<< <i>I think most people, including myself, would attempt to buy the cards from "Mr. I Foundit Intheattic" as inexpensively as possible. However, in my opinion there is a big difference between this scenario and someone who decides to attempt to do this every day for a living, if not a good living. Someone has to have a weasel type personality to want to do this full time. >>
Ya fell in that one hook - line - and sinker!
I'll use the same exact ethical reasoning...
"I only killed one person..."
"It's not like I'm Tony Soprano who kills for a living?"
>>
This is kind of a silly scenerio. Let's say you're walking through the park when you happen across a group of kids who have a kite stuck in a tree. Further, assume you're tall enough to get the kite down with minimal difficulty. Is it 'immoral' not to help? Most people would say no, it's not immoral, but it would be a nice thing to do. And, perhaps further, while you aren't morally obligated to assist you're kind of a sleaze if you don't.
Ditto for this time honored scenerio involving the guy with the box of priceless baseball cards. If he wants $30 for it, and you give him $30 for it, then you're both happy with the transaction. It's a little sleazy not to let him know exactly what he has, but there's a big gulf between what's sleazy and what's unscrupulous. >>
Boo
Maybe in 20 or 30 yrs I'll be as smart as you?
But, you're overthinking this IMO.
The average basic thinkin' guy knows where I'm coming from.
Steve you need to lighten up my friend. What are you Levi's brother or something? What the F* do you care about super rich weasel Levi? Relax and enjoy the forum - you're gonna give yourself a heart attack.
I'm just having some fun taking some shots at a super rich guy who everybody knows basically sells overpriced baseball cards - and enjoys weaseling his way through buying and selling transactions...not that there's anything wrong with that but you know that's the truth...that's his business model which is straight out of the handbook "Weasel Incorporated"
Stevek, as you post, you sound more and more jealous every word you type.
www.sportsnutcards.com Specializing in Certified Autograph Cards, Rookies, Rare Inserts and other quality modern cards! Over 8000 Cards in stock now! Come visit our physical store located at 1210 Main St. Belmar ,NJ
first off I'm not going to have a heat attack, secondly you should go back and read what you have said.
FWIW I consider myself a dealer and when you say dealers are weasels i take a lil offense to it.
Yes, I had a storefront and bought from the public but I never got over on people like you claim. I always tried to be fair. Something that you yourself claimed earlier that you would not do.
lastly i have many friends here that are dealers too and when you say 'most if not all' or whatever it was that you said it .............nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head.
Sounds like Stevek perceives dealers almost like he perceives bookies!
I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
not really a bad idea.. you just put it under a dollar bill and crush it with a lighter.. >>
Nah, I'll just stick with pop and swallow.
Edited to add...
Upon further review, I probably should have worded that differently
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
A drug user can never be a drug dealer because he'd smoke his whole inventory, just as a card dealer can't be a collector because he will never want to part with any of his inventory. Levi is a card collector, look at the 707 set registry, I just don't think he can stand to move inventory. Don't know if this makes him smart or dumb but don't try to get him to cut a deal-- too much sentimentality.
#LetsGoSwitzerlandThe Man Who Does Not Read Has No Advantage Over the Man Who Cannot Read. The biggest obstacle to progress is a habit of “buying what we want and begging for what we need.”You get the Freedom you fight for and get the Oppression you deserve.
<< <i>stevek- what is your definition of a weasel? i would venture to guess that it could be attributed to any business owner, no matter what the industry. >>
<< <i>straight out of the handbook "Weasel Incorporated
One that you seemed to go by yourself.
first off I'm not going to have a heat attack, secondly you should go back and read what you have said.
FWIW I consider myself a dealer and when you say dealers are weasels i take a lil offense to it.
Yes, I had a storefront and bought from the public but I never got over on people like you claim. I always tried to be fair. Something that you yourself claimed earlier that you would not do.
lastly i have many friends here that are dealers too and when you say 'most if not all' or whatever it was that you said it .............nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head.
Steve >>
Steve - you know I've got no problems with you whatsoever and usually like and respect what you say. Frankly, if a card dealer can't handle being called a silly little name like a weasel, maybe they shouldn't be in a business in which it's possible that you need to be a weasel to survive.
<<< nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head. >>>
Nope, totally incorrect - the "above poster" isn't even close! I couldn't care less how much money Levi has or how many baseball cards he owns.
