A Player Passing Away & Selling Etiquette

[mintacular]

After some thinking, I'm going to wait a minimum of 30 days. I think that's a fair time period, if I lose a few bucks that's ok,--I think waiting some time shows some respect--I don't think profiteering is the way to go while the body is still warm, so to speak. Don't want the reputation of being a death merchant, JMO

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by mintacular

After some thinking, I'm going to wait a minimum of 30 days. I think that's a fair time period, if I lose a few bucks that's ok,--I think waiting some time shows some respect--I don't think profiteering is the way to go while the body is still warm, so to speak. Don't want the reputation of being a death merchant, JMO

I think the same way as you, it's profiting off of someone's death, but doing it while knowing that their passing is the reason you're getting the extra money. Instead of mourning the loss, you're thinking about how their death benefits you. I couldn't do that and I too am surprised at how nonchalant everyone is here about it, but to each his own. I'm not saying anyone is wrong, it's just not for me.

[Tyruscobb]

The fans, through their entertainment dollars, make these men multi-millionaires. I don’t think they give two $hi+s if those same fans make a few bucks, selling their baseball cards, when they die. I wouldn’t worry about it.

If they are looking down, they probably enjoy seeing their cards’ increased demand. This is a testament and tribute to their ball playing greatest. Their friends and family probably also enjoy seeing renewed interest in their lost loved one. Again, it’s a testament to them and their greatness.

You did not create the increased demand, but should increase the supply to ensure all these mens’ fans have the opportunity to pay tribute and remember these great men.

[drcy]

I fail to see how putting up an item of someone who has just died is unethical or unseemly.

I can see an argument if there is price gouging.

My opinion, of course, and, of course, if a seller chooses not to that it fine.

[Mark17]

I've been to see Bud Grant, who's in his 90s, to get some of my Metropolitan seats and seat parts autographed. I've visited him about 4 or 5 times. At one point, in the middle of signing about 50 seat backs, he paused and smiled and said, "I suppose these will go up in value after I die,"

I replied, "When you die, there will be a week or two when these things will really sell well. There will be lots of tributes to you here in Minnesota, and definitely a big spike in demand. And after that, demand will remain strong because you're an icon in this state, and in the Hall of Fame.

Then, trying to keep a straight face, I said, "So.... how you feeling?"

[todeen]

Originally Posted by z28jd

I think the same way as you, it's profiting off of someone's death, but doing it while knowing that their passing is the reason you're getting the extra money. Instead of mourning the loss, you're thinking about how their death benefits you. I couldn't do that and I too am surprised at how nonchalant everyone is here about it, but to each his own. I'm not saying anyone is wrong, it's just not for me.

You have to do what's right by you. You look in the mirror each morning and night, nobody else gets to see the reflection. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with your choice. However, 30 days is a long time to wait, although I'm not arguing with you. Death is not very respected in our culture. Individuals only get a MOMENT of silence, and then it returns to life as usual. I think even if you waited 7 days it would obviously set you apart from profiteers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[z28jd]

I wasn't actually talking about the specific amount of days, rather the idea of immediately profiting off of someone's death. I don't know that there is an ideal specific amount of time to wait, because the general idea would still be the same if you're just waiting out of respect, but still have the desire to make extra money. I also don't have a stock of items specifically to sell, so I'm not the best person to ask. If I ran a business buying/selling cards, then I'd put more thought into how long to wait.

I just know that I personally avoid the initial desire to capitalize on death. It's not my first thought or even a thought in most cases. I know that for certain now because I do have a large lot of Tom Seaver cards I bought about 15 years ago with the idea to resell in smaller lots/individually and until I read this post, it never even crossed my mind to sell them.

I used to see that a baseball player had died, then check Ebay for the vultures, but I haven't done that in many years because I realized that it just annoyed me every time.

As I said though, it's all personal opinion and just because I feel a certain way, it doesn't make it right.

Originally Posted by todeen

You have to do what's right by you. You look in the mirror each morning and night, nobody else gets to see the reflection. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with your choice. However, 30 days is a long time to wait, although I'm not arguing with you. Death is not very respected in our culture. Individuals only get a MOMENT of silence, and then it returns to life as usual. I think even if you waited 7 days it would obviously set you apart from profiteers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Case12]

Just be respectful about it.

[scmavl]

I am kind of surprised to see so many folks that are fairly unopinionated about this. I remember 2-3 years ago a player had died (honestly can't recall who) and the next day or so a member listed a few items of that player and was BLASTED for it. "Jeez, he's not even cold yet" type comments.

I understand if all of a sudden someone was asking $1500 for a signed cut of Lou Brock the day after he died, but if asking fairly reasonable prices just sell when you can sell.

[drcy]

Baseball card collecting is mentioned nowhere in the Bibles, so you're all going to Hell anyway.