What card would you arrange financing to buy?

[Exhibitman]

The truth is that any of us would go into debt to buy a card if the deal is right. I'd happily draw down a $100,000 HELOC to get a T206 Wagner because I could flip it for a large multiple. Now, if you qualify it with provisos like I cannot flip it or it has to be purchased "at market value" (whatever that is; a whole other debate), then the deal doesn't make sense and my answer is "no". I would only go into debt to make money.

[BobbyStrawberry]

None!

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The truth is that any of us would go into debt to buy a card if the deal is right. I'd happily draw down a $100,000 HELOC to get a T206 Wagner because I could flip it for a large multiple. Now, if you qualify it with provisos like I cannot flip it or it has to be purchased "at market value" (whatever that is; a whole other debate), then the deal doesn't make sense and my answer is "no". I would only go into debt to make money.

I could be wrong, but reading between the lines of the OP a little bit, I think the context/situation is one in which you've been jonesing for a card for a long time, and have a chance now to pick it up, but don't have the cash to make it happen.

Although not explicit in the OP, I (perhaps simplistically) assumed that we were talking about a market price, or at least something approximating market, maybe with a slight discount because we all love a good deal when we're buying.

Naturally, if you want to change the facts to an improbable/unlikely/fantasy situation, then the answer might change, depending on the precise opportunity that comes along.

[Dead-Ball-Hitter]

Originally Posted by raulus

I could be wrong, but reading between the lines of the OP a little bit, I think the context/situation is one in which you've been jonesing for a card for a long time, and have a chance now to pick it up, but don't have the cash to make it happen.

Although not explicit in the OP, I (perhaps simplistically) assumed that we were talking about a market price, or at least something approximating market, maybe with a slight discount because we all love a good deal when we're buying.

True, as the OP here, that's exactly what I was curious about. If there's something you couldn't generally afford without a loan/line of credit/other terms, would you make the stretch to get it, or be content without it for the present time?

To be honest, I have made a few purchases in the past without the funds available, feeling confident that I could either acquire the funds through sales or otherwise cover the amount in a month or two tops. However, now that I'm older, I'm far more risk averse... also, happy wife, happy life a consideration! I'm fortunate to say my PC is all mine, nothing to pay back to anyone. not so when I was younger...

[rjackson44]

What i dont have today i dont need tomorrow!

[raulus]

Reminds me of this sweet SNL skit from the financial crisis:

https://youtu.be/R3ZJKN_5M44

Because Hollywood is a paragon of financial restraint, natch…

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The truth is that any of us would go into debt to buy a card if the deal is right. I'd happily draw down a $100,000 HELOC to get a T206 Wagner because I could flip it for a large multiple. Now, if you qualify it with provisos like I cannot flip it or it has to be purchased "at market value" (whatever that is; a whole other debate), then the deal doesn't make sense and my answer is "no". I would only go into debt to make money.

Exactly!

What's the card, and what's the deal on it. A valuable card at a crazy price? Yes, I probably would.

Any card at full current retail? Nope.


I was discussing hobby stuff with another collector and we got to talking about some hobbies having things that might be "needed" especially for an exhibit, but that are well out of range in price. He said that going into debt for a collection separates a serious collector from an advanced collector. (Assuming a lack of extreme wealth, which some have had in any collecting field. )