Frankly Steve, my "anger" for card shop owners is deep rooted - Too many of them ripoff kids and you know that is a fact. If they ripoff adults, that's another story, but ripping off vulnerable children happens too often and I personally know a number of people and their children this has happened to in card shops in the Philly area. And I don't care what the F*ing amount of money was - I've heard some people basically say "well it was only for five or ten bucks, and the kid learned a lesson, so what?" Anyone wanna rip off a kid, then they're gonna feel my wrath - it's that simple! So there you have it.
As for Jerry Grote's comment - I know it was sort of tongue-in-cheek but comparing bookies and card dealers - not even in the same ballpark and I know he knows that. Bookies, especially internet bookies, prey on underage kids - that is a fact. A bookie will take money from anybody - age doesn't matter.
"I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
<< <i>"I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
I don't know if it's ill will so much as it is a sense of bewilderment surrounding his business model. Many people-- and I count myself in this camp-- get confused and irritated when somebody behaves in way that they believe is irrational. As I pointed out in the other thread, refusing to take 120% of market price on a fairly heavily traded card because you hope to get 150%-200% of the market price for it later is tantamount to passing up 20$ that's laying on the ground with the hopes of getting 50$ later even when taking the $20 now wouldn't preclude you from taking the $50 in the future. Levi has every right to run his business any way he sees fit. I certainly don't begrudge him that, and I don't think many on these boards do either. But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him).
<< <i>SteveK you have twisted your replies more times then I can count.
Now its they rip of children.......................cmon, let it go. You look more foolish with every reply.
Steve >>
I'm beginning to understand how you and Axtell constantly bickered and hurled insults at each other for no apparent reason. You're not sucking me in with that crap Steve. I made my point and I'm done with you. You'll just have to wait until Axtell comes back with another alt-ID. LOL
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 (2003). My son was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was 17 on December 31, 2009. We were stunned that another child of ours had been diagnosed. Please, if you don't have a favorite charity, consider giving to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
"But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). "
/////////////////////////////////////////
I am pretty sure that he - and alot of his customers - have become convinced that his good-level of service is worth paying extra for.
He answers Qs at shows and on the phone. His satisfaction guarantee is about as good as any. And, he usually has what his customers are looking for; and, he can deliver it NOW.
I guess lots of folks are simply willing to pay more for a smooth ride.
Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
<< <i>"I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
I don't know if it's ill will so much as it is a sense of bewilderment surrounding his business model. Many people-- and I count myself in this camp-- get confused and irritated when somebody behaves in way that they believe is irrational. As I pointed out in the other thread, refusing to take 120% of market price on a fairly heavily traded card because you hope to get 150%-200% of the market price for it later is tantamount to passing up 20$ that's laying on the ground with the hopes of getting 50$ later even when taking the $20 now wouldn't preclude you from taking the $50 in the future. Levi has every right to run his business any way he sees fit. I certainly don't begrudge him that, and I don't think many on these boards do either. But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). >>
Completely agree! I don't begrudge Levi anything - he is what he is. And card shop owners are what they are. My view is understanding from the start that the vast majority of card shop owners are weasels, helps us as collectors to better deal with them - and not get ripped off by them - and not let our children get cheated by them.
Caveat emptor, buyer beware, is very appropriate when walking into a card shop. If any baseball card shop owners here don't like me saying that, then tough chit. I'm here to talk with and learn from fellow collectors who enjoy buying and trading cards and perhaps do some part time selling on ebay and make a few bucks. I sell a bit on ebay myself but don't at all consider myself a card dealer. If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel.
"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that.
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
- >>
And some card shop owners who are super-weasels...doctored and trimmed cards are their specialty.
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
- >>
And some card shop owners who are super-weasels...doctored and trimmed cards are their specialty.
- >>
And if anyone here can't understand how offering a trimmed card as "mint" to a child or adult who "trusts" the dealer since he has a brick & mortar store and figures he's reputable...if you don't see that as being a weasel then that's your prerogative.
Stevek you have any data to support your outrageous claims?
No, I guess you don't. You are looking more and more like Axtell with every post you make.
You are beginning , no make that you are looking very foolish with all these off the wall claims.
You say 'most' yet you are only speaking opinion yet you tout it as fact.
fact is you are WRONG. IMO, Most card shop owners are hardworking guys that love the hobby and help children when ever they can. I mean cmon do you really believe that they rip off children? or is that just the latest in a long line of lame reasons that you have spewed here?
lastly, many of the store owners were collectors that, after they accumalted all the 80's crap opened stores. Guys like you that would, (in your own words) try and get cards from lil old ladies for as cheaply as possible. I gues you feel you have scruples as you make the inference that you would not rip off children, so we hope anyway. And then you claim they are trimmers and doctors, i would think more collectors practice that then card store owners.
