Dealer Pet Peeves or "Tricks"

[tschock]

Originally Posted by mintacular

2. Well "book price" is $200 so I will sell you this vg card for $50.

This one is the most pervasive. However to try and be fair, I think it is more of an accepted expression, even though still inaccurate, where "book price" really means "book price in NM condition". So if that VG '50s Whitey Ford says $200 'in the book', the "book price" is closer to $50 (give or take).

Many variations on this, such as "it's a $200 card but you can have it for $50". No, it's a $50 card because of the slight crease and rough corners but I can have it at the $50 book price. Or "the card books for $200", etc etc.

At times, it really annoys me because it is not precise, but most of the times this affects me like water on a duck, especially with dealers I work with on a regular basis because we both know what we mean. But when I run into dealers that annoy me and they use this expression, I enjoy 'politely' pointing out that the book value of your '50s Ford is NOT $200 but rather $50. And if I have some off condition cards with me, I offer to sell them at a "much better than 50% off rate" from the "book price".

On another note....

One that used to happen more frequently years ago than now. The dealer would use one book (say, a recent Beckett) as a reference when 'selling' a card but another (say, and older SCD guide) when offering to buy cards.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by tschock

One that used to happen more frequently years ago than now. The dealer would use one book (say, a recent Beckett) as a reference when 'selling' a card but another (say, and older SCD guide) when offering to buy cards.

I remember that trick very well. High book to sell and low book to buy.

[buymycards]

You can't believe the number of times that I have asked a dealer if they have any tobacco cards or pre-WW2 cards and they say "no". Then, when I am looking at the cards in their display case I find a couple of 33 Goudeys' or T206's.

Also, it never hurts to go through the dollar boxes or $5-$10 boxes. Sometimes there are some low grade pre-war cards.

[Exhibitman]

"Are you looking for anything specific?"

"No, just looking."

"Well, let me know if you need any help."

I must hear this or some close variant on it 50x a day at the National. I've always wanted to respond with: "No, I think I will just stand there with my thumb up my butt instead, waiting for a voice inside my head to answer my question."

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

"Are you looking for anything specific?"

"No, just looking."

"Well, let me know if you need any help."

I must hear this or some close variant on it 50x a day at the National. I've always wanted to respond with: "No, I think I will just stand there with my thumb up my butt instead, waiting for a voice inside my head to answer my question."

That's a little harsh - says a dealer who has definitely said this. It's just polite nothing, the little noises we make to help the world go 'round.

So my two responses in a row are on a similar issue. Let's have a look from the dealer's perspective. Do you know how many times I've asked someone if they're looking for something specific and they say "no" while standing in front of a showcase full of 60's and 70's rookies. Then they walk down my table and look into another case and say something like "Oh, you have 1948 Bowman Football? I need a ____________" There have also been times when I'm told "No, just looking" and something happens that starts a conversation and finally after we've talked he admits he's looking for VG 1953 Bowman Color commons and he has his list with him. So disingenuous noises happen on both sides of the table. I'm not a bitter person by nature, so I just chalk it up to life, the universe, and everything. But that may be the reason some dealers try harder to engage the people on the other side of the table.

[Johnny630]

I've learned two things from going to shows. Many, not all, buyers think they're going to try to be ripped off, which creates animosity and paranoia. Many dealers think buyers want to purchase their stuff for nothing badgering them with lower offers. Being knowledgeable on both sides is the key. If I don't like a price or what a person says I just smile and walk away, can't let it bother me.
The psychology of people Amazes me ! I wish more people could just have fun and stop worrying about money. Oh well it's still very fun :-) to me.