Condition, Condition, Rarity, Rarity

[Matthew H]

Jim's post is right on the money. When prices started to inflate, dealers made inflated profits from their inventory. I seriously doubt they continued to sell at lower prices because they bought their inventory when prices were lower. Now there is an adjustment, that "extra" profit has to come from somewhere. If you purchased cards only when prices were inflated, sorry about your luck, that money is coming from you.

If you decide to sit on the cards, put them back in your personal collection and enjoy them that way. It may be a long time before the upturn your waiting for comes along. Just like how it may be a long time before the average two bedroom one bath condo in Los Angeles sells for 850K again.

[Exhibitman]

Pretty accurate statements, folks. I'd add IMO that overall rarity has been the key factor in holding value, much more than condition. If you stocked up on rare cards before the crash-stuff you just don't see regardless of condition--you will be pleasantly surprised if you sell them now. If you loaded up on the flavor of the month mainstream cards, you are going to take a hit selling them now. If you fall into the latter category and are treating your selling as a business, you might consider liquidating the biggest loss items before year end to net the losses against your taxable gains for the year. Might help cushion the blow of the loss some to know that the tax man is your partner in it.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

Jim's post is right on the money. When prices started to inflate, dealers made inflated profits from their inventory. I seriously doubt they continued to sell at lower prices because they bought their inventory when prices were lower. Now there is an adjustment, that "extra" profit has to come from somewhere. If you purchased cards only when prices were inflated, sorry about your luck, that money is coming from you.

If you decide to sit on the cards, put them back in your personal collection and enjoy them that way. It may be a long time before the upturn your waiting for comes along. Just like how it may be a long time before the average two bedroom one bath condo in Los Angeles sells for 850K again.

I agree with Jim and Matt. Well said.