Your claims are baseless, your so called proof is invalid at best.
Move on to some other topic, please, as you have no credibilty on this matter.
I owuld much rather skip over Levi's honest listings, than have to open every silly listing by mwcards or michaelpohler. Both of which have a "haha! Made you look" trype listing format where cards are completely overgraded raw and most terribly off centered not mentioned in the title. I will take Levi's straight up listings ALL DAY over these 2 guys. Anyone remember a few months ago when mwcards listing about 600 Turkey Red reprints without stating it in the title? his auctions had THOUSANDS of hits, and it was just a waste of EVERONE"S time considering NONE sold! I know I am the first one to admit I like to start the Levi threads about his crazy prices, but I would NEVER attack the guys character for doing so. Seems a little like jealousy to me. I gotta say I would love to have a showcase full of Mantles, and for the right price I could. other than buying Levi's inventory, I would probably have to scour the earth to find 30 52 Mantles in any grade. I guess you pay for the convenience of having something NOW, which unfortunatly is the common theme in America.
<< <i>Stevek you have any data to support your outrageous claims?
No, I guess you don't. You are looking more and more like Axtell with every post you make.
You are beginning , no make that you are looking very foolish with all these off the wall claims.
You say 'most' yet you are only speaking opinion yet you tout it as fact.
fact is you are WRONG. IMO, Most card shop owners are hardworking guys that love the hobby and help children when ever they can. I mean cmon do you really believe that they rip off children? or is that just the latest in a long line of lame reasons that you have spewed here?
lastly, many of the store owners were collectors that, after they accumalted all the 80's crap opened stores. Guys like you that would, (in your own words) try and get cards from lil old ladies for as cheaply as possible. I gues you feel you have scruples as you make the inference that you would not rip off children, so we hope anyway. And then you claim they are trimmers and doctors, i would think more collectors practice that then card store owners.
Your claims are baseless, your so called proof is invalid at best.
Move on to some other topic, please, as you have no credibilty on this matter.
Steve >>
I've been in a lot of card shops Steve, A LOT, well over 100 at least over the years, and you know I'm speaking the truth. "Everyone" who has been in most card shops has seen the raw 60's Mantle card which would grade a PSA 3, rated as excellent condition by the weasels. And EXMT type cards get rated at near mint or mint by the weasels. I've seen too often in card shops obviously doctored cards being sold without any stipulations of what these cards really are - and that is near worthless.
I think you collect coins as well. When I was a kid, I bought a supposedly proof early 50's quarter from a supposedly reputable coin dealer on Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, and didn't realize until years later it was actally an early strike BU coin - you should know what I'm referring to. I don't forget chit like that Steve, and I've heard many similar stories about card and coin dealers ripping off kids.
I have no idea what your agenda is Steve and frankly, I really couldn't care less. My intentions are clear...warning fellow card collectors, especially newer collectors, to use "buyer beware" and be very wary when in any card shop. And yes, Levi is reputable, but I would offer the same advice as well when in Levi's shop.
<< <i>"But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). "
/////////////////////////////////////////
I am pretty sure that he - and alot of his customers - have become convinced that his good-level of service is worth paying extra for.
He answers Qs at shows and on the phone. His satisfaction guarantee is about as good as any. And, he usually has what his customers are looking for; and, he can deliver it NOW.
I guess lots of folks are simply willing to pay more for a smooth ride. >>
I completely agree with this, Storm. And again, I'm not arguing that his model is (or isn't) successful, since I'm not privvy the kind of information I would need to make a claim on that one way or the other. What I'm speaking of is the apparent refusal to sell cards for $120% of the market price, for the reasons I outlined in earlier posts on this subject.
"I've been in a lot of card shops Steve, A LOT, well over 100 at least over the years, and you know I'm speaking the truth."
stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy.
are pawn shop owners weasels? are jewelry store owners weasels? i am told by an insider that the mark-up on jewelry is 500% and up to start. are 7-11 store owners weasels. how about home depot. they buy the cheapest items regardless of quality. (buy low strategy). my point here is that you are over-generalizing and taking a personal shot at a dealer who has a top notch credibility. whether or not anyone likes his prices is irrevalent. you are taking shots at people's character as opposed to business model.
so much for the catholic faith. as we all know, some priests in the past have molested children. therefore, all priests are weasels!
oh well.
edited to add-- i saw that rabbi snagged on dateline nbc trying to molest a little boy, therefore all rabbi's must be weasels by your theory as well stevek. so much for the jewish faith also.
in addition, i saw on the tv show cops last night a black fellow robbing a video store, so all blacks must be weasels??
on judy judy there was a woman who sold pictures of a cell phone on ebay instead of the cell phone itself. obviously a scammer. thus all women and all ebay sellers are weasels??
