<< <i>How do you think those 5.00 PSA 9 NQ card became high pops and only worth 5.00 today?! LOL >>
I do think people who bought sets from them in the 70s through early 90s probably got some nice cards. There was someone (maybe on these boards) who bought a 1967 series set from them and eventually graded the Yaz out to a 9.
I bought a 70/71 series 2 bball set in the early 90's and the Maravich graded PSA 8. Also bought a 1971 baseball series 2 set in the same time frame and the majority of the ones that made it to newport beach got 8's.
<< <i>I'm sure before the 3rd party grading boom (and especially the PSA set registry) happened, hand collated sets from Fritsch were very nice.
But since then...............come on, get real. You know damn well they've been cherry picked >>
One has to assume this is the case. Since Fritsch doesn't really sell many graded cards, I wonder where those cards got snuck out through the back door to. 4SC?
This is a very interesting theory, I have been beating my head for years trying to figure out how 4SC gets their huge numbers of pristine cards month after month. If they are raiding Fritsch complete sets there is some level of ambivalence because I always assume that sets have been cherry picked by ANYONE with knowledge of cards. However, what about the vending? Do you think?...Ive been thinking of buying some, but several years ago I swore that I would only trust buying from BBCE
Or it could simply be that they used up all the nicer cards to build their sets early on and the quality of what's left continues to deteriorate over time.
<< <i>Or it could simply be that they used up all the nicer cards to build their sets early on and the quality of what's left continues to deteriorate over time. >>
+1
Edited to add: They could rip some of their unopened stash to build better sets. Did I say that out loud???
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. 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 have bought from Fritsch in the past. Not a ton but a few things. My most recent purchase was probably at least ten years ago. I bought some 71 Topps cards advertised as near mint and had them graded for my then in progress 71 set. The handful of cards I purchased all came back as 7s (including a Munson and Rose) so I was happy and it was an as advertised transaction.
Their are two reasons I have not bought from Fritsch since then. First, the price. Prices on almost everything are not right for me. In my opinion, the prices are all too high. With that said, I don't see that as a "fault" or a problem; any seller is free to price his merchandise at whatever price he or she sees fit. There is nothing new or novel with such an approach.
The second reason, and the crux of my beef, is that the business is run like a 1973 mail order catalog. Last time I looked, you could not make purchases over the Internet and orders needed to be mailed or called in. I seem to recall there was a "convenience fee" if you didn't use the mail. All of that I found utterly ridiculous in this day and age. There was not, in my opinion, any value placed upon customer service. It seems roadblock after roadblock was thrown up to give you a reason not to purchase. Seriously, if Fritsch changed this customer service model to what we as customers expect today (Internet purchasing, PayPal, etc.), I might give them another shot. Even if I wanted to do so now, I don't think I could navigate through the maddening and disorganized catalog.
I hope someone from Fritsch is reading this as I see the issue one of customer service. Make it easy and friendly to purchase.
Since he is also a topic of this thread, Steve with BBCE is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Steve in every dealing I have had with him has bent over backwards in providing top notch customer service. He responds to my questions diligently, packages my orders up fantastically, and makes my purchase experience enjoyable. When you receive that kind of service, it is really a "no brainer" not to come back. Great customer service leads to repeat customers. In fact, I am hard pressed to identify anyone else I have encountered in my 35 years collecting cards who has achieved this level of customer service (that is saying something). Seriously, Fritsch would be well served to follow this approach.
<< <i>Or it could simply be that they used up all the nicer cards to build their sets early on and the quality of what's left continues to deteriorate over time. >>
+1
Edited to add: They could rip some of their unopened stash to build better sets. Did I say that out loud??? >>
As random as there catalog is. I do think it is an interesting strategy that works in some way. It truely does feel like being at a card show where you dont know what will be next. As random and crazy that there catalog is, I do think it's a crazy that probably does work in their benifit.
Larry was a visionary. He chased after this stuff when no one thought it had any value and he got most of his stuff for next to nothing. When you have little or no capital invested in your inventory, you can run your business as poorly as you want.
I spoke with him at length about 15 years ago. He was a VERY interesting person and a nice guy as far as I could tell.
He infuriated me when I called on an item a friend of mine told me about, he quoted my buddy one price and in the next day or two raised the price by 20%. I bought it anyway, and in the long run I am glad I did. I sure was mad though.
