Card Shows: Tech as a servant or master?

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Old baseball cards are not auto parts. Comps are a useful piece of information, sure, but more relevant are how long a potential buyer has been looking and how much they're willing to pay. On the other end, the dealer has to think about how long it will take to replace that card and for how much. When the buyer and seller have the same idea as to the card's value at that moment, you'll have a deal, which might have little to do with previous "comps" in one direction or the other.

When I go to a show, I don't care what the dealer says or looks up or claims, only what the price is. I don't counter claim, or make a lower offer, just buy the card or not depending on how I feel at the moment or judge my ability to find a better copy sometime soon.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

When I go to a show, I don't care what the dealer says or looks up or claims, only what the price is. I don't counter claim, or make a lower offer, just buy the card or not depending on how I feel at the moment or judge my ability to find a better copy sometime soon.

Sure, except that you know there's somewhere between 10-20% off built into the sticker price of just about everything, but you have to ask for it, as in a simple, "what's the best you can do?" etc. On the flip side, dealers can respond to the refrain, "I can get this for so much at such and such," with "Why haven't you?" It's a bit of a dance, but like I said, we're not talking auto parts here, that's part of the fun.

[Topnotchsy]

I think some people are conflating looking up recent sales (knowing what copies have sold for in the past) with trying to leverage that information in a dishonest (or unreasonably fashion.

Some people might not be ok with the former for a range of reasons (such as the fact the person did not do the work in advance, the fact that you have to wait around while they look it up etc) while others have an issue with the latter (using only the lowest sales examples when buying and the highest when selling etc).

I generally don't mind waiting if something needs to be looked up (although if it is not a real priority I'm telling them not to bother and moving on).

The latter is my issue and that is the case whether they look up the info on the spot, or do so before the show.

In general as my collecting focus has gotten more niche (WWII baseball, Integration and lineup cards primarily), I find less and less relevant items at shows and that has driven down excitement for them.

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Sure, except that you know there's somewhere between 10-20% off built into the sticker price of just about everything, but you have to ask for it, as in a simple, "what's the best you can do?" etc. On the flip side, dealers can respond to the refrain, "I can get this for so much at such and such," with "Why haven't you?" It's a bit of a dance, but like I said, we're not talking auto parts here, that's part of the fun.

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

Same thing, really, and no confession necessary. It's another way of letting the dealer know you're serious and ready to buy if the price is right.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

It wouldn't bother me to hear this as a seller if I was someone who had no pricetags on my merchandise!

If the material was visibly priced, I might sing a different tune. Then, it may be more bothersome depending on which word was emphasized!

"How much would it cost me to own this card?"

Hmm. This guy sounds like he really wants the card. I'm listening...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, everything's already priced, as he can see...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, you.......$50 extra!

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

It wouldn't bother me to hear this as a seller if I was someone who had no pricetags on my merchandise!

If the material was visibly priced, I might sing a different tune. Then, it may be more bothersome depending on which word was emphasized!

"How much would it cost me to own this card?"

Hmm. This guy sounds like he really wants the card. I'm listening...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, everything's already priced, as he can see...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, you.......$50 extra!

I've been around the block a few times, and know full well that some dealers have a fixed price with absolutely no give. I never, ever try to haggle or work the price down. This was my original post. I hope that no dealer has ever had cause to "spit up in his drink" at anything I have ever said to him.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Keith,

My comment was not directed towards you or anyone at all. Only meant as a bit of humor. Forgive the confusion!

[Exhibitman]

I like the euphemisms and double-speak from people who are not comfortable bargaining. My pet peeve is: "What's the best you can do on this card?" My answer is "Well, more than I am asking." Another one I hear a lot at shows is: "Is there any flexibility?" --Yes, I am certain every card bends, but you can't try it until you buy it.

When I am buying, I ask a specific and explicit question:

"What is the absolute lowest price you will take for this?"

I get a surprisingly large number of laughs and double takes. People are not used to a direct question. What's really fun is when the response is too high and I hand the cards back. Many of the sellers offer an additional discount as I start to walk away.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

Oh man, a kid at a show where I had a booth was trying to sell me a card and asked me "what can I do to put you into this card today?" I nearly spit up my drink. No sale though; didn't need the card.

[sammythunder]

I think VCP is a resourceful tool, but not the only one that should be used. It's inevitable that dealers will try to maximize their ROI and sellers will try to get the most they can out of the card. I think it ultimately comes down to a compromise between the dealer and seller.

There are also external factors that go into it, such as whether or not that seller and dealer have done business before. That will certainly help shape things to go smoothly.

[Snowman]

Comps are an essential starting point for transacting in this hobby.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Snowman

Comps are an essential starting point for transacting in this hobby.

They are but too many people rely on them too much. I know we feel the same way about nicely centered cards and what premiums they bring. I just hear "comp" at shows so much it makes me sick. I guess with the newer stuff, if they are all 10s, then "comps" mean something.