Card Shows: Tech as a servant or master?

[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.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Leon

I guess with the newer stuff, if they are all 10s, then "comps" mean something.

Exactly. The shiny, sparkly new Gem Mint 10 as a pedestrian commodity, one example interchangeable from its counterparts. In this instance, they are comparable to auto parts or any other product offered in abundance.

With vintage, every card tells its own story. Yet another reason to love each of them!

[steve B]

I generally just buy if I like the item and price, and can afford it. I seldom try to talk someone down.

Those times though....
Flea market

Don't you want that card?
I do, just not at that price.
Ok, why?
Because I'm a cheap **** (He'd used that language earlier so it was ok)

After a good laugh we talked about collecting for a while, and he offered a decently lower price. I bought the card.

Some flea market guys were a bit pushy. And my standard reply was that I already had whatever they were pushing.
One day I casually mentioned that I was thinking of setting up to sell off some extras. That particular guy was a regular, and very pushy. He had me come to an out of the way part of his setup and handed me a couple boxes of Topps minis, the late 80's ones. They were new and selling pretty well.
Yeah, I don't really want these.
They're free, just don't come set up here for a couple weeks.

Ok then....

Whenever I was a bit broke and wanted cards, I'd just mention selling to him and took my bribe.

Perhaps not my finest moments, but he offered.

[obcbobd]

Originally Posted by steve B

I generally just buy if I like the item and price, and can afford it. I seldom try to talk someone down.

Those times though....
Flea market

Don't you want that card?
I do, just not at that price.
Ok, why?
Because I'm a cheap **** (He'd used that language earlier so it was ok)

After a good laugh we talked about collecting for a while, and he offered a decently lower price. I bought the card.

Some flea market guys were a bit pushy. And my standard reply was that I already had whatever they were pushing.
One day I casually mentioned that I was thinking of setting up to sell off some extras. That particular guy was a regular, and very pushy. He had me come to an out of the way part of his setup and handed me a couple boxes of Topps minis, the late 80's ones. They were new and selling pretty well.
Yeah, I don't really want these.
They're free, just don't come set up here for a couple weeks.

Ok then....

Whenever I was a bit broke and wanted cards, I'd just mention selling to him and took my bribe.

Perhaps not my finest moments, but he offered.

We must go to the same Flea Markets. Whenever I see a guy with waaay over priced cards and he asks me what I want, I ask "Do you have any E121s?".

If you ever do set up let us know!