I'll say this - most of Steve's stuff seems to fly off the shelf. But that $700 1968 Mantle/Bench series wax pack has been sitting there quite a while and it ain't going anywhere too soon.
<< <i>I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
If you knew anything about business (sales in particular), then you would know that losing 10% off the top takes away a large chunk of your profit margin. In order to stay competitive and keep food on the table at the same time, you can't tack on too much of a margin on products like this. The fact that BBCE has even 10% of wiggle room is amazing to me. Especially with the overhead expenses of sending employees driving all across the country in a box truck looking for collections, the cost to store everything, etc. All this and keeping a smile on his face while the likes of ungrateful people like you come crying for an extra 5%. Seriously, STFU.
<< <i> Fly's off the shelf huh?? How come I check his cello and pack inventory all the time and see the same ones month after month...
Umm, here's a thought...he may actually have more than one pack from that year and use a stock photo? LOL...
There may be a couple of higher end packs that have been on the site for a while, but the mid to late 70s boxes and boxes do indeed fly off the shelf. Steve also sold a large number of sealed vending cases from the early 80s before the pics were even uploaded to the site...same went for two 67 cello boxes that went for quite a sum. But you didn't see any of that, did you, LOL.. >>
Grote said it perfectly. We don't have real time inventory, you can't tell from the website how many we have in stock. And yes, we don't always change the photo of the item on the website.
Wal-Mart used to use the tag line "Every Day Low Prices" - that's how we sell our product. We don't go fishing like an eBay seller trying to get someone to bite on a ridiculously high price. We price things to sell. With the margins we work with, giving even 10% is a huge deal to us.
Simply put, there are many facets of our company that guys like Chaz will never understand. >>
Seems like I ruffled some feathers....well I didn't mean to....I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
Chaz, I challenge you to post a scan of your academic credentials. Harvard Business School, perhaps? Go ahead, make me eat some humble pie.
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed! >>
I'm assuming your original screen name was BannedOnTheRun? You just gotta love alts. Either they've already been told that their comments aren't welcome here, or they're too big of a sissy to post these comments from their regular ID.
Either way, nice 3rd post. I'm sure we all value your opinion immensely.
Please answer this simple multiple choice question:
A. People find me insightful. B. People find me inciteful. C. I believe my comments are most important. D. Other people believe my comments are impotent.
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed! >>
So collectors can throw all the stones they want and business just have to sit there and have their windows broken? As long as we didn't throw the first stone, we should be able to lob them back to the sender. Collectors have every right to come on here and vent their frustration with a particular business. Our company also has that same right to defend or explain our actions.
I treat customers, both buyers and sellers, very well. I'm not perfect, as there is probably a nice list of disgruntled people, but if you think my skills are lacking, surf this message board a little longer for the truth.
And it was Chaz who called me out (as one of the guys who works for Steve) and questioned whether or not I went to business school. Since he knows so much more about business, I just want to see if he had the same academic credentials that he so wishes we had.
I guess the easiest way to boil it down is that if most people had an issue with Steve's prices, he would be out of business or drop his prices to reflect the current market value. Considering how fast the group rip's sell out, how fast it flys off his site and how much doesn't even make it to his site, I would say he is selling correctly. Are prices skyrocketing? Yes.....that's because there is more demand that product available to be sold. Business 101.
I find it amusing how people want to complain about what individuals charge for their product. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. It's not like we are talking about gas or groceries (things you must have). How many times have we heard the "Levi's prices are too high". Some people keep touching a hot stove and can't figure out why they get burned.
<< <i> Fly's off the shelf huh?? How come I check his cello and pack inventory all the time and see the same ones month after month...
Umm, here's a thought...he may actually have more than one pack from that year and use a stock photo? LOL...
There may be a couple of higher end packs that have been on the site for a while, but the mid to late 70s boxes and boxes do indeed fly off the shelf. Steve also sold a large number of sealed vending cases from the early 80s before the pics were even uploaded to the site...same went for two 67 cello boxes that went for quite a sum. But you didn't see any of that, did you, LOL.. >>
Grote said it perfectly. We don't have real time inventory, you can't tell from the website how many we have in stock. And yes, we don't always change the photo of the item on the website.
