Beantown Find. the story...

[jbsports33]

Steve,

Hope you are having fun with all this trading and selling, nice to see some local finds. I had some similar finds myself in RI last year

Good Luck

Jimmy

[pgellis]

I guess I am the only one who thought that the way that these cards were sold was strange. One of the first lots was for a large group of Southern League cards that were offered on a Friday afternoon at 12:00noon and sold that same afternoon at 4:30.......put out there for 4.5 hours......then sold. I put in an offer just for 4 of the cards and never heard back.....not 1 word. Sold.....entire lot 4.5 hours later. I guarantee that my offer for just those 4 cards was probably a large percentage of what the entire lot sold for. Why only wait 4.5 hours before declaring a lot sold? Why not let others come home from work and "bid" on them? I don't get it.

Why not take bids? Why not take individual offers for each card to maximize the revenue for the owner? I know there are a lot of cards, but come on..........

I don't get it!

[ullmandds]

To me...based on the sheer # of cards seemingly coming from this sale...you'd expect to see some rarities...and while I haven't scrutinized all of the lots...I didn't really notice any? OTher than the unusual hand cut/blank back caramels?

[Gradedcardman]

My response to that is based on the volume on cards in the Beantown Find and the speed in which I am sure these folks may need these sold this is the best way to sell them. Selling off 2000 + cards individually would be nerve racking at best.

I commend Steve for agreeing to do this for the family as it is a tremendous task. All of the lots I read stated "lot only". I have not seen any group that said make individual cards offers. Is he missing out on some $$, maybe but the time value of money says turn and burn.

He can sell these anyway he pleases. His cards his rules.

[Gradedcardman]

The 205's had some but not the ultra rare. The 206's have had a couple of Brown Washingtons, I got one !! He's got more coming as well and I think some better ones may be coming.

[birdman42]

I'm waiting for the W555s I saw peeking out of the top of one of the early pics.

Bill

[sox1903wschamp]

Thanks for sharing the story Steve. Nice looking uncirculated cards that make me want to start a nice raw T-206 set. The Pro sure had a ton of T-206's. No Ramly's....darn it

[npa589]

Originally Posted by pgellis

I guess I am the only one who thought that the way that these cards were sold was strange. One of the first lots was for a large group of Southern League cards that were offered on a Friday afternoon at 12:00noon and sold that same afternoon at 4:30.......put out there for 4.5 hours......then sold. I put in an offer just for 4 of the cards and never heard back.....not 1 word. Sold.....entire lot 4.5 hours later. I guarantee that my offer for just those 4 cards was probably a large percentage of what the entire lot sold for. Why only wait 4.5 hours before declaring a lot sold? Why not let others come home from work and "bid" on them? I don't get it.

Why not take bids? Why not take individual offers for each card to maximize the revenue for the owner? I know there are a lot of cards, but come on..........

I don't get it!

Are these your cards? Are you selling them? Do know the exact details of the situation Steve is in, or the family in which he is selling for? Is this any of your business? If they need the money now, do you think it's okay to question the manner in which Steve is selling a group of BASEBALL cards?

Even though this hobby is important to us, they are still just old pieces of cardboard with lithographs on them. The fact that you were unable to get a certain group of cards should not motivate you to be upset with Steve for how the sales have been going on. Imagine having to ship 2000+ cards to an incredible amount of different addresses, or keeping track of all the payments from individual people, making sure that each card goes to the right place. You're asking for someone to commit to months and months if not a year of work, when this family could very well need the money before the month is out.

No hard feelings, just wanted to say something!


I thought Gradedcardman had a great response to what you said:

Originally Posted by Gradedcardman

My response to that is based on the volume on cards in the Beantown Find and the speed in which I am sure these folks may need these sold this is the best way to sell them. Selling off 2000 + cards individually would be nerve racking at best.

I commend Steve for agreeing to do this for the family as it is a tremendous task. All of the lots I read stated "lot only". I have not seen any group that said make individual cards offers. Is he missing out on some $$, maybe but the time value of money says turn and burn.

