My recent Probstein experience
PowderedH2O
Posts: 2,443 ✭✭
I recently decided to part with a nice chunk of PSA graded star cards out of my collection to help pay for a wedding. On my last ebay experience, I had one heck of a time chasing down people to get them to pay, and then tracking packages that people say they didn't get but actually did. I decided I didn't want the hassle this time, so I contacted Rick to sell them for me. Here is what happened. He received the cards on a Tuesday, and every single card (over 600) was listed within 24 hours. The cards as a whole sold for 118% of VCP, with several cards actually going for triple or quadruple their previous highs. The auctions ended late on Wednesday night. I had my check in hand on Monday morning, and it cleared my bank the next day. I didn't have to wait for people to pay him. He just took care of it all, and I got my money fast. This was a very positive experience for me, and I want to say without reservation, that if any of you out there are looking to sell, you would be well advised to deal with Rick.
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Comments
I love when I get my checks from him
<< <i>Is Probstein the same guy as Probstein123? I just got his business card with a card I won from him >>
Yes
#1) There should be a written agreement regarding fees, cards sent, ect, like PWCC does
#2) Scans OF both front and back should be included
#3) Auctions should be started during a normal time at night, say 7-9pm rather than 3am, I want my cards to get the maximum exposure so people can actually bid
#4) All auctions should be timed 1 min apart so people can bid auction to auction. I myself lost two auctions the other day since like 30 auctions ended at the same exact time.
If Probestein can get these items done he has my business!
Using the same theory, only one consignor's cards should then be scheduled to end on a particular minute because buyers could want cards from multiple consignors. So then if listings should only end between 7:00 and 9:00 the seller should only list 120 items a night. Should the 7-9 be eastern, central, or pacific time. What happens if another seller lists cards you want to buy at the same time? Time to pony up for a sniper program.
<< <i>I disagree, he needs to have a website with a downloadable contract where its the fees, services provided, ect, also each card would be listed on this form one for and a copy for Probestein. I guess I like to keep records and with the volume of cards he deals with I would hate for my cards to be mixed up with someone else's..... >>
Not sure if these are his current rates, but I found this on here:
PROBSTEIN123 is actively accepting CONSIGNMENTS !!
<< <i>Don't need an agreement on fees. All fees (ebay, paypal) including his are cheaper than selling on your own. >>
How so? His fees seem reasonable, but not cheaper than selling on your own if I read them right..
Here's an example: Graded item between $50-$100. You get 90% of the net profit from him.. The trick is in what constitutes "net profit"; I would assume that means "after Ebay/Paypal fees" right? Also, does "net" mean after shipping? Last also: the cost of shipping to him has to factored into the equation - might be non-trivial for a smaller, mid-price consignment.
Can anyone experienced with Rick clear these up for me?
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
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your collection. I know you're a passionate collector. On the other hand, I'm glad you got top dollar
by selling thru Rick. Sometimes you have to let some cards go.
I could probably look again on my own, but I'm feelin lazy tonight.
Not sold by Probstein two weeks earlier
1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better
Now seeking 1949 Eureka Sportstamps...NM condition
Working on '78 Autographed set now 99.9% complete -
Working on '89 Topps autoed set now complete
In all seriousness, his fees are more than reasonable and I'm sure his customer service is good. The fact is he does not get top dollar for a significant portion of what he sells, mostly because he chooses to sell most items at auction rather than BIN's. Same goes for PWCC. Unfortunately, people here only want to see what they want to see so the "WOW I can't believe he got that much for that card" auctions stick out in their minds. It's like a gambler that only wants to remember his big wins and conveniently forgets the plethora of small to medium-sized losses. I'm fairly confident that I could do 30 min worth of research and find at least a couple dozen cards in the last month that have significantly undersold from Probstein. Anybody who assumes he consistently gets top dollar for cards is just too lazy to figure out for themselves how to maximize profits.
Lee
He runs a firtst-rate operation as a seller, and I never have to wait more than 2-3 days after payment to receive my item. He's remarkably efficient.
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 completely agree and I know I'm coming off as bashing him. I'm really not, but I am bashing the notion that he gets top dollar for cards. For most people it's worth it to have someone else deal with scanning, listing, packing and shipping for a 10% cut, but just know you are often not maximizing your sales.