<< <i>"I've been in a lot of card shops Steve, A LOT, well over 100 at least over the years, and you know I'm speaking the truth."
stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy.
are pawn shop owners weasels? are jewelry store owners weasels? i am told by an insider that the mark-up on jewelry is 500% and up to start. are 7-11 store owners weasels. how about home depot. they buy the cheapest items regardless of quality. (buy low strategy). my point here is that you are over-generalizing and taking a personal shot at a dealer who has a top notch credibility. whether or not anyone likes his prices is irrevalent. you are taking shots at people's character as opposed to business model. >>
<<<< stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy. >>>>>
I was a traveling outside salesrep for years covering New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania out to Harrisburg, Delaware, parts of Maryland and sometimes went to other states such as Virginia to see a big account. For "relaxation" I would often enjoy stopping in a card shop/coin shop to check it out.
You've really got nothing to add here but name calling and silly analogies - we're done!
<< <i>so much for the catholic faith. as we all know, some priests in the past have molested children. therefore, all priests are weasels!
oh well.
edited to add-- i saw that rabbi snagged on dateline nbc trying to molest a little boy, therefore all rabbi's must be weasels by your theory as well stevek. so much for the jewish faith also.
in addition, i saw on the tv show cops last night a black fellow robbing a video store, so all blacks must be weasels??
on judy judy there was a woman who sold pictures of a cell phone on ebay instead of the cell phone itself. obviously a scammer. thus all women and all ebay sellers are weasels??
what a joke!!!!! >>
It's Judge Judy, not Judy Judy. It was Cary Grant who said "Judy Judy Judy"
I'm having a hard time figuring out what "market value" is for cards. It's easy for DVDs. I can browse a few websites and compare prices for B&N and Best Buy and whoever. For cards, it isn't that easy. There is the SMR, but I've seen lots of posts that the prices are off. I can use previous eBay sales, but I've seen the same card in the same grade with huge price swings for whatever reason. Two guys chasing a set, seller presentation of the card, high end for the grade, etc. So now I'm stumped. Basically, there isn't a limitless supply of most vintage cards where I can just price shop and buy.
Market value for cards is pretty much the price a buyer and seller can agree upon. For Levi or any other dealer, all they do is set a price and see where it takes them. Let's face it, these are baseball cards. They have no real value. The dealer's scruples are based upon his honesty and service, not the price. Once a buyer agrees to the price, it is fair, at least as the two parties are concerned. I've seen lots of excited posters here talk about their eBay auctions with over the top bidding for a card that sells for much more than expected. No one questions their morals.
I think much of the hobby has become about getting a deal or a find. People get frustrated with Levi because they don't feel like they are getting a "steal". Levi makes his money on finding the deals, not by passing them along.
"I was a traveling outside salesrep for years covering New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania out to Harrisburg, Delaware, parts of Maryland and sometimes went to other states such as Virginia to see a big account. For "relaxation" I would often enjoy stopping in a card shop/coin shop to check it out. "
so by default, you are a weasel since your customers could have saved money by buying directly. your salary had to be built into the sale. isnt that being a hypocrite??
Comments
oh we get it, believe me we do.
Steve
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I think most people, including myself, would attempt to buy the cards from "Mr. I Foundit Intheattic" as inexpensively as possible. However, in my opinion there is a big difference between this scenario and someone who decides to attempt to do this every day for a living, if not a good living. Someone has to have a weasel type personality to want to do this full time. >>
Ya fell in that one hook - line - and sinker!
I'll use the same exact ethical reasoning...
"I only killed one person..."
"It's not like I'm Tony Soprano who kills for a living?"
This is kind of a silly scenerio. Let's say you're walking through the park when you happen across a group of kids who have a kite stuck in a tree. Further, assume you're tall enough to get the kite down with minimal difficulty. Is it 'immoral' not to help? Most people would say no, it's not immoral, but it would be a nice thing to do. And, perhaps further, while you aren't morally obligated to assist you're kind of a sleaze if you don't.