He can sell these anyway he pleases. His cards his rules.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by pgellis

I guess I am the only one who thought that the way that these cards were sold was strange. One of the first lots was for a large group of Southern League cards that were offered on a Friday afternoon at 12:00noon and sold that same afternoon at 4:30.......put out there for 4.5 hours......then sold. I put in an offer just for 4 of the cards and never heard back.....not 1 word. Sold.....entire lot 4.5 hours later. I guarantee that my offer for just those 4 cards was probably a large percentage of what the entire lot sold for. Why only wait 4.5 hours before declaring a lot sold? Why not let others come home from work and "bid" on them? I don't get it.

Why not take bids? Why not take individual offers for each card to maximize the revenue for the owner? I know there are a lot of cards, but come on..........

I don't get it!

Phil, you're not alone. While I have no issues with Steve not getting back to me on anything as it seems you do or did, he was more than nice to me on the one card I asked about thanks Steve.

I can't help but think that if this was to maximize the cash on these for the elderly lady's assisted living expenses that these could have been sold for more than what most likely is being achieved IMO.

While I like to think that this little community of ours is the end all be all of collecting world it is so far from that. There are plenty of folks who just never got a chance to toss money on the table on these as they just don’t pick our beloved BST at all. Actually mentioned this to a pretty significant collector who’s quote was really no “blank” never saw the stuff, never really check the BST not much on there in the past worth checking…

With Steve’s 15% juice it’s certain and safe to say that no real money has been saved either by avoiding auction houses??? If it was my collection for my granny and I was tossing 15% of the total away and letting someone buy or pick through the collection at his or her discretion at a discount.

I would want as many eyes and wallets seeing these cards as I could arrange…and I would also want to make sure that what was being purchased at a discount before hitting the block was not stuff that others should be bidding on or that could bring big bucks.

Just my armchair quarterback view…nothing more…

Cheers,

John

P.S. As for time consuming yes, but another good reason to let a professional auction house sell a collection of this caliber and size.

[Ladder7]

Update,

Reckon I should have been more responsive. I wrongly assumed if replies werent written, it was clear the request was unreasonable or offer had been topped.

The owners are extremely pleased with the results of their amateur seller. I was asked to move the product fast, and did/am. Certainly, could have done better. Then again, Im not Mr Mint, Mastro nor Tobey Cat.

Email requests; This sell-off is fast tracked and I have no time to search or cherry pick through the pile. It is a daunting and overwhelming task for a fat guy at a table with marginal vision and a weak bladder. On top of that, I work app 60+hrs/wk and have the typical life of a grampa. Incidentally, My Everything wants her kitchen back. For you single guys, the hollaring can be quite a motivator... She cares little, that I pulled a rare T or E card. Im sure many can relate.

Some of the items have been purchased in person (cash) and those we're likely some of the tough and higher quality examples.

To those I may have seemingly snubbed, i apologize for not replying to every note. Some questions were too involved and inquisitive. I tried to update those with fair offers. Incidentally, there are a couple that have shown disrespect in the past. Please, now is not the time to let bygones go. Especially the nut case that implied "something fishy is going on". Be aware, i will live quite comfortably to the end on my life savings and need not rip off an old lady.

Okay, enough drama... There is reportedly another trunk back in the house, containing cards. I will try to be a bit more communicative when that gets split up. No idea what it contains, til I get to it. - When this parcel is done and gone.

Again, I want to thank those who have purchased thusfar. The money was much needed and time critical.

Those awaiting shipments. All the packages are sealed and addressed, in case I suffer cardiac arrest. My Reason to Live, is instructed to get these to the PO asap and the checks to Mrs M.

*If you see a Lot you want, make a serious offer. Some of the competition has deep pockets and Im obligated to that fellow. Also, assume none have rare backs or will grade anything better that VG, as there isn't time to sort. Im at the lower quality stuff now, so part 1 of the find will be more affordable now.




Thanks for the support and valuable advice guys
Steve
fdnyladder7@comcast.net

[asphaltman]

I don't know that Steve could be doing anything much different than what he is doing. I think for the most part he has received pretty good money for the lots he has posted.