Joe
2013,14 and 15 Certificate Award Winner Harmon Killebrew Master Set and Master Topps Set
I have bought from Fritsch in the past. Not a ton but a few things. My most recent purchase was probably at least ten years ago. I bought some 71 Topps cards advertised as near mint and had them graded for my then in progress 71 set. The handful of cards I purchased all came back as 7s (including a Munson and Rose) so I was happy and it was an as advertised transaction.
Their are two reasons I have not bought from Fritsch since then. First, the price. Prices on almost everything are not right for me. In my opinion, the prices are all too high. With that said, I don't see that as a "fault" or a problem; any seller is free to price his merchandise at whatever price he or she sees fit. There is nothing new or novel with such an approach.
The second reason, and the crux of my beef, is that the business is run like a 1973 mail order catalog. Last time I looked, you could not make purchases over the Internet and orders needed to be mailed or called in. I seem to recall there was a "convenience fee" if you didn't use the mail. All of that I found utterly ridiculous in this day and age. There was not, in my opinion, any value placed upon customer service. It seems roadblock after roadblock was thrown up to give you a reason not to purchase. Seriously, if Fritsch changed this customer service model to what we as customers expect today (Internet purchasing, PayPal, etc.), I might give them another shot. Even if I wanted to do so now, I don't think I could navigate through the maddening and disorganized catalog.
I hope someone from Fritsch is reading this as I see the issue one of customer service. Make it easy and friendly to purchase.
Since he is also a topic of this thread, Steve with BBCE is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Steve in every dealing I have had with him has bent over backwards in providing top notch customer service. He responds to my questions diligently, packages my orders up fantastically, and makes my purchase experience enjoyable. When you receive that kind of service, it is really a "no brainer" not to come back. Great customer service leads to repeat customers. In fact, I am hard pressed to identify anyone else I have encountered in my 35 years collecting cards who has achieved this level of customer service (that is saying something). Seriously, Fritsch would be well served to follow this approach.
Matt >>
Nope. Not much has changed. I called them 4 days ago to inquire about pricing and availability on 4 different items. He said he had to call me back after checking availability. He did call me back-two days later. 1 box he did not have and the other 3 were significantly higher than the price in the catalog. I wanted to buy one item. The only thing he accepts is a money order. No Credit Card, no Paypal. So I have to go get a money order, send it to him and wait for him to ship it to me? I don't think I've ever had to work so hard to buy something!
The Clockwork Angel Collection...brought to you by Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase TheClockworkAngelCollection
Are you saying that if I called monday to order a 1973 4th series box, it is now 3500.00 instead of 2100.00 in the catalog? Thats a hefty profit...is any 1973 topps wax scarce?
Also people bid on that box hoping that odds are in their favor by that this is a 5 series set. They were thinking they had 80% chance of getting one of the better series from this issue. They didnt realize that had 0% chance of actually getting one of the better series and actually bought the worst of the 5 series possible. That is where the premium for this box came from. A 4th series box is not worth 3500.00 at all. 2400 max max max I would think. almost 150 a pack is crazy when you can get the best series the 5th at around 150 on ebay graded. I dont think Larry F will sell any at his new fatasy prices for a long time.
I just placed an order for the first time and would like to share the following quotes from the boards......
<< <i>"Rock solid and beyond question 100% legitimate for unopened product. Problem is they charge top dollar and will even raise prices when you try and order depending on what they call "market conditions."
"Steve wont raise the price on you just because you called asking for a hot product"
"I think that was what his price was at the time as well. He then said let me check if i have one(lol!! I bet you do, or let me check the internest sales.)"
"I could fault him. Don't put out a catalog with prices. Its simple as that. "Call for prices and availability" would be much more professional and less off-putting for your customers. If you are going to put prices down, then honor them. Or only sell what you want to sell at said prices. Its really about honoring your prices and not being tactless. If they have premium product and its untouched, then yes, by all means, charge top dollar. But dont advertise one thing and say another. I think its bad business, personally."
"He makes it feel like because you are showing interest he can add on another 10% just bc you had to call about it. The let me check and see if I have one. We all know what the answer is."
"Now, as much as I'm complaining because the price seems to be fluid based on one overbid ebay auction and it's more than I am willing to pay, I can't fault them. It's a case of "I have it - You want it - Here's my price. You don't like my price than don't buy since I'll find some one else that will pay my price". That's free enterprise. I guess I have a certain amount of envy because I'm not in that position."