Wal-Mart used to use the tag line "Every Day Low Prices" - that's how we sell our product. We don't go fishing like an eBay seller trying to get someone to bite on a ridiculously high price. We price things to sell. With the margins we work with, giving even 10% is a huge deal to us.
Simply put, there are many facets of our company that guys like Chaz will never understand. >>
Seems like I ruffled some feathers....well I didn't mean to....I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
Chaz, I challenge you to post a scan of your academic credentials. Harvard Business School, perhaps? Go ahead, make me eat some humble pie. >>
I don't have to post anything....can't you read...IT'S BASIC. chaz
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Please answer this simple multiple choice question:
A. People find me insightful. B. People find me inciteful. C. I believe my comments are most important. D. Other people believe my comments are impotent. >>
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed! >>
So collectors can throw all the stones they want and business just have to sit there and have their windows broken? As long as we didn't throw the first stone, we should be able to lob them back to the sender. Collectors have every right to come on here and vent their frustration with a particular business. Our company also has that same right to defend or explain our actions.
I treat customers, both buyers and sellers, very well. I'm not perfect, as there is probably a nice list of disgruntled people, but if you think my skills are lacking, surf this message board a little longer for the truth.
And it was Chaz who called me out (as one of the guys who works for Steve) and questioned whether or not I went to business school. Since he knows so much more about business, I just want to see if he had the same academic credentials that he so wishes we had. >>
If you went to Harvard or Wharton business school......it's a no brainer.....come up with another 5% ON SELECTED ITEMS once in awhile to show your loyalty back to customers that have given you that same loyalty....once in a while. chaz
PS: For example: $800.00 vintage wax or cello graded pack, SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND ONLY ...NOW $700.00 and get free shipping if you buy $150.00 or $200.00 of our junk wax from years 1988 to blah blah. Is this so difficult once in a while?
Early on, I saw no potential in this thread to become awesome. Boy, was I wrong!
'Sir, I realize it's been difficult for you to sleep at night without your EX/MT 1977 Topps Tom Seaver, but I swear to you that you'll get it safe and sound.' -CDs Nuts, 1/20/14
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website. Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything, please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve
When I see a sale or a discount from a collectors outlet, it implies their prices were too high in the first place. I respect someone that prices their material properly the first time over someone that constantly gives a discount. BBCE is not a retail chain. They've already explained to you that their margins were 10% or less.
Example: BBCE buys an item for $100 and then sells it for $111.11 (their max margin). If they gave a client a 10% discount, they would sell the item for $100 (magic, isn't it!)
Of course they could cut their loses if they sell in volume (that's a joke).
I know we live in an entitlement society and we expect everyone to take care of us and give us all the affirmation we deserve. You've "contributed" over 15 posts to this thread defending your first post (which, by the way, not one person has shared your view). At what point do you give the last word to someone other than yourself?
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website. Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything. Please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve >>
Just another example how one or two people can ruin it for everyone else!!!!!!!!
<< <i>When I see a sale or a discount from a collectors outlet, it implies their prices were too high in the first place. I respect someone that prices their material properly the first time over someone that constantly gives a discount. BBCE is not a retail chain. They've already explained to you that their margins were 10% or less.
Example: BBCE buys an item for $100 and then sells it for $111.11 (their max margin). If they gave a client a 10% discount, they would sell the item for $100 (magic, isn't it!)
Of course they could cut their loses if they sell in volume (that's a joke).
I know we live in an entitlement society and we expect everyone to take care of us and give us all the affirmation we deserve. You've "contributed" over 15 posts to this thread defending your first post (which, by the way, not one person has shared your view). At what point do you give the last word to someone other than yourself? >>
Why don't you read through the posts again my friend. chaz
<< <i> I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever. >>
It is unfortunate that it had to come to this. I enjoyed hearing Reed's perspectives and stories from the perch of what many, including myself, would consider their #1 fantasy job.
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website. Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything. Please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve >>
Just another example how one or two people can ruin it for everyone else!!!!!!!!
Mark >>
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz
<< <i>Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Give a solution? Like begging for a discount on top of the discount he already gives us? Right.
<< <i>Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Give a solution? Like begging for a discount on top of the discount he already gives us? Right. >>
We all stick our foot in our mouths sometime and I guess this is my turn. chaz
Compared to what? ebay? Yeah, go ahead and buy a box of 1975 Topps Mini on ebay. Have fun with your NM commons. >>
do you work for BBCE???? chaz >>
I do.