Lee
<< <i>He runs a firtst-rate operation as a seller, and I never have to wait more than 2-3 days after payment to receive my item. He's remarkably efficient.
I completely agree and I know I'm coming off as bashing him. I'm really not, but I am bashing the notion that he gets top dollar for cards. For most people it's worth it to have someone else deal with scanning, listing, packing and shipping for a 10% cut, but just know you are often not maximizing your sales.
Lee >>
I would agree with that, Lee. I think it comes down to whether someone wants to do their own work as a seller, and if so, I think you can realize a greater return. As a buyer,
Rick's service is second to none, so I can appreciate that from the other side, too.
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>The fact is he does not get top dollar for a significant portion of what he sells, mostly because he chooses to sell most items at auction rather than BIN's. Same goes for PWCC. Unfortunately, people here only want to see what they want to see so the "WOW I can't believe he got that much for that card" auctions stick out in their minds. It's like a gambler that only wants to remember his big wins and conveniently forgets the plethora of small to medium-sized losses. >>
Exactly. Well said.
As far as cards he's selling going well below market value, of course this happens. It makes up most of my purchases. But it's important to realize that the cards most susceptible to this are those from thinly traded sets. 1961 Topps baseball PSA 8s and PSA 9s (a couple hundred of which just closed a few hours ago) are far less likely to fall well below VCP averages than OPC WHA SGC cards (a number of which closed last week, some for the opening bid), because there's almost a guarantee that many interested bidders will see the 1961s, but there may be only one or two people caring about the OPC WHA cards and bidding on the ones they want.
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
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<< <i>Just want to say Probstein has sold thousands of dollars worth of cards on multiple occasions and each time it went perfect. >>
He has done the same for me.
Dave
I guess this is my point- don't you think with cards like this he's doing his consignors a disservice by sending them to auction with a starting bid of .99? Wouldn't a BIN of slightly above average VCP or higher be a better selling strategy and make his consignors more money? There's no doubt the sheer volume of cards he has up at any given time works in his favor to get "more eyes" on his listings, but that doesn't always equate to more bids (as you just illustrated). The seller of these cards should be pissed.
Lee
Well, thanks. It was for a good reason. I met the woman of my dreams, and things have progressed to the point where I decided to ask her to marry me (she said "yes", btw). I needed some money for a nice ring, and some wedding expenses. I ended up getting about $13k after the sale, which will certainly get us off to a good start. I'll eventually go back and pick up some of those cards again, but I think it will be at a lower level. I competed for #1 and paid too much for low pop cards. Time to enjoy the mid-range beauties for a lot less, and spend more time with another beauty.
Sam
eyebone
<< <i>As far as cards he's selling going well below market value, of course this happens. It makes up most of my purchases. But it's important to realize that the cards most susceptible to this are those from thinly traded sets. 1961 Topps baseball PSA 8s and PSA 9s (a couple hundred of which just closed a few hours ago) are far less likely to fall well below VCP averages than OPC WHA SGC cards (a number of which closed last week, some for the opening bid), because there's almost a guarantee that many interested bidders will see the 1961s, but there may be only one or two people caring about the OPC WHA cards and bidding on the ones they want.
I guess this is my point- don't you think with cards like this he's doing his consignors a disservice by sending them to auction with a starting bid of .99? Wouldn't a BIN of slightly above average VCP or higher be a better selling strategy and make his consignors more money? There's no doubt the sheer volume of cards he has up at any given time works in his favor to get "more eyes" on his listings, but that doesn't always equate to more bids (as you just illustrated). The seller of these cards should be pissed.
Lee >>
I always thought Manon Rhéaume was the first female goalie to play professional hockey, but apparently Dunc Wilson had her beat by several decades.
<< <i>My question............will Rick consign anything modern or is it just pre-1980. Seems like I read once it was only "vintage" stuff. True or false??
I could probably look again on my own, but I'm feelin lazy tonight. >>
You can send him an IM with the cards you want to sell and he'll let you know. I've sold modern with him before.
Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
<< <i>As far as cards he's selling going well below market value, of course this happens. It makes up most of my purchases. But it's important to realize that the cards most susceptible to this are those from thinly traded sets. 1961 Topps baseball PSA 8s and PSA 9s (a couple hundred of which just closed a few hours ago) are far less likely to fall well below VCP averages than OPC WHA SGC cards (a number of which closed last week, some for the opening bid), because there's almost a guarantee that many interested bidders will see the 1961s, but there may be only one or two people caring about the OPC WHA cards and bidding on the ones they want.
