Death of private sales for higher end cards?

Peter_Spaeth · #1 11-21-2022, 02:19 PM

In a world of so many record setting prices, I think many sellers are afraid to leave money on the table. Many of the pricier cards one sees on bst just came out of an auction and are marked up by a third, so no fear there.

raulus · #2 11-21-2022, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

In a world of so many record setting prices, I think many sellers are afraid to leave money on the table. Many of the pricier cards one sees on bst just came out of an auction and are marked up by a third, so no fear there.

Peter - do you feel like the action might shift once the auction market returns to some semblance of normalcy? Assuming it ever does?

Rhotchkiss · #3 11-21-2022, 02:41 PM

Based on personal experience, private sales/purchase for higher-end cards are very much alive and well.

JustinD · #4 11-22-2022, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Based on personal experience, private sales/purchase for higher-end cards are very much alive and well.

I should say so.

Peter_Spaeth · #5 11-21-2022, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raulus

Peter - do you feel like the action might shift once the auction market returns to some semblance of normalcy? Assuming it ever does?

I would hope so, I mean maybe as a consignor you're not giving up the full 20 percent to the house because you made a deal but you're sure giving up something that you would keep in a private deal. I can still see it on truly elite cards, but on cards that are essentially commodities, not sure it's the most profitable outcome most of the time for a seller. It just seems to be reflexive for a lot of guys.

G1911 · #6 11-21-2022, 02:30 PM

All my larger deals have been private sales, usually in network or via referral. I think it varies heavily by item, a common commodity card with a lot of value like a T206 Cobb or a Goudey Ruth or a 52 Mickey, auctions make a lot more sense for the seller because everyone wants those and you'll get many bidders anywhere. My larger buys are scarce and oft obscure cards from niche interests, boxing, non-sport, as well as baseball. Placing a value is difficult; auctions can go for triple what I'd expect or a 1/3 very easily with such a small buyer pool. On these items, the ones I personally spend the most on, it is often an item that is not really for sale in the first place, and an offer greater than the seller would expect to net from auction is what makes a deal of any kind possible. It seems like a win to me for both sides; I lock up a tough item I'm after without risking it going to an auction house I won't do business with or I'm acquiring a unique type item that isn't for sale any other way, the seller also locks in a good price for them and eliminates the risk the handful of buyers willing to go for it might not show up that day and doesn't have to share the pie with anyone else but Uncle Sam. It also makes larger lots easier to move; the risk factor being removed multiplies via private sale.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Disparity Gap Price Realized Between AH and Private Online/Show Sales	Johnny630	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	4	10-12-2021 01:29 PM
Ebay Sales Tax & Slabgate Affect Sales?	The Nasty Nati	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	12	06-19-2019 07:34 PM
Garage Sales , Estate Sales	YankeeCollector	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	43	09-18-2011 03:45 PM
The Death of Direct Sales	Archive	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	466	10-12-2008 11:19 PM
Updated Sales Page :: E-Cards // W-Cards // Rare Cards // & More	Archive	Pre-WWII cards (E, D, M, etc..) B/S/T	4	09-28-2006 12:23 AM