Ditto for this time honored scenerio involving the guy with the box of priceless baseball cards. If he wants $30 for it, and you give him $30 for it, then you're both happy with the transaction. It's a little sleazy not to let him know exactly what he has, but there's a big gulf between what's sleazy and what's unscrupulous. >>
Boo
Maybe in 20 or 30 yrs I'll be as smart as you?
But, you're overthinking this IMO.
The average basic thinkin' guy knows where I'm coming from.
mike
<< <i>but some people don't get it.
oh we get it, believe me we do.
Steve >>
Steve you need to lighten up my friend. What are you Levi's brother or something? What the F* do you care about super rich weasel Levi? Relax and enjoy the forum - you're gonna give yourself a heart attack.
I'm just having some fun taking some shots at a super rich guy who everybody knows basically sells overpriced baseball cards - and enjoys weaseling his way through buying and selling transactions...not that there's anything wrong with that but you know that's the truth...that's his business model which is straight out of the handbook "Weasel Incorporated"
-
Specializing in Certified Autograph Cards, Rookies, Rare Inserts and other quality modern cards! Over 8000 Cards in stock now! Come visit our physical store located at 1210 Main St. Belmar ,NJ
One that you seemed to go by yourself.
first off I'm not going to have a heat attack, secondly you should go back and read what you have said.
FWIW I consider myself a dealer and when you say dealers are weasels i take a lil offense to it.
Yes, I had a storefront and bought from the public but I never got over on people like you claim. I always tried to be fair. Something that you yourself claimed earlier that you would not do.
lastly i have many friends here that are dealers too and when you say 'most if not all' or whatever it was that you said it .............nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head.
Steve
I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>i once snorted a xanax...
bad idea
julen >>
not really a bad idea.. you just put it under a dollar bill and crush it with a lighter.. >>
Nah, I'll just stick with pop and swallow.
Edited to add...
Upon further review, I probably should have worded that differently
Levi LOOKS cool and makes money at this hobby.
Plus, he sets up at shows, and is a super good will ambassador.
Don't know him, but I like his style. If I had the time, I'd be just like him ...
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
<< <i>Levi LOOKS cool and makes money at this hobby.
Plus, he sets up at shows, and is a super good will ambassador.
Don't know him, but I like his style. If I had the time, I'd be just like him ...
What does Levi look like?
<< <i>What does Levi look like? >>
<< <i> What does Levi look like? >>
Middle-aged hippie ...
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
Love it or leave it!
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
<< <i>stevek- what is your definition of a weasel? i would venture to guess that it could be attributed to any business owner, no matter what the industry. >>
Great point pat!!!
your friend,
Josh
<< <i>
<< <i>What does Levi look like? >>
<< <i>straight out of the handbook "Weasel Incorporated
One that you seemed to go by yourself.
first off I'm not going to have a heat attack, secondly you should go back and read what you have said.
FWIW I consider myself a dealer and when you say dealers are weasels i take a lil offense to it.
Yes, I had a storefront and bought from the public but I never got over on people like you claim. I always tried to be fair. Something that you yourself claimed earlier that you would not do.
lastly i have many friends here that are dealers too and when you say 'most if not all' or whatever it was that you said it .............nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head.
Steve >>
Steve - you know I've got no problems with you whatsoever and usually like and respect what you say. Frankly, if a card dealer can't handle being called a silly little name like a weasel, maybe they shouldn't be in a business in which it's possible that you need to be a weasel to survive.
<<< nevermind Steve the above poster hit the nail on the head. >>>
Nope, totally incorrect - the "above poster" isn't even close! I couldn't care less how much money Levi has or how many baseball cards he owns.
Frankly Steve, my "anger" for card shop owners is deep rooted - Too many of them ripoff kids and you know that is a fact. If they ripoff adults, that's another story, but ripping off vulnerable children happens too often and I personally know a number of people and their children this has happened to in card shops in the Philly area. And I don't care what the F*ing amount of money was - I've heard some people basically say "well it was only for five or ten bucks, and the kid learned a lesson, so what?" Anyone wanna rip off a kid, then they're gonna feel my wrath - it's that simple! So there you have it.
As for Jerry Grote's comment - I know it was sort of tongue-in-cheek but comparing bookies and card dealers - not even in the same ballpark and I know he knows that. Bookies, especially internet bookies, prey on underage kids - that is a fact. A bookie will take money from anybody - age doesn't matter.
-
Now its they rip of children.......................cmon, let it go. You look more foolish with every reply.