If boxes on eBay were such a good deal, don't you think we'd be buying them to turn around and sell on our website? >>
C'mon man, Steve is out of reach on a lot of his stuff. I know you have to make a profit but those graded packs are way up there. And you guys buy in bulk not from feebay so don't hand me that. If he came down 20% which he probably won't do, then he would move more product. chaz >>
I really don't think it's possible to move more product, especially since we seem to sell out of everything as soon as we get it! Chaz, you are just one person. You should see how much product thousands of loyal customers (and growing) can absorb in a year.
Whenever I'm in the office, I walk around and check out all the cool stuff and often think, we really should have more product. But then I remind myself, we're not running a frickin' museum here, and most of this is obviously priced fairly, or why would it sell? You should know I keep telling Steve to raise his prices, but what can I say, he's about as fair as they come.
We buy in bulk? Really? 1989 Donruss Baseball wax cases don't count. If anyone knows where we can find pre-1986 unopened, any sport, non-sport, any flavor (wax, cello, rack, vending, etc.), there are serious finder's fees to be earned just for making the introductions. We'll pay them to anyone; even you Chaz. You have no idea how much we kill ourselves trying to chase down even the most remote lead when it comes to vintage unopened. Do you think Steve likes saying dozens of times each week, "Nope, sorry, don't have any in stock. I wish I knew when we'll have it in again." >>
Interesting. Is 1986 the cut-off, more or less, for product that's tough to find and product that's easy to acquire?
<< <i>Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
The power of the written word! There is a reason some people say ... type ... read ... re-read ... think about what you typed ... THEN hit enter. What a shame that Steve will not allow Reed to post to this board anymore. BBCE has been NOTHING but a FRIEND to members of this board. (Of course he makes money from us ... that's the business he is in. What's wrong with that? I have personal relationships with quite a few of my clients.) It's too bad a few people ruin it for the majority.
STAY HEALTHY!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
The power of the written word! There is a reason some people say ... type ... read ... re-read ... think about what you typed ... THEN hit enter. What a shame that Steve will not allow Reed to post to this board anymore. BBCE has been NOTHING but a FRIEND to members of this board. (Of course he makes money from us ... that's the business he is in. What's wrong with that? I have personal relationships with quite a few of my clients.) It's too bad a few people ruin it for the majority. >>
Beat me to death... I can take it. Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you." chaz
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
---------------------- Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989 ----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time...... >>
Keep killing me, it hurts, I don't feel I deserve it. I just gave my opinion(without thinking I guess). I have been on here over 9 years, took some beatings but always came back strong. This one is real rough and I had no idea it would come to this. I hope Steve has a change of heart and allows Reed to still post finds. Next time, I'll shut my big mouth....man...what a beating....I really feel like crap. chaz
<< <i>Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time...... >>
This isn't chaz's doing. The person to blame is the troll "BandOnTheRun" with 3 posts.
Message for Steve: These guys worship you. Nothing Reed writes on here will change that. >>
Yeah, "upon further review", I'm going to retract my grumbling at chaz. Did he set the tone? Yeah a bit, but the troll really took it into the ditch from there.
---------------------- Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989 ----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
<< <i>Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time...... >>
This isn't chaz's doing. The person to blame is the troll "BandOnTheRun" with 3 posts.
Message for Steve: These guys worship you. Nothing Reed writes on here will change that. >>
Yeah, "upon further review", I'm going to retract my grumbling at chaz. Did he set the tone? Yeah a bit, but the troll really took it into the ditch from there. >>
Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz
Sad to see some people behave in such a way that it results in censorship and/or the loss of a valuable member of the community.
As for Steve's prices, I have always found them to be fair relative to the timing and market availability.
In the case of these 1975 Topps mini boxes, here is the historical BBCE pricing we've seen since last fall:
Fall 2011 - $1350/box ($1215 with 10% discount) Winter 2011 - $1450/box ($1300 with 10% discount) Spring 2012 - $1700/box ($1600? discounted in the most recent break)
When you consider that for the first half of 2012 the volume of vintage unopened has gone down, a rise in price is not unexpected nor unreasonable.
