Is Soliciting Through the Set Registry Welcome? Acceptable?

BINatVCP

Just noticed that there is an option to e-mail those users on the set registry who make the option available. Is it acceptable and/or welcome to e-mail those collectors who appear to need cards I have for sale either to complete or upgrade their set? I feel like I would welcome such an e-mail if the cards were offered at a reasonable price, but I don't want to be that guy. Has anyone ever done this or had it done to them? Any thoughts appreciated.

Brad

MeteoriteGuy

It would not bother me...only I hardly ever check that e-mail. I would prefer message board PM, but if a person has their e-mail there, I see no problem, as their is an e-mail option.

SDSportsFan

That's the exact reason I made my email available for viewing. I think most collectors would appreciate being offered cards via the registry. In fact, I just bought a 1980 Charlie Joiner PSA 10 that was offered to me last week via the registry. If my email hadn't been public, I would've never gotten the chance at the card, except maybe via ebay if the seller put it there.

Edited to add that I've also offered cards to other collectors in this manner. Some haven't responded, but some have, and I've made a couple sales as a result.

Overall, I think it's good.

Steve

Griffins

I agree, I appreciate it if it's an offer for sale. If it's just informing me that the item is going on ebay or in a catalog auction it's spam.

bman90278

I don't have a problem with being asked via email if I have any cards for sale. Just recently I was asked by one of the largest card collectors around. I recently asked a guy via email about a few cards, but he also had a note in his registry that he was parting out his master registr, but he was saving his basic cards.

brian

shagrotn77

It's perfectly fine. Anyone who does not want to be contected can remove the e-mail option. I've been able to snag a few cards that I needed this way.

jradke4

well my answer is yes and no.

yes if the email offers a specific card, usually not a common card (for player sets or company sets) however. even more so if the offer asks about a possiblity of trading.

no if the email states...."well the registry deadline is approaching, check out my ebay auctions for cards you might need".

with regard to the no....doesnt the sender figure that most collectors are checking ebay quite a bit? the yes email makes it sound as the person has a tough card for you and they were thinking of you or a group of you in particular for that card. plus one might figure the card isnt up on ebay and is open to the highest bidder first off line before heading to ebay.

BINatVCP

Thanks for the responses, all. To provide further clarification, I contacted some 1954 Topps registry users regarding two commons in PSA 6 and 6.5. I just sifted through the sets and contacted 6-8 people for whom I thought the cards would fit in the set (i.e., most cards in the set were in the PSA 5-7 range, and the specific cards either weren't owned or could be upgraded).

I completely agree with not spamming registry users with cards already on eBay...those users actively looking to upgrade their sets would be checking eBay regularly anyway. However, I'm trying to establish a presence on eBay which involves offering graded cards at reasonable prices (see my sig), and eBay fees made it impossible to list the cards in any manner that would guarantee a small profit. Thus, I tried to identify a few people that might be interested in a deal off eBay so to avoid the fees.

Unfortunately, it didn't work. I got a couple cordial replies declining and one counteroffer, which I didn't accept. Overall it was a good experience, though, and I would try it again under similar circumstances.

gemint

I think it's ok but I only do it when I have a few specific cards that are tough to locate in that grade and I only email the registrants at the top of the rankings that would likely have an interest in those cards. I take the time to look to see if they already have the card or not. Having said that, I did get a nasty response from one registrant. He told me my grammar was awful and that my prices were ridiculous. I double checked my grammar and found no errors and both cards sold at or above the initial asking price.

CNote

I've only asked someone if they were interested in a card once. It was the first 10 of the 2001 Topps Rickey Henderson. The guy wanted it to ensure he had the #1 Basic Topps Set, so he gave me a good chunk of change for it.

GDM67

<< <i>That's the exact reason I made my email available for viewing. I think most collectors would appreciate being offered cards via the registry. >>

That's my feeling, too. I've had several positive experiences with people inquiring about stuff that I needed.

Fabfrank

As long as it's a card in a set I'm already building, I welcome all emails. I'm even okay with the ones that SPAM their auctions. I've missed some cards on Ebay because I'm busy at work or traveling. I don't check Ebay everyday, but I do check my email.

WinPitcher

If an email address is open, all email is acceptable.


Steve

MeteoriteGuy

<< <i>If an email address is open, all email is acceptable.


Steve >>



This is really the sum of it. If a person doesn't want e-mail, don't provide it. I dont think we need an algebra folmula for asking if someone wants a card.