Philosophical Trading Question

[whiteymet]

Originally Posted by vintagecpa

I know there are some common cards that are harder to find, despite the value assigned by a price guide. There is a good chance if it is a tougher card for you to find, the other collector might have had a tough time finding the card also.

Also, even though cards might appear to be of similar grade, different collectors weigh certain conditional defects different (centering, crease location, back damage, etc.). Most collectors would probably let you know why they want a premium for a certain card, but not all.

Hi Mike:

I agree with your points above, but in this case neither is true. I am still quite far away from completing my set and the card i wanted in trade is a true common. Since the other collector only has ONE card in the set it is not that he had a hard time finding THAT one card himself.

As for condition, although I saw his card and he never saw mine. The trade talks did not get that far. But, he still asked for the two HOFer's or one HOF and two commons for his one common.

Fred

[kmac32]

One time I had a card that a board member wanted but he only had some cards that were borderline as to if I wanted them. Ended up still trading the cards and my collection grew into my 1921/22 world series collection. Very glad I traded in the long haul. I always try to be fair in trades or sales.

Ken

[Gradedcardman]

The good thing is you just say no. Some people are programmed to analyze a situation and then decide whether to help or to try and take advantage of supply and demand. I have been in your situation before and just move on and remember !!

[mrmopar]

I don't know any of the members here, so I won't assume or imply that the person you describe is this way.

However it does sound a little like someone holding a card hostage for the sake of a lopsided deal in their favor. I think most player or set collectors have probably run into this at some point. You want a certain card of a certain player and inquire (showing your interest). Suddenly that player or particular card is the greatest, most hard to find gem in the world and you won't get it for less than 1 arm AND one leg!

I am not a set builder and have no real love for common cards in general, with one exception, if they are Dodger cards. In this scenario, I'd trade you a common for a HOF in a heartbeat, all other factors aside.

PM me what set you are talking about. Maybe I have a common you need!!