Steve
much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far
more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
<< <i>"I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so
much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far
more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I don't know if it's ill will so much as it is a sense of bewilderment surrounding his business model. Many people-- and I count myself in this camp-- get confused and irritated when somebody behaves in way that they believe is irrational. As I pointed out in the other thread, refusing to take 120% of market price on a fairly heavily traded card because you hope to get 150%-200% of the market price for it later is tantamount to passing up 20$ that's laying on the ground with the hopes of getting 50$ later even when taking the $20 now wouldn't preclude you from taking the $50 in the future. Levi has every right to run his business any way he sees fit. I certainly don't begrudge him that, and I don't think many on these boards do either. But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him).
<< <i>SteveK you have twisted your replies more times then I can count.
Now its they rip of children.......................cmon, let it go. You look more foolish with every reply.
Steve >>
I'm beginning to understand how you and Axtell constantly bickered and hurled insults at each other for no apparent reason. You're not sucking me in with that crap Steve. I made my point and I'm done with you. You'll just have to wait until Axtell comes back with another alt-ID. LOL
-
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 (2003). My son was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was 17 on December 31, 2009. We were stunned that another child of ours had been diagnosed. Please, if you don't have a favorite charity, consider giving to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
JDRF Donation
perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). "
/////////////////////////////////////////
I am pretty sure that he - and alot of his customers - have become
convinced that his good-level of service is worth paying extra for.
He answers Qs at shows and on the phone. His satisfaction guarantee
is about as good as any. And, he usually has what his customers are
looking for; and, he can deliver it NOW.
I guess lots of folks are simply willing to pay more for a smooth ride.
<< <i>
<< <i>"I just can't understand why a reliable seller like Levi can generate so
much ill will on these boards. There are plenty of less reputable and far
more dishonest sellers on ebay that deserve such ire, IMO."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I don't know if it's ill will so much as it is a sense of bewilderment surrounding his business model. Many people-- and I count myself in this camp-- get confused and irritated when somebody behaves in way that they believe is irrational. As I pointed out in the other thread, refusing to take 120% of market price on a fairly heavily traded card because you hope to get 150%-200% of the market price for it later is tantamount to passing up 20$ that's laying on the ground with the hopes of getting 50$ later even when taking the $20 now wouldn't preclude you from taking the $50 in the future. Levi has every right to run his business any way he sees fit. I certainly don't begrudge him that, and I don't think many on these boards do either. But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking, perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). >>
Completely agree! I don't begrudge Levi anything - he is what he is. And card shop owners are what they are. My view is understanding from the start that the vast majority of card shop owners are weasels, helps us as collectors to better deal with them - and not get ripped off by them - and not let our children get cheated by them.
Caveat emptor, buyer beware, is very appropriate when walking into a card shop. If any baseball card shop owners here don't like me saying that, then tough chit. I'm here to talk with and learn from fellow collectors who enjoy buying and trading cards and perhaps do some part time selling on ebay and make a few bucks. I sell a bit on ebay myself but don't at all consider myself a card dealer. If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel.
-
Levi on his day off.
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that.
Now he is saying he knows why Axtell and I bickered, maybe it is cuz he was acting like Axtell?
Steve
He describes the 51s as the best issue ever and yet he doesn't have a complete set
And if you go to his site he lists for sale some of the cards he is lacking in his registry
E.G. right up front--Whitey Ford
My Sports Cards/Magazines
Cards/Mags
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
-
<< <i>
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
- >>
And some card shop owners who are super-weasels...doctored and trimmed cards are their specialty.
-
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>"If someone who considers thenself a card dealer is honest, forthright, and trustworthy then he shouldn't have to ever worry about being called a weasel."
levi is honest,forthright, and trustworthy. i think the vast majority of people who have dealt with him would certainly agree with that. so why are you attacking him. you know right well he doesnt come on here to defend his business model. he shouldnt have to. its easy to take shots at someone when you know the person doesnt frequent the boards.
by your standards stevek, i guess everyone in business in the usa are weasels. if you have any extra spending money each month, are you a weasel for accepting too high of a salary??? its just the flip side of the coin here. if you are overpaid, pretty much the same underpaying for something.
your logic is really out of whack here. you grouped every card dealer with the few who actually ripped off kids. with that, wouldnt every man be considered rapist then, since a few actually are? or every irishman is a drunk since some of them like to drink? or every woman is a prostitute since a couple are? that is ignorance in the purist state to generalize like that. >>
Staying on topic, here is another reason why most card shop owners are weasels. Go into almost every card shop and you'll find no PSA or SGC graded cards, or maybe very few. Card shop owners who don't sell graded cards want to put their overpriced, overgraded cards out there fo ripoff adults and cheat kids. You know that's the truth. Walk into virtually any card shop in the United States, and if they sell vintage cards you'll quickly find raw VG type cards listed as excellent condition or better, etc - and they want excellent condition or better money for them. That's being a weasel, and perhaps weasel is actually too nice of a word to describe this.