On top of that, the 1975 Topps mini case that BBCE had was actually the same one from the MH auction in January. The high bidder did not follow through on his winning bid of nearly $23k. So it's pretty obvious that MH worked out some sort of deal between the consignor and BBCE at a price well over BBCE's usual buy price. BBCE certainly should be able to make a profit based on tying up their capital, shouldn't they?
FWIW I think a net price of $1300/box for 1975 mini boxes certified as authentic by Steve was a fair number. Given the drop in "supply" I could see bumping that to $1400-$1450 now. Higher than that I'd be looking for some sort of "experience" with boxes from the case that demonstrated superior centering and/or star power.
<< <i>Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz >>
Any man can screw up ... takes a bigger man to admit he did. HOPEFULLY Reed, Steve and you continue to post.
HOWEVER, do you still agree with this quote ... Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you." after looking at this?
STAY HEALTHY!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz >>
Any man can screw up ... takes a bigger man to admit he did. HOPEFULLY Reed, Steve and you continue to post.
HOWEVER, do you still agree with this quote ... Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you." after looking at this?
Why should BBCE discount anything just so "poor folks" can afford it? Why doesn't BMW run a special and sell a new car at $15,000 so "poor folks" can afford it? Look, I can't afford high end wax but I'm not going to complain about it and tell someone how to run their business. Why should he run a special just so you can afford it? Why not work another job so you can afford it if you want vintage wax so bad.
I typically just read the boards and enjoyed hearing about the trips and finds that Reed was posting. Hopefully he can go back to posting positive things about the company and just avoid the negative comments. I didn't think any of his responses were that bad.
And he wasn't even arguing with a customer. Apparantly chaz is a "poor folk" and can't afford the products anyway.
<< <i>Why should BBCE discount anything just so "poor folks" can afford it? Why doesn't BMW run a special and sell a new car at $15,000 so "poor folks" can afford it? Look, I can't afford high end wax but I'm not going to complain about it and tell someone how to run their business. Why should he run a special just so you can afford it? Why not work another job so you can afford it if you want vintage wax so bad.
I typically just read the boards and enjoyed hearing about the trips and finds that Reed was posting. Hopefully he can go back to posting positive things about the company and just avoid the negative comments. I didn't think any of his responses were that bad.
And he wasn't even arguing with a customer. Apparantly chaz is a "poor folk" and can't afford the products anyway. >>
Comments
<< <i>I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
If you knew anything about business (sales in particular), then you would know that losing 10% off the top takes away a large chunk of your profit margin. In order to stay competitive and keep food on the table at the same time, you can't tack on too much of a margin on products like this. The fact that BBCE has even 10% of wiggle room is amazing to me. Especially with the overhead expenses of sending employees driving all across the country in a box truck looking for collections, the cost to store everything, etc. All this and keeping a smile on his face while the likes of ungrateful people like you come crying for an extra 5%. Seriously, STFU.
PSA 6 chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
Fly's off the shelf huh?? How come I check his cello and pack inventory all the time and see the same ones month after month...
Umm, here's a thought...he may actually have more than one pack from that year and use a stock photo? LOL...
There may be a couple of higher end packs that have been on the site for a while, but the mid to late 70s boxes and boxes do indeed fly off the shelf. Steve also sold a large number of sealed vending cases from the early 80s before the pics were even uploaded to the site...same went for two 67 cello boxes that went for quite a sum. But you didn't see any of that, did you, LOL.. >>
Grote said it perfectly. We don't have real time inventory, you can't tell from the website how many we have in stock. And yes, we don't always change the photo of the item on the website.
Wal-Mart used to use the tag line "Every Day Low Prices" - that's how we sell our product. We don't go fishing like an eBay seller trying to get someone to bite on a ridiculously high price. We price things to sell. With the margins we work with, giving even 10% is a huge deal to us.
Simply put, there are many facets of our company that guys like Chaz will never understand. >>
Seems like I ruffled some feathers....well I didn't mean to....I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
Chaz, I challenge you to post a scan of your academic credentials. Harvard Business School, perhaps? Go ahead, make me eat some humble pie.
Reed Kasaoka
Buyer, Baseball Card Exchange
cell: (808) 372-1974
email: ReedBBCE@gmail.com
website: www.bbce.com
eBay stores: bbcexchange, bbcexchange2, bbcexchange3, bbcexchange4
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed!