"Three times they said that they didn't have the cards I requested (although in each case they later had those same cards, at higher prices of course)." >>
I got a great deal on a few factory sets. I bought them just before Memorial Day weekend. They had a great sale going on so I bought a handful of them. They sent me an email apologizing that they were lost or an inventory issue and could only find one. Nonetheless, I told them to please keep searching as I've got nothing but time on my hands. I'm a bit skeptical but I'll wait to see how they respond.
So here's something interesting about LF. I've been buying from him since around 1979. Always liked his stuff (other than off center cards) and could always fill sets when I was collecting them. About 3 years ago, I bought a 1973 topps wax box from him. Last June, I needed a little cash and put the box up for auction in Memory Lane's summer auction. The folks at ML took the box and had Steve Hart authenticate it. Before the box was put up for auction, Steve called me and wanted to know where I got the box. I told him that I got it from LF a few years ago and he was quite surprised. He said there were a couple packs that looked suspicious. I said that is really hard to believe and he agreed, however, he couldn't authenticate the whole box. I actually ended up buying 2 packs from Steve to round out the box...
Thanks for sharing, I'm pretty confident that the unopened is good for the most part(71 vending issue and this one aside). There is a chance for bad stuff in any inventory, it's a good thing the majority of them were good. Did you open the two questionable packs to see what was in them? I'm just stumped at the pricing...it's almost like they don't want you to find what you feel is a good deal.
I did, there was nothing of substance, but the gum looked old and the card corners were sharp...I have a feeling Steve is very, very conservative when he looks at packs, which in my opinion is a very good thing and gives me even more confidence when I purchase from him
Comments
<< <i>How do you think those 5.00 PSA 9 NQ card became high pops and only worth 5.00 today?! LOL >>
I do think people who bought sets from them in the 70s through early 90s probably got some nice cards. There was someone (maybe on these boards) who bought a 1967 series set from them and eventually graded the Yaz out to a 9.
Current obsession, all things Topps 1969 - 1972
<< <i>good points all around guys. >>
+1
But since then...............come on, get real. You know damn well they've been cherry picked
<< <i>I'm sure before the 3rd party grading boom (and especially the PSA set registry) happened, hand collated sets from Fritsch were very nice.
But since then...............come on, get real. You know damn well they've been cherry picked >>
One has to assume this is the case. Since Fritsch doesn't really sell many graded cards, I wonder where those cards got snuck out through the back door to. 4SC?
<< <i>Or it could simply be that they used up all the nicer cards to build their sets early on and the quality of what's left continues to deteriorate over time. >>
+1
Edited to add: They could rip some of their unopened stash to build better sets. Did I say that out loud???
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 have bought from Fritsch in the past. Not a ton but a few things. My most recent purchase was probably at least ten years ago. I bought some 71 Topps cards advertised as near mint and had them graded for my then in progress 71 set. The handful of cards I purchased all came back as 7s (including a Munson and Rose) so I was happy and it was an as advertised transaction.
Their are two reasons I have not bought from Fritsch since then. First, the price. Prices on almost everything are not right for me. In my opinion, the prices are all too high. With that said, I don't see that as a "fault" or a problem; any seller is free to price his merchandise at whatever price he or she sees fit. There is nothing new or novel with such an approach.
The second reason, and the crux of my beef, is that the business is run like a 1973 mail order catalog. Last time I looked, you could not make purchases over the Internet and orders needed to be mailed or called in. I seem to recall there was a "convenience fee" if you didn't use the mail. All of that I found utterly ridiculous in this day and age. There was not, in my opinion, any value placed upon customer service. It seems roadblock after roadblock was thrown up to give you a reason not to purchase. Seriously, if Fritsch changed this customer service model to what we as customers expect today (Internet purchasing, PayPal, etc.), I might give them another shot. Even if I wanted to do so now, I don't think I could navigate through the maddening and disorganized catalog.
I hope someone from Fritsch is reading this as I see the issue one of customer service. Make it easy and friendly to purchase.
Since he is also a topic of this thread, Steve with BBCE is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Steve in every dealing I have had with him has bent over backwards in providing top notch customer service. He responds to my questions diligently, packages my orders up fantastically, and makes my purchase experience enjoyable. When you receive that kind of service, it is really a "no brainer" not to come back. Great customer service leads to repeat customers. In fact, I am hard pressed to identify anyone else I have encountered in my 35 years collecting cards who has achieved this level of customer service (that is saying something). Seriously, Fritsch would be well served to follow this approach.
