That buyer's (kinda) remorse

[conor912]

That’s what grading (ethical/legal issues aside) was supposed to prevent, but the reality is that most flaws on a card can’t be seen well by a scan, slabbed or not.

This has happened to all of us, though I have had many instances where cards have been slightly nicer than I expected, as well. At the end of the day, if we relied solely on in-person buying these days none of us would ever finish any collecting project. So yes, we have to deal with some disappointment sometimes, but IMO it’s better than never finding it at all.

[brianp-beme]

Just hang onto the card long enough and even that less desirable flawed card will have some value. The below pictured Orange Border Lajoie card I got in a blind auction 20+ years ago came with no description of the staple holes, which are not readily noticed at first glance. I paid a decent amount at the time, and now it is worth a decent amount more, even with its fatal flaw.

The alternative story from my past is an E121 Ty Cobb described as VG that I bought (sans photos) for somewhere around $30 to $35. When it arrived it looked to me like Good at best. Out of principle I returned it.

Still don't have that E121 Cobb card, and the same card would probably cost me 10 to 15 times the amount now.

Brian

[todeen]

Originally Posted by brianp-beme

Just hang onto the card long enough and even that less desirable flawed card will have some value. The below pictured Orange Border Lajoie card I got in a blind auction 20+ years ago came with no description of the staple holes, which are not readily noticed at first glance. I paid a decent amount at the time, and now it is worth a decent amount more, even with its fatal flaw.

The alternative story from my past is an E121 Ty Cobb described as VG that I bought (sans photos) for somewhere around $30 to $35. When it arrived it looked to me like Good at best. Out of principle I returned it.

Still don't have that E121 Cobb card, and the same card would probably cost me 10 to 15 times the amount now.

Brian

+1

I bought a 1934 Butterfinger Premium Babe Ruth. It was in a funky holder in the picture. I paid $150. Couldn't see great detail the way it was shot. When it arrived it became obvious to me it was cracked out of a PSA holder because it was graded Authentic for an obvious trim job... that could have been paper loss in the top left corner. But it didn't affect the actual photo. I was regretting my decision. But then i thought, when will i get this again at this price, with such a frail card? So i kept it. I haven't seen a Butterfinger Ruth that cheap since in the quality condition i have. The remorse went away eventually.

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[jgannon]

Sometimes it's border line, but I say, if you're really not happy with your purchase, return it. I've done this with record albums and baseball cards. Then that money is free for you to re-order what you want in the condition you want it in, or to get something completely different that you'll also be happy with.

[conor912]

I think it totally depends on what it is. Is a replacement readily available? If yes, return it. Have you been looking for several years? If so, keep it and keep looking. If you find an upgrade, I’m sure someone will happily take the lower grade one off your hands.

I read on this board once: “I’d rather have a hole in my card than a hole in my binder”.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by conor912

I read on this board once: “I’d rather have a hole in my card than a hole in my binder”.

I agree...cards will possibly fall out and get lost or damaged if you have a hole in your binder.

Brian

[mintacular]

Some times you just have to ask for a partial refund and explain why. If you rcvd something not as described you should not be stuck with the cards at an unfair price