<< <i>Reed,
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed!
I'm assuming your original screen name was BannedOnTheRun? You just gotta love alts. Either they've already been told that their comments aren't welcome here, or they're too big of a sissy to post these comments from their regular ID.
Either way, nice 3rd post. I'm sure we all value your opinion immensely.
Please answer this simple multiple choice question:
A. People find me insightful.
B. People find me inciteful.
C. I believe my comments are most important.
D. Other people believe my comments are impotent.
<< <i>Reed,
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed!
So collectors can throw all the stones they want and business just have to sit there and have their windows broken? As long as we didn't throw the first stone, we should be able to lob them back to the sender. Collectors have every right to come on here and vent their frustration with a particular business. Our company also has that same right to defend or explain our actions.
I treat customers, both buyers and sellers, very well. I'm not perfect, as there is probably a nice list of disgruntled people, but if you think my skills are lacking, surf this message board a little longer for the truth.
And it was Chaz who called me out (as one of the guys who works for Steve) and questioned whether or not I went to business school. Since he knows so much more about business, I just want to see if he had the same academic credentials that he so wishes we had.
Reed Kasaoka
Buyer, Baseball Card Exchange
cell: (808) 372-1974
email: ReedBBCE@gmail.com
website: www.bbce.com
eBay stores: bbcexchange, bbcexchange2, bbcexchange3, bbcexchange4
I find it amusing how people want to complain about what individuals charge for their product. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. It's not like we are talking about gas or groceries (things you must have). How many times have we heard the "Levi's prices are too high". Some people keep touching a hot stove and can't figure out why they get burned.
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
i still think it's kinda funny now. itz.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
Fly's off the shelf huh?? How come I check his cello and pack inventory all the time and see the same ones month after month...
Umm, here's a thought...he may actually have more than one pack from that year and use a stock photo? LOL...
There may be a couple of higher end packs that have been on the site for a while, but the mid to late 70s boxes and boxes do indeed fly off the shelf. Steve also sold a large number of sealed vending cases from the early 80s before the pics were even uploaded to the site...same went for two 67 cello boxes that went for quite a sum. But you didn't see any of that, did you, LOL.. >>
Grote said it perfectly. We don't have real time inventory, you can't tell from the website how many we have in stock. And yes, we don't always change the photo of the item on the website.
Wal-Mart used to use the tag line "Every Day Low Prices" - that's how we sell our product. We don't go fishing like an eBay seller trying to get someone to bite on a ridiculously high price. We price things to sell. With the margins we work with, giving even 10% is a huge deal to us.
Simply put, there are many facets of our company that guys like Chaz will never understand. >>
Seems like I ruffled some feathers....well I didn't mean to....I'll say it again...Steve does a great job....but 10% is not a special. Hey, he can do whatever he wants. I just thought it would be nice to give maybe 15% on some selected items if you buy $150 or $200 worth of product. C'mon, any of you guys that work for him go to business school? It's basic. chaz >>
Chaz, I challenge you to post a scan of your academic credentials. Harvard Business School, perhaps? Go ahead, make me eat some humble pie. >>
I don't have to post anything....can't you read...IT'S BASIC. chaz
<< <i>Reed,
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed!
Whoa....wow...take it easy guys. chaz
<< <i>chaz
Please answer this simple multiple choice question:
A. People find me insightful.
B. People find me inciteful.
C. I believe my comments are most important.
D. Other people believe my comments are impotent. >>
More ruffled feathers. chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>Reed,
If this is any indication of how you treat upset customers, you should be ashamed of yourself. I assume your boss Steve has no issues with the way you are representing his company in this thread. That speaks volumes for him too. You two could use a serving or two of humble pie. It would do you and Steve some good to have a taste.
Stay classy Reed!
So collectors can throw all the stones they want and business just have to sit there and have their windows broken? As long as we didn't throw the first stone, we should be able to lob them back to the sender. Collectors have every right to come on here and vent their frustration with a particular business. Our company also has that same right to defend or explain our actions.
I treat customers, both buyers and sellers, very well. I'm not perfect, as there is probably a nice list of disgruntled people, but if you think my skills are lacking, surf this message board a little longer for the truth.