Matt
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 241,435,610,654 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
<< <i>
<< <i>Or it could simply be that they used up all the nicer cards to build their sets early on and the quality of what's left continues to deteriorate over time. >>
+1
Edited to add: They could rip some of their unopened stash to build better sets. Did I say that out loud???
I'm stunned!
aconte
<< <i>Their catalog is the most random randomness I've ever seen. >>
Why would you say that? I had no problems finding the 1970s vending boxes on page 145 right after the 1952 topps baseball reprint by team sale.
I spoke with him at length about 15 years ago. He was a VERY interesting person and a nice guy as far as I could tell.
He infuriated me when I called on an item a friend of mine told me about, he quoted my buddy one price and in the next day or two raised the price by 20%. I bought it anyway, and in the long run I am glad I did. I sure was mad though.
Joe
<< <i>Interesting thread. My two cents.
I have bought from Fritsch in the past. Not a ton but a few things. My most recent purchase was probably at least ten years ago. I bought some 71 Topps cards advertised as near mint and had them graded for my then in progress 71 set. The handful of cards I purchased all came back as 7s (including a Munson and Rose) so I was happy and it was an as advertised transaction.
Their are two reasons I have not bought from Fritsch since then. First, the price. Prices on almost everything are not right for me. In my opinion, the prices are all too high. With that said, I don't see that as a "fault" or a problem; any seller is free to price his merchandise at whatever price he or she sees fit. There is nothing new or novel with such an approach.
The second reason, and the crux of my beef, is that the business is run like a 1973 mail order catalog. Last time I looked, you could not make purchases over the Internet and orders needed to be mailed or called in. I seem to recall there was a "convenience fee" if you didn't use the mail. All of that I found utterly ridiculous in this day and age. There was not, in my opinion, any value placed upon customer service. It seems roadblock after roadblock was thrown up to give you a reason not to purchase. Seriously, if Fritsch changed this customer service model to what we as customers expect today (Internet purchasing, PayPal, etc.), I might give them another shot. Even if I wanted to do so now, I don't think I could navigate through the maddening and disorganized catalog.
I hope someone from Fritsch is reading this as I see the issue one of customer service. Make it easy and friendly to purchase.
Since he is also a topic of this thread, Steve with BBCE is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Steve in every dealing I have had with him has bent over backwards in providing top notch customer service. He responds to my questions diligently, packages my orders up fantastically, and makes my purchase experience enjoyable. When you receive that kind of service, it is really a "no brainer" not to come back. Great customer service leads to repeat customers. In fact, I am hard pressed to identify anyone else I have encountered in my 35 years collecting cards who has achieved this level of customer service (that is saying something). Seriously, Fritsch would be well served to follow this approach.
Matt >>
Nope. Not much has changed. I called them 4 days ago to inquire about pricing and availability on 4 different items. He said he had to call me back after checking availability. He did call me back-two days later. 1 box he did not have and the other 3 were significantly higher than the price in the catalog. I wanted to buy one item. The only thing he accepts is a money order. No Credit Card, no Paypal. So I have to go get a money order, send it to him and wait for him to ship it to me? I don't think I've ever had to work so hard to buy something!
TheClockworkAngelCollection
I dont think Larry F will sell any at his new fatasy prices for a long time.
<< <i>"Rock solid and beyond question 100% legitimate for unopened product. Problem is they charge top dollar and will even raise prices when you try and order depending on what they call "market conditions."
"Steve wont raise the price on you just because you called asking for a hot product"
"I think that was what his price was at the time as well. He then said let me check if i have one(lol!! I bet you do, or let me check the internest sales.)"
"I could fault him. Don't put out a catalog with prices. Its simple as that. "Call for prices and availability" would be much more professional and less off-putting for your customers. If you are going to put prices down, then honor them. Or only sell what you want to sell at said prices. Its really about honoring your prices and not being tactless. If they have premium product and its untouched, then yes, by all means, charge top dollar. But dont advertise one thing and say another. I think its bad business, personally."
"He makes it feel like because you are showing interest he can add on another 10% just bc you had to call about it. The let me check and see if I have one. We all know what the answer is."
"Now, as much as I'm complaining because the price seems to be fluid based on one overbid ebay auction and it's more than I am willing to pay, I can't fault them. It's a case of "I have it - You want it - Here's my price. You don't like my price than don't buy since I'll find some one else that will pay my price". That's free enterprise. I guess I have a certain amount of envy because I'm not in that position."
"Three times they said that they didn't have the cards I requested (although in each case they later had those same cards, at higher prices of course)." >>
Rick