Board's opinion on BST behavior

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Posted By: barrysloate

I've actually had numerous discussions on this topic with both Leon and Brian McQueen, both who have encouraged me to sell as much material as I want on BST. While I do occasionally offer cards there, here is what made me a little uncomfortable. I sell baseball cards for a living, and all businesses need to incur some expenses along the way. Advertising is a good part of that expense, whether it is an ad in SCD, an auction catalog that has to be printed and mailed, a table at a show, or even a commission paid to an auction house if an item is consigned. What separates BST from all other venues is that it is a free lunch. Therefore, I told Leon that although I am happy to post on BST judiciously, at some point I begin to feel like a freeloader. Maybe I am too sensitive but I think there is a difference between a collector selling or trading some dupes and someone running a free business off the site. All the other issues, such as high markups, etc., don't really bother me because if you ask too much for something it won't sell; and if you buy something for a $1 and list it for $2 and someone takes it, that's pefectly legit. It's just the recognition that at some point a seller may be taking advantage of a free marketplace. I know Leon disagrees, but I do accept his position, too.