And it was Chaz who called me out (as one of the guys who works for Steve) and questioned whether or not I went to business school. Since he knows so much more about business, I just want to see if he had the same academic credentials that he so wishes we had. >>
If you went to Harvard or Wharton business school......it's a no brainer.....come up with another 5% ON SELECTED ITEMS once in awhile to show your loyalty back to customers that have given you that same loyalty....once in a while. chaz
PS: For example: $800.00 vintage wax or cello graded pack, SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND ONLY ...NOW $700.00 and get free shipping if you buy $150.00 or $200.00 of our junk wax from years 1988 to blah blah. Is this so difficult once in a while?
<< <i>when i was younger, i thought it was uproarious fun to watch a puppy chase its tail.
i still think it's kinda funny now. itz. >>
wha???......... chaz
-CDs Nuts, 1/20/14
*1956 Topps baseball- 97.4% complete, 7.24 GPA
*Clemente basic set: 85.0% complete, 7.89 GPA
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website.
Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything, please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve
<< <i>
<< <i>when i was younger, i thought it was uproarious fun to watch a puppy chase its tail.
i still think it's kinda funny now. itz. >>
wha???......... chaz >>
think it over, businessman. the puppy goes around.......and around.......and around.......and around........and....................................
Example: BBCE buys an item for $100 and then sells it for $111.11 (their max margin). If they gave a client a 10% discount, they would sell the item for $100 (magic, isn't it!)
Of course they could cut their loses if they sell in volume (that's a joke).
I know we live in an entitlement society and we expect everyone to take care of us and give us all the affirmation we deserve. You've "contributed" over 15 posts to this thread defending your first post (which, by the way, not one person has shared your view). At what point do you give the last word to someone other than yourself?
<< <i>Hello!
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website.
Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything. Please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve >>
Just another example how one or two people can ruin it for everyone else!!!!!!!!
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>when i was younger, i thought it was uproarious fun to watch a puppy chase its tail.
i still think it's kinda funny now. itz. >>
wha???......... chaz >>
think it over, businessman. the puppy goes around.......and around.......and around.......and around........and.................................... >>
I knew what you were saying initially so don't think your that clever. chaz
<< <i>When I see a sale or a discount from a collectors outlet, it implies their prices were too high in the first place. I respect someone that prices their material properly the first time over someone that constantly gives a discount. BBCE is not a retail chain. They've already explained to you that their margins were 10% or less.
Example: BBCE buys an item for $100 and then sells it for $111.11 (their max margin). If they gave a client a 10% discount, they would sell the item for $100 (magic, isn't it!)
Of course they could cut their loses if they sell in volume (that's a joke).
I know we live in an entitlement society and we expect everyone to take care of us and give us all the affirmation we deserve. You've "contributed" over 15 posts to this thread defending your first post (which, by the way, not one person has shared your view). At what point do you give the last word to someone other than yourself? >>
Why don't you read through the posts again my friend. chaz
<< <i> I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
>>
It is unfortunate that it had to come to this. I enjoyed hearing Reed's perspectives and stories from the perch of what many, including myself, would consider their #1 fantasy job.
<< <i>
<< <i>Hello!
I've had a few people alert me to some things being posted on the board. Reed lives in Buffalo, several hundred miles from our office. I don't monitor these boards until someone alerts me (if I get down time, I usually like to eat!). However, Reed works hard for us and feels wronged when anything comes up that is negative (even ever so slightly) about the business he works for. Of course, this is what you want in an employee who is working for "the team" when it comes to representing my company. But since this is a place for collectors to exchange knowledge, stories and even complaints, I have asked to Reed to stop posting on these boards. Period. I even asked him to stop posting positive boards that may relate to recently acquired inventory, our new specials, items we may be giving away at the show or whatever.
If you do want to know anything about things at the company, feel free to visit our website.
Also, if anyone, anytime, needs any help whatsoever about anything. Please feel free to email me directly. I dont read PM's, so just send any ideas, thoughts, complaints, comments directly to me. My help, advice or anything is always an open book to anyone. Thanks! Steve >>
Just another example how one or two people can ruin it for everyone else!!!!!!!!
