Why do the big dealers only post buy ads?

spazzy

I always see that dealers have big buy prices for wax boxes in ads such as scd and tuff stuff. They tell you that they made million dollar buys but never seem to show what they have for sale in these same ads. Sure, you can go on their wed site to find it but why not post a full page ad of their top stuff thay picked up in the ad? Are they not successful ads? I would think if they are targeting buying from the public that they could sell to the public? Years ago I could not wait to see bbckids 2 page ads in scd or tuff stuff.

duner

I would think posting sell ads in a magazine would be financial suicide. When's the last time you saw a dealer with reasonable prices? Sure some will negotiate prices, but the typical business model is to advertise extremely high prices on their website and go fishing....if the particular card sits in their inventory too long they'll just put it on ebay, and if it's something really nice they'll put it in a major auction. That model is so established that if a dealer actually started advertising reasonable prices....another dealer would likely buy their entire inventory and then try and flip it.

5STAT

the other major problem with big print ads in lead time.
From the time you have to get the print into the paper or magazine that is going to run it....prices will fluctuate in the market...

Alot of the time it's 2 weeks to a month from the time you submit the ad, until it actually runs.

So you can list stuff that goes up...and when everyone calls you to buy it...you don't want to sell anymore..as the market had changed.
OR the prices go down...and you look like a gouger...

Unless you selling strictly singles...sets and supplies...an ad isn't the way to go.

Wizardsguildcards

I think alot of them also follow the school that you make your money when you buy the item not when you sell it. Which makes alot of sense if you think about it.

I agree though prices can fluctuate rapidly in certain collectibles and the lead times could hamper these ads.

People in general also tend to notice ads that refer to buying over selling which is why they stand out to you more.

zef204

It's like scalpers at the ballgame that are saying, "Anyone got tickets?"