need help in determining prices

alnavman

I will be visiting a friend of mine who has cards from the 50's. I know, we have all heard this story before...however my buddy used to have a store and does in fact have inventory wise a bunch left after he closed his store back in the early 90's. My question is as follows: what is current "buy percentages" that would be fair. I know he is going to want to maximize his $$$ and I want to be fair but I don't want to overpay. Last time I looked most were in the EX-EX/MT range and he has said he hasn't piecemealed it out to anyone else. I also would appreciate opinions on a percentage to pay for higher graded. I plan to pay him a visit in about two weeks since he has some in safe deposit boxes. Those who assist I'll remember when I start breaking down the cards, I might be able to assist you with sets. thanks al.

onebamafan

Well...............there is really no easy answer, this is a very difficult question. The star cards, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, etc .....would naturally be worth a little more. I hate to say this , but you need a rough guide to value, either use ebay, SMR or A beckett publication that lists prices. 60-80% of NM value for a ex-mt card depending on player is probably fair. Good Luck!

alnavman

ONEBAMAFAN: Thanks for info, you brought up good point, I realize that the stars will have a higher percentage with Mantles being king. Also I forgot to mention that the majority of the cards are baseball. This was his "niche" so to speak when he had his store, he dealt in primarily baseball. al.

Bottom9th

Sounds like a fun project. I hope he's got some football too!

jimrad

Al,

Sounds like you are talking about all raw cards. The lesson I have learned is that it's near impossible to make a correct decision on a raw card as far as grading is concerned unless you go over every one with a magnifier. If this guy is really a friend (buddy) maybe it would be wise to offer a deal on your helping him liquidate his inventory. If he just wants you to buy it outright then you should be making an offer that is decidedly in your favor and he should understand that you are taking the risk by laying out the cash. I wish you the best of luck on what looks like a possible fun & difficult transaction.
Another thing I have done on a transaction similar sounding was to basically make an offer on the major/minor star cards and everything else gets thrown in free.



Jim

alnavman

thanks everyone, I talked with by buddy today and he said he was going to try and determine a ballpark figure from his side of this. Hopefully by end of month we can come to an agreement. Sorry but I don't think he has any football, or if any it is small amount. A number of years ago I purchased what he had left in his store that was unopened and it was all baseball. He's a big Reds fan and I do know that there is a larger number of Reds cards in this also. He was a big Ted Kluszewki fan back in the 50's. And I'm sure I butchered the spelling but even to this day he lives and dies for the Reds. al.