Mark >>
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>when i was younger, i thought it was uproarious fun to watch a puppy chase its tail.
i still think it's kinda funny now. itz. >>
wha???......... chaz >>
think it over, businessman. the puppy goes around.......and around.......and around.......and around........and.................................... >>
I knew what you were saying initially so don't think your that clever. chaz >>
not clever. observant. and dizzy.
<< <i>Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Give a solution? Like begging for a discount on top of the discount he already gives us? Right.
<< <i>
<< <i>Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Give a solution? Like begging for a discount on top of the discount he already gives us? Right. >>
We all stick our foot in our mouths sometime and I guess this is my turn. chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>BBCE prices are too high!! chaz >>
Compared to what? ebay? Yeah, go ahead and buy a box of 1975 Topps Mini on ebay. Have fun with your NM commons. >>
do you work for BBCE???? chaz >>
I do.
If boxes on eBay were such a good deal, don't you think we'd be buying them to turn around and sell on our website? >>
C'mon man, Steve is out of reach on a lot of his stuff. I know you have to make a profit but those graded packs are way up there. And you guys buy in bulk not from feebay so don't hand me that. If he came down 20% which he probably won't do, then he would move more product. chaz >>
I really don't think it's possible to move more product, especially since we seem to sell out of everything as soon as we get it! Chaz, you are just one person. You should see how much product thousands of loyal customers (and growing) can absorb in a year.
Whenever I'm in the office, I walk around and check out all the cool stuff and often think, we really should have more product. But then I remind myself, we're not running a frickin' museum here, and most of this is obviously priced fairly, or why would it sell? You should know I keep telling Steve to raise his prices, but what can I say, he's about as fair as they come.
We buy in bulk? Really? 1989 Donruss Baseball wax cases don't count. If anyone knows where we can find pre-1986 unopened, any sport, non-sport, any flavor (wax, cello, rack, vending, etc.), there are serious finder's fees to be earned just for making the introductions. We'll pay them to anyone; even you Chaz. You have no idea how much we kill ourselves trying to chase down even the most remote lead when it comes to vintage unopened. Do you think Steve likes saying dozens of times each week, "Nope, sorry, don't have any in stock. I wish I knew when we'll have it in again." >>
Interesting. Is 1986 the cut-off, more or less, for product that's tough to find and product that's easy to acquire?
<< <i>Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
The power of the written word! There is a reason some people say ... type ... read ... re-read ... think about what you typed ... THEN hit enter. What a shame that Steve will not allow Reed to post to this board anymore. BBCE has been NOTHING but a FRIEND to members of this board. (Of course he makes money from us ... that's the business he is in. What's wrong with that? I have personal relationships with quite a few of my clients.) It's too bad a few people ruin it for the majority.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>
<< <i>Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
The power of the written word! There is a reason some people say ... type ... read ... re-read ... think about what you typed ... THEN hit enter. What a shame that Steve will not allow Reed to post to this board anymore. BBCE has been NOTHING but a FRIEND to members of this board. (Of course he makes money from us ... that's the business he is in. What's wrong with that? I have personal relationships with quite a few of my clients.) It's too bad a few people ruin it for the majority. >>
Beat me to death... I can take it. Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you." chaz
<< <i>kick the puppy.
Now that is FUNNY!
Joe
<< <i>kick the puppy.
Go ahead...have your fun. chaz
<< <i>
<< <i>kick the puppy.
Go ahead...have your fun. chaz >>
it is. and i appreciate your participation.
at least you don't hide your opinions behind an alt.
<< <i>at least you don't hide your opinions behind an alt. >>
I was thinking the same thing.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
<< <i>
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989
----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
<< <i>
<< <i>
Hey I didn't intend for this to happen at all. I merely stated my disagreement on some pricing and gave a possible solution to it. Again, Steve at BBCE does a great job no doubt and has a great reputation as well as all the people who work for him. Maybe I should have stated my opinion differently, gave a solution first, instead of criticize but I did not mean to offend anyone or cause problems. chaz >>
Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
Keep killing me, it hurts, I don't feel I deserve it. I just gave my opinion(without thinking I guess). I have been on here over 9 years, took some beatings but always came back strong. This one is real rough and I had no idea it would come to this. I hope Steve has a change of heart and allows Reed to still post finds. Next time, I'll shut my big mouth....man...what a beating....I really feel like crap. chaz
<< <i>Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
This isn't chaz's doing. The person to blame is the troll "BandOnTheRun" with 3 posts.