I guess this is my point- don't you think with cards like this he's doing his consignors a disservice by sending them to auction with a starting bid of .99? Wouldn't a BIN of slightly above average VCP or higher be a better selling strategy and make his consignors more money? There's no doubt the sheer volume of cards he has up at any given time works in his favor to get "more eyes" on his listings, but that doesn't always equate to more bids (as you just illustrated). The seller of these cards should be pissed.
Lee >>
The 3 SGC cards sold very cheaply, but would they have sold at all if a higher price were asked? Sitting on consigned inventory indefinitely has multiple downsides of its own.
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
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Yes they probably would have eventually. The PSA cards also sold extremely low too. Most of them hadn't surfaced in that grade in 3-4 years and PSA 9s ended up selling for what PSA 7s and 8s sold for historically. While I agree that sitting on consigned inventory has its drawbacks, the point I'm making is that probstein falls well short of maximizing sales by sending almost everything to auction. These tough 70s hockey in high grade are just an example.
Lee
<< <i>I remember pulling a classic Manon Rheaume auto out of a pack and being extremely excited. The auto had a heart in it. The early 90s were a dark time. >>
Ain't that the truth.
<< <i>The 3 SGC cards sold very cheaply, but would they have sold at all if a higher price were asked? Sitting on consigned inventory indefinitely has multiple downsides of its own.
Yes they probably would have eventually. The PSA cards also sold extremely low too. Most of them hadn't surfaced in that grade in 3-4 years and PSA 9s ended up selling for what PSA 7s and 8s sold for historically. While I agree that sitting on consigned inventory has its drawbacks, the point I'm making is that probstein falls well short of maximizing sales by sending almost everything to auction. These tough 70s hockey in high grade are just an example.
Lee >>
Lee - I can't argue with what you are saying, but at the same time I am guessing folks who consign know they are gambling. I agree the off start times don't help auctions if/when they occur - thats more easily remedied than the gamble anyone takes putting cards up for auction. I've consigned with Rick twice now and have been very happy with the hammer prices (although admittedly I would like a description/note if I call it out - IE pop 1, etc). Just sent my third batch and expect it up tomorrow...fingers crossed for another successful go around.
Any guesses??...........
All of them packaged together with nothing seperating them or preventing them to shift during shipping.
Results....several holders scratched up.
I also know Rick will refund my money, but I bought them for a reason. 2nd time in 6 months and he's not the only one that has done this, several have.
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Working on.........
Tony Dorsett Master Set
1977 Topps Mexican FB (raw)
1957 Topps FB Set (raw or graded)
<< <i>
<< <i>My question............will Rick consign anything modern or is it just pre-1980. Seems like I read once it was only "vintage" stuff. True or false??
I could probably look again on my own, but I'm feelin lazy tonight. >>
You can send him an IM with the cards you want to sell and he'll let you know. I've sold modern with him before. >>
I have seen modern too.
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<< <i>I remember pulling a classic Manon Rheaume auto out of a pack and being extremely excited. The auto had a heart in it. The early 90s were a dark time. >>
She still plays for fun. I have a buddy that plays in amateur hockey leagues and has seen and played against her recently.
Yes they probably would have eventually. The PSA cards also sold extremely low too. Most of them hadn't surfaced in that grade in 3-4 years and PSA 9s ended up selling for what PSA 7s and 8s sold for historically. While I agree that sitting on consigned inventory has its drawbacks, the point I'm making is that probstein falls well short of maximizing sales by sending almost everything to auction. These tough 70s hockey in high grade are just an example.
Lee
The person who knew best what the value of those cards were was the consignor. Auctions can be hit or miss on thinly traded cards. If he listed the cards himself at BIN's that were fairly priced based on his experience collecting the cards, the right buyers would eventually come across them and pay the fair asking prices. If they're pumped and dumped in 99 cent Ebay auctions they can easily be missed and sell for very little. The buyer who paid $2 or $3 for the card could have easily had a much higher fair $ top all bid in. With BIN's whatever the fair price was could have been obtained, but auctions always need to have the right collectors show up. Or one right collector and a safety bid.