Mike Wheat Futility

Rocco67

I read an earlier post about this dealer. I am glad to see other collectors who are aware of this dealer and several others who are overpriced, cheapskates, and based on in-person experience as dry and antiquated as an Old Judge card (No offense against the series).

I bought 4 T202 raw cards from Mike Wheat about a year and a half ago at the Philadelphia Ft. Washington show. I over payed and am accountable for that, although the cheapest one came back a 6 from PSA with none higher, so it wasn't all a big mistake. My issue with this type of dealer is not so much his prices...he can charge whatever he wants, as any of us can in a free market capitalistic society. The issue is that this guy has no sense of fun about him. I tried to ellicit a conversation with him on a T202 Ty Cobb I was looking at (also tried to get the price down 25% but he wouldn't move a penny, so he is probably still stuck with the card) and it was like talking to a zombie.

If you are going to sell Mercedes Benz's or Porsche's look and play the part. If you're going to sell expensive vintage baseball cards at least act like you believe in the product, share some knowledge, and have a desire to remain open minded to the changes in the industry.

I am glad to be a part of a new generation of collectors who are passionate about the hobby, aware of sales etiquette, and refuse to buy into the arrogant and boring vendors out there, and instead fully embrace the Internet and the powerful changes that PSA, SGC, and Beckett have brought into the industry. Thank God for professional grading companies, even if they do mess up sometimes.

Wabittwax

Yeah I hate going to the National or other big shows and trying to talk to big dealers who are arrogant and think there "you know what" doesn't stink just because they have expensive peices of cardboard in their display cases. Some of them have the personality of a cinder block.

Griffins

On the opposite side of the coin I went to the Hollywood Park show last nite and finally met Terry Knouse (Tik and Tik). I've always heard really good things about him, and it was an understatement. He had an incredible case of cards, with 19th Century stuff I've only read about, and was so engaging and knowledgable it was one of the most interesting conversations I've ever had at a show. Like a few other dealers (Wayne Varner, Bill McAvoy, Marty Pritchard and Paul Starx come to mind in the West Coast shows) he was a very personable guy with a lot of knowledge to share. If you have the opportunity to meet him it would be time well spent.

murcerfan

was your voice two octaves higher when you were done?

mrichards

Hi Guys,

It's easy to talk with most of the dealers when you are looking at a big dollar card. Sure, some of them are real idiots, but there are many great dealers. A dealer does not have to talk to you for 3 hours on a 1977 Topps Basketball card graded a PSA 8. If he did that, he would be on the losing end. Their business is making money in this Hobby. Having great conversations is a bonus. If they were all mutes, but I got 25% off everything I wanted, the conversation would not mean anything. If you are looking at several hundred or several thousand-dollar cards, yes you should get some enthusiasm from the dealer. I have dealt with Mike Wheat and purchased what I wanted with no conversations and was very happy with the cards. Other dealers like Levi; I like to go over to his booth at the shows, because I love talking with the guy and his partner (I think), Jim. Levi is a nut, but so are all of us for spending thousands on this stuff. The best dealers I have ever dealt with (in my opinion) at shows was Brian Drent, Bill Goodwin, Levi, Chris and we must not leave out Dave Forman/Craig. I have fun with them and they are the guys who make the most money in this business. That is probably why they are always in a great mood, fun to be around and talkative. As far as the arrogant dealers, those guys never last in the long run. This hobby exists and it great because of all of us. We make the hobby. The dealers and companies who sell this product market around us. You do not think this PSA Set Registry Forum was created just so we would have a place to go, did you? Do you know how much info dealers and PSA picks up off each of us to help enhance the hobby and make themselves more money on our likes and dislikes? That is called business.

Have a great weekend everyone,
Mike

gcalex

I strongly disagree, I have dealt with Mike Wheat over the years and found him always willing to chat about cards or the business, not to mention the fact that he is totally honest, stands behind his cards, and probably knows more about what cards are original and what cards are altered than everyone at PSA GAI and SGC combined.

LuxuryWines

I have dealt with Mike Wheat several times over the last year and have nothing but but good things to say about him .. He grades his raw cards accurately and if I have not been happy he has taken the item right back... I met MIke at the Ft washington show and yes he is reserved( quiet is the word I would use) But , I had a great chat with one of his staff memebers about Polo Grounds Game cards for over 45 minutes. As for his not budging on certain cards I think we are all that way sometimes..certain cards if I got a break on the buy side I am a little more lenient on the sell side... But certain cards I will not budge on because I overpaid for it or I know it is going to sell sooner or later.....