Is this argument bunk?

[Steve D]

I would say there is some merit to that argument, but not much.

If it were true, then why do PSA/SGC graded cards, with nice big, clear scans of both front and back, from known reputable sellers, still bring prices that are significantly below what B&M shop owners charge.

To me, the biggest reason for B&M shop owners charging "higher than ebay" prices, is the fact that they must be able to pay rent/utilities/employee salaries/etc for their shop. Ebay sellers don't need to do this, as for the most part, they're selling from their living room/den/mancave. So basically, ebay sellers have a huge built-in advantage.

Steve

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Steve D

I would say there is some merit to that argument, but not much.

If it were true, then why do PSA/SGC graded cards, with nice big, clear scans of both front and back, from known reputable sellers, still bring prices that are significantly below what B&M shop owners charge.

To me, the biggest reason for B&M shop owners charging "higher than ebay" prices, is the fact that they must be able to pay rent/utilities/employee salaries/etc for their shop. Ebay sellers don't need to do this, as for the most part, they're selling from their living room/den/mancave. So basically, ebay sellers have a huge built-in advantage.

Steve

I don't have an actual shop so I can't compare costs, but they don't have to deal with eBay and PayPal fees. If I buy a card on eBay and I'm not satisfied with it and my only option is to resell it, I have to try and flip it for enough of a profit just to cover the costs of selling it. Depending on the price of the card that can be pretty tough.

[Matt]

How do these store prices relate to most eBay BIN prices?

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Matt

How do these store prices relate to most eBay BIN prices?

Another good question would be how to eBay prices relate to auction house prices? If I'm going to buy a $10k card I'd probably feel a bit more comfortable buying it from REA or Goodwin than I would JoeBob123 on eBay (sorry if that's actually a real person ). I think the option of a return policy comes into play too. I might be willing to pay a bit more from a known seller that will allow me to return the card if I'm not happy as opposed to someone I've never dealt with that has an all sales final policy.

[Steve D]

Originally Posted by Doug

I don't have an actual shop so I can't compare costs, but they don't have to deal with eBay and PayPal fees. If I buy a card on eBay and I'm not satisfied with it and my only option is to resell it, I have to try and flip it for enough of a profit just to cover the costs of selling it. Depending on the price of the card that can be pretty tough.

That's very true Doug, but I can't imagine the ebay/paypal fees coming anywhere close to B&M rent/utilities/employee salaries/etc.....

Maybe they do, but I'd be shocked if they did.

Steve