State of the Hobby

[JasonL]

it would make sense that if multiple sellers with historically high prices are now trending towards making deals to move inventory, then we are only at the beginning of what may potentially turn into an extended buyer's market.

[glchen]

I don't know about 707 now being reasonable. I've made best offers too that were a little below average selling price (hoping that he would counter at average selling), but he never counter offered. Of course, his prices are twice what others sell at, so I think he still is very over-priced.

I think in general though (w/ my entire 2 months of collecting experience), the market is a little softer, so it's a buying opportunity. There are still certain cards and types that are hot, and still hard to buy at good prices, however.

[Leon]

I have known Levi several years and have not a bad word to say about him.

Maybe it's as simple as he wants to sell more cards so is accepting offers when previously he didn't?

I should also add that Levi and I have always gotten along very well.....I think he's a nice guy.

[FUBAR]

ok the state of the hobby truly has nothing to do with 707, poor guy. I think the state of the hobby, for dealers in general is tough. There is no such thing as paying "retail" anymore. Ebay/ the internet in general has done away with "retail" prices and i dont envy them with what they have to compete against. So if a guy is offering discounts, it is simply what the market is dictating. He hsa to pay the rent/mortgage/ mistress just like the rest of us!

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by FUBAR

He hsa to pay the rent/mortgage/ mistress just like the rest of us!

Speak for yourself; I don't pay rent...

I think we've been in a buyers' market for some time on most all common issues and if some of the stalwart "museum of overpriced card" owners on Ebay are starting to discount their exhibitions we may be in a period of deflating prices for a while on those issues.

I am being very, very patient about buying mainstream cards. If I don't see anything at my (lowball) price I don't bother. I've succeeded in picking up some cards I've always wanted to own (1952 T Robinson, 1957 Mantle, etc.) in presentable condition at very low prices. There are lots of them out there, you just have to be willing to stick to your price points and keep bidding. It's even better in the other sports. I snagged a nice 1959 Topps Jim Brown for $9.99 a few weeks ago.

[Jewish-collector]

I have known Levi since the early 1980's, when he worked in construction full-time and was a dealer part-time. Perhaps he's getting tired of the business and is thinking of getting out ? Maybe I'll ask him when I see him at the National in Baltimore.