under pricing

[supermegadork]

here is my point about this topic. I do not think ebay has destroyed the hobby, I think it has helped it. When I was a kid I alwas wanted to bust packs. It was very fun and addicting to me. I would go through my collection and sell stuff that I could get money for so I could buy more packs. I would get about 25-50% of the book value, then the card shop owner would charge me full book price for what I wanted. At least now, if I am going to sell something to buy what I want, I have an outlet so I can find it for less than what a dealer would make me pay.

I usually only go to card shops so I can see what sets are nice, then I search out the cards on the bay. Ever now and again I buy from a local guy at a card show, but he charges 25% of book value on a lot of stuff, so it compares to ebay prices.

I also will rarely buy packs because if I got a $100 card of someone I did not like, I would have to try to trade it. From what I have found, it is very difficult to trade higher value cards because finding someone with something you want in the same value range is near impossible. So, I might as well bu what I want up front instead of trying to go through the hassle of finding someone that wants what I have, and then they offer junk in return.

One last comment. Csanders, I think you are fooling yourself thinking that your card is going to go up when Sosa retires. Sure, maybe the player is no longer playing, but look at the Donruss Classics sets. They are still producing cards of retired and deceased players. Cards of the best players are still selling well, but not nescessarily doing any better than what they were when they were playing. And in fact, most players see reduced interest when they retire, so selling values are decreasing. My advice to you, if you want to make any money on the card, wait for a big game for him, and sell after that.

[csanders9520]

I see your point as well super.....but Sosa is an excellent player.... I know he is in a slump right now, but if the cubs go to playoffs....maybe even the series....then it's value will rocket (if sosa does well) ....then again, they could not make the playoffs and the card plummett....so for my sake, SAMMY PLEASE START SMACKIN SOME FRICKIN HOMERS!!!!!!

[vikingsilver]

Here's a tip iof you're only trying to make money. Sell all your cards and invest in the stock market.

[Chris]

Originally posted by csanders9520
I agree with alot of your points Rima....but if noone is going by the price guides, then why do they make them??

The same reason they sell $4-$100 packs of cards, because there are people out there buying them.