but it's a trickle, nothing like it was. Anybody else see it that way, and if so, what's the explanation? Is "America's Yard Sale" running dry?

Every time those idiots change their focus and alter what non-store sellers can do it drives away more weekend warrior type sellers. Why should I bother with eBay's latest whim and caprice--and pay 13% of the total including on the shipping--when I can consign to an auctioneer who will do all the work for as low as 15% BP and no commission, with no cost to list? I used to sell 95% on eBay 5% on auction houses; the ratio is now around 75% auctioneer 25% eBay and will get even more lopsided now that eBay is mandating auctions only for non-store sellers if a listing fee is to be avoided.

jerrys · #7 05-23-2014, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Every time those idiots change their focus and alter what non-store sellers can do it drives away more weekend warrior type sellers. Why should I bother with eBay's latest whim and caprice--and pay 13% of the total including on the shipping--when I can consign to an auctioneer who will do all the work for as low as 15% BP and no commission, with no cost to list? I used to sell 95% on eBay 5% on auction houses; the ratio is now around 75% auctioneer 25% eBay and will get even more lopsided now that eBay is mandating auctions only for non-store sellers if a listing fee is to be avoided.

Adam - your evaluation of the difference between consigning and ebay is valid but the fact ebay likely has the greater number of potential bidders perhaps should be considered.

Exhibitman · #8 05-23-2014, 07:59 AM

I have considered it, Jerry. For mainstream baseball items it doesn't matter. A good AH reaches enough baseball collectors to make it worthwhile. eBay has a ton of bidders but also has a ton of bidders who are bottom feeders. My experience has been that you either start with a very high opening bid or you take a hit unless you shill your own items, which I won't do.

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