While we would all probably like to see nice front and back scans of everything this is just a massive collection and I don't even know if Steve is halfway through it yet.

And compared to the 43 card T206 lot in H&S that sold last night, I'd say Steve has done better on most his lots (at least based on knowing what I've bid on a few and didn't get).

Would the family have done better sending everything to an auction house? Probably. But, not knowing their situation....they may have not had months to wait on money. They were obviously comfortable with Steve, and felt good enough with the situation to give him discounts on a few things....good for both parties if they are happy.

I just hope when all is done the family is open to letting the former collector of these cards be known. I'd love to hear more about him...how he went about aquiring all the cards he has, especially how he acquired so many southern cards with the T209's, T210's and T211's if he was in the northeast.

[bigfish]

[QUOTE=asphaltman;882691]
I don't know that Steve could be doing anything much different than what he is doing. I think for the most part he has received pretty good money for the lots he has posted.

While we would all probably like to see nice front and back scans of everything this is just a massive collection and I don't even know if Steve is halfway through it yet.

And compared to the 43 card T206 lot in H&S that sold last night, I'd say Steve has done better on most his lots (at least based on knowing what I've bid on a few and didn't get).


Dave, I agree with you 100%. I have been outbid on several lots and they are selling for a fair/strong price based upon what I had bid and looking at an average price per card. It is a massive collection and there arent any psa 9's or ty cobb backs. Appears to be mid grade hofers and commons. I guess we should put ourselves in his shoes. 2500-3000 cards and the owner needs money pretty quick. Steve did a nice job getting the owner the money she needs and in a hurry. I am happy with the lot I bought and won't post a negative thing about Steve because he was alittle slow in getting back to me. I am sure he was blasted with e-mails and did the best he could. He is doing a good deed for someone in need and folks should remember that. I encourage folks who are happy with the lots to post. Steve doesn't deserve negative comments. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[Mikehealer]

I don't know Steve, never met or talked to him, just offered up on some of his lots, but from his posts in the past my perception is he is a stand up guy. I can't imagine the amount of emails he has been getting and I'm sure he doesn't reply to all. Some of my lowball offers have not gotten a reply nor should they have. But on some lots that I was more reasonable on he politely replied I was not high enough, bid more. He seems to be getting pretty good money on the lots I've bid on, and there is no buyers premium that I'm aware of which would definitely hurt the family's realized price on lots like this.

I think the family made a good choice, they got an honest person to help them sell of an old family collection in a very quick time frame and they seem to be happy with the results. I would say he has done what they asked him to do.

[3-2-count]

I to was winner of one of the lots and received them yesterday. I'm very happy with the cards and they're even in nicer shape than expected. I've also placed a few other strong bids on some of the other lots with no success which in my opinion have brought pretty aggressive prices thus far. Can't wait to see what's upcoming. Thank you Steve for a nice batch of raw cards.

[Leon]

I think Steve is doing a great job and a great service for this older lady. Anyone who doesn't think so can just move on.....see ya later!@!!

And Steve, the one deal we did.....perfect so far. You are my hero. And oh yeah, btw, from the several lots that I know of, and the prices ascertained, you are doing very well with them. You should sleep good at night.

[PEEK enterprises]

Steve - thank you. You have been more than professional and I could not be more pleased with the cards or the manner in which they are being sold.

[marcdelpercio]

Just wanted to add that I was lucky to win/buy one of the T205 lots. Cards were in my hands two days later and even nicer than described. I would echo the sentiment that these have apparently gone for some pretty strong prices. On several of the lots, I have put in what I thought was a competitive offer, only to be informed that it was already a thousand bucks higher. Steve has been very responsive to my e-mails despite I'm sure receiving tons of other messages.

My only suggestion would be to possibly update the high bid/offer on the listing and maybe list a final time cutoff that offers would be taken on the lot. That would be a quick and easy way to let people know exactly where the price was and avoid the time and hassle of replying to 20 e-mails with offers that have long since been surpassed. However Steve decides to do it though...great service and great cards so far. Best of luck to Steve and the family he's helping and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more stuff as it's listed.