Message for Steve: These guys worship you. Nothing Reed writes on here will change that.
<< <i>
<< <i>Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
This isn't chaz's doing. The person to blame is the troll "BandOnTheRun" with 3 posts.
Message for Steve: These guys worship you. Nothing Reed writes on here will change that. >>
Yeah, "upon further review", I'm going to retract my grumbling at chaz. Did he set the tone? Yeah a bit, but the troll really took it into the ditch from there.
Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989
----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Doesn't really help much now, does it? So much for getting to see the videos of Reed going through a find for the first time......
This isn't chaz's doing. The person to blame is the troll "BandOnTheRun" with 3 posts.
Message for Steve: These guys worship you. Nothing Reed writes on here will change that. >>
Yeah, "upon further review", I'm going to retract my grumbling at chaz. Did he set the tone? Yeah a bit, but the troll really took it into the ditch from there. >>
Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz
As for Steve's prices, I have always found them to be fair relative to the timing and market availability.
In the case of these 1975 Topps mini boxes, here is the historical BBCE pricing we've seen since last fall:
Fall 2011 - $1350/box ($1215 with 10% discount)
Winter 2011 - $1450/box ($1300 with 10% discount)
Spring 2012 - $1700/box ($1600? discounted in the most recent break)
When you consider that for the first half of 2012 the volume of vintage unopened has gone down, a
rise in price is not unexpected nor unreasonable.
On top of that, the 1975 Topps mini case that BBCE had was actually the same one from the MH auction in
January. The high bidder did not follow through on his winning bid of nearly $23k. So it's pretty obvious that
MH worked out some sort of deal between the consignor and BBCE at a price well over BBCE's usual buy price.
BBCE certainly should be able to make a profit based on tying up their capital, shouldn't they?
FWIW I think a net price of $1300/box for 1975 mini boxes certified as authentic by Steve was a fair number.
Given the drop in "supply" I could see bumping that to $1400-$1450 now. Higher than that I'd be looking for
some sort of "experience" with boxes from the case that demonstrated superior centering and/or star power.
Dave
<< <i>Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz >>
Any man can screw up ... takes a bigger man to admit he did. HOPEFULLY Reed, Steve and you continue to post.
HOWEVER, do you still agree with this quote ...
Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you."
after looking at this?
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>
<< <i>Thanks but I still screwed up. BBCE means a lot to a lot of people including me, I should have know that. Maybe I see all that eye candy on his website and can't afford the vintage stuff I want. Taught me a lesson, never done learning in this life. chaz >>
Any man can screw up ... takes a bigger man to admit he did. HOPEFULLY Reed, Steve and you continue to post.
HOWEVER, do you still agree with this quote ...
Like the famed Hollywood producer Dawn Steele said "They can kill you, but they can't eat you."
after looking at this?
That's nasty c'mon lol....I feel bad enough. chaz
I just picked up his last 2 1979 OPC Boxes...I appreciate the feedback guys
TheClockworkAngelCollection
I typically just read the boards and enjoyed hearing about the trips and finds that Reed was posting. Hopefully he can go back to posting positive things about the company and just avoid the negative comments. I didn't think any of his responses were that bad.
And he wasn't even arguing with a customer. Apparantly chaz is a "poor folk" and can't afford the products anyway.
<< <i> Why doesn't BMW run a special and sell a new car at $15,000 so "poor folks" can afford it? . >>
Are Brian and Mike selling cars now ?
<< <i>Why should BBCE discount anything just so "poor folks" can afford it? Why doesn't BMW run a special and sell a new car at $15,000 so "poor folks" can afford it? Look, I can't afford high end wax but I'm not going to complain about it and tell someone how to run their business. Why should he run a special just so you can afford it? Why not work another job so you can afford it if you want vintage wax so bad.
I typically just read the boards and enjoyed hearing about the trips and finds that Reed was posting. Hopefully he can go back to posting positive things about the company and just avoid the negative comments. I didn't think any of his responses were that bad.
And he wasn't even arguing with a customer. Apparantly chaz is a "poor folk" and can't afford the products anyway. >>
Good points. chaz