- >>
And some card shop owners who are super-weasels...doctored and trimmed cards are their specialty.
- >>
And if anyone here can't understand how offering a trimmed card as "mint" to a child or adult who "trusts" the dealer since he has a brick & mortar store and figures he's reputable...if you don't see that as being a weasel then that's your prerogative.
-
No, I guess you don't. You are looking more and more like Axtell with every post you make.
You are beginning , no make that you are looking very foolish with all these off the wall claims.
You say 'most' yet you are only speaking opinion yet you tout it as fact.
fact is you are WRONG. IMO, Most card shop owners are hardworking guys that love the hobby and help children when ever they can. I mean cmon do you really believe that they rip off children? or is that just the latest in a long line of lame reasons that you have spewed here?
lastly, many of the store owners were collectors that, after they accumalted all the 80's crap opened stores. Guys like you that would, (in your own words) try and get cards from lil old ladies for as cheaply as possible. I gues you feel you have scruples as you make the inference that you would not rip off children, so we hope anyway. And then you claim they are trimmers and doctors, i would think more collectors practice that then card store owners.
Your claims are baseless, your so called proof is invalid at best.
Move on to some other topic, please, as you have no credibilty on this matter.
Steve
<< <i>Stevek you have any data to support your outrageous claims?
No, I guess you don't. You are looking more and more like Axtell with every post you make.
You are beginning , no make that you are looking very foolish with all these off the wall claims.
You say 'most' yet you are only speaking opinion yet you tout it as fact.
fact is you are WRONG. IMO, Most card shop owners are hardworking guys that love the hobby and help children when ever they can. I mean cmon do you really believe that they rip off children? or is that just the latest in a long line of lame reasons that you have spewed here?
lastly, many of the store owners were collectors that, after they accumalted all the 80's crap opened stores. Guys like you that would, (in your own words) try and get cards from lil old ladies for as cheaply as possible. I gues you feel you have scruples as you make the inference that you would not rip off children, so we hope anyway. And then you claim they are trimmers and doctors, i would think more collectors practice that then card store owners.
Your claims are baseless, your so called proof is invalid at best.
Move on to some other topic, please, as you have no credibilty on this matter.
Steve >>
I've been in a lot of card shops Steve, A LOT, well over 100 at least over the years, and you know I'm speaking the truth. "Everyone" who has been in most card shops has seen the raw 60's Mantle card which would grade a PSA 3, rated as excellent condition by the weasels. And EXMT type cards get rated at near mint or mint by the weasels. I've seen too often in card shops obviously doctored cards being sold without any stipulations of what these cards really are - and that is near worthless.
I think you collect coins as well. When I was a kid, I bought a supposedly proof early 50's quarter from a supposedly reputable coin dealer on Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, and didn't realize until years later it was actally an early strike BU coin - you should know what I'm referring to. I don't forget chit like that Steve, and I've heard many similar stories about card and coin dealers ripping off kids.
I have no idea what your agenda is Steve and frankly, I really couldn't care less. My intentions are clear...warning fellow card collectors, especially newer collectors, to use "buyer beware" and be very wary when in any card shop. And yes, Levi is reputable, but I would offer the same advice as well when in Levi's shop.
-
<< <i>"But the way he chooses to conduct business is, by my way of thinking,
perplexing and sub optimal (even if it's successful for him). "
/////////////////////////////////////////
I am pretty sure that he - and alot of his customers - have become
convinced that his good-level of service is worth paying extra for.
He answers Qs at shows and on the phone. His satisfaction guarantee
is about as good as any. And, he usually has what his customers are
looking for; and, he can deliver it NOW.
I guess lots of folks are simply willing to pay more for a smooth ride. >>
I completely agree with this, Storm. And again, I'm not arguing that his model is (or isn't) successful, since I'm not privvy the kind of information I would need to make a claim on that one way or the other. What I'm speaking of is the apparent refusal to sell cards for $120% of the market price, for the reasons I outlined in earlier posts on this subject.
stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy.
are pawn shop owners weasels? are jewelry store owners weasels? i am told by an insider that the mark-up on jewelry is 500% and up to start. are 7-11 store owners weasels. how about home depot. they buy the cheapest items regardless of quality. (buy low strategy). my point here is that you are over-generalizing and taking a personal shot at a dealer who has a top notch credibility. whether or not anyone likes his prices is irrevalent. you are taking shots at people's character as opposed to business model.
oh well.
edited to add-- i saw that rabbi snagged on dateline nbc trying to molest a little boy, therefore all rabbi's must be weasels by your theory as well stevek. so much for the jewish faith also.
in addition, i saw on the tv show cops last night a black fellow robbing a video store, so all blacks must be weasels??
on judy judy there was a woman who sold pictures of a cell phone on ebay instead of the cell phone itself. obviously a scammer. thus all women and all ebay sellers are weasels??
what a joke!!!!!
<< <i>"I've been in a lot of card shops Steve, A LOT, well over 100 at least over the years, and you know I'm speaking the truth."
stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy.
are pawn shop owners weasels? are jewelry store owners weasels? i am told by an insider that the mark-up on jewelry is 500% and up to start. are 7-11 store owners weasels. how about home depot. they buy the cheapest items regardless of quality. (buy low strategy). my point here is that you are over-generalizing and taking a personal shot at a dealer who has a top notch credibility. whether or not anyone likes his prices is irrevalent. you are taking shots at people's character as opposed to business model. >>
<<<< stevek-- i live in the same general area as you and even in the height, there were no where near 100 card shops in this vicinity. i would say 30 at best. you would probably have to drive 4 hours in all directions to hit that number (100). there is a credibility issue developing here buddy. >>>>>
I was a traveling outside salesrep for years covering New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania out to Harrisburg, Delaware, parts of Maryland and sometimes went to other states such as Virginia to see a big account. For "relaxation" I would often enjoy stopping in a card shop/coin shop to check it out.
You've really got nothing to add here but name calling and silly analogies - we're done!
-
<< <i>so much for the catholic faith. as we all know, some priests in the past have molested children. therefore, all priests are weasels!
oh well.
edited to add-- i saw that rabbi snagged on dateline nbc trying to molest a little boy, therefore all rabbi's must be weasels by your theory as well stevek. so much for the jewish faith also.
in addition, i saw on the tv show cops last night a black fellow robbing a video store, so all blacks must be weasels??
on judy judy there was a woman who sold pictures of a cell phone on ebay instead of the cell phone itself. obviously a scammer. thus all women and all ebay sellers are weasels??
what a joke!!!!! >>
It's Judge Judy, not Judy Judy. It was Cary Grant who said "Judy Judy Judy"
-
Market value for cards is pretty much the price a buyer and seller can agree upon. For Levi or any other dealer, all they do is set a price and see where it takes them. Let's face it, these are baseball cards. They have no real value. The dealer's scruples are based upon his honesty and service, not the price. Once a buyer agrees to the price, it is fair, at least as the two parties are concerned. I've seen lots of excited posters here talk about their eBay auctions with over the top bidding for a card that sells for much more than expected. No one questions their morals.
I think much of the hobby has become about getting a deal or a find. People get frustrated with Levi because they don't feel like they are getting a "steal". Levi makes his money on finding the deals, not by passing them along.
so by default, you are a weasel since your customers could have saved money by buying directly. your salary had to be built into the sale. isnt that being a hypocrite??
Steve
<< <i>SteveK i have no agenda, but you certaintly do.
Steve >>
c'mon Steve, there hasn't been a book "plug" this entire thread
<< <i>Considering his HUGE inventory I wonder why his Registry of 51 Bowman's is incomplete
He describes the 51s as the best issue ever and yet he doesn't have a complete set
And if you go to his site he lists for sale some of the cards he is lacking in his registry
E.G. right up front--Whitey Ford >>
Bob
Levi's quite a busy guy - I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't update his registry like others. Just a guess.
mike
<< <i>
<< <i>Considering his HUGE inventory I wonder why his Registry of 51 Bowman's is incomplete
He describes the 51s as the best issue ever and yet he doesn't have a complete set
And if you go to his site he lists for sale some of the cards he is lacking in his registry
E.G. right up front--Whitey Ford >>
Bob
Levi's quite a busy guy - I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't update his registry like others. Just a guess.
mike >>
What amazes me about his site is the fact that he has a scan for every card he has in his inventory
Wonder how long that took
My Sports Cards/Magazines
Cards/Mags