One of the biggest vintage wax box collectors has decided to unload his collection to Steve. It is going to cost Steve north of 5 million dollars to bring the product to market. He will be letting all his customers know about the protocol for getting first dibs on it.
My vote is for pack and box authentication. So as not to compete with PSA there will be no grading just sealed in a BBCE clamshell/hologram and labeled as authentic.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW What a Ride!' Mark Frost
<< <i>One of the biggest vintage wax box collectors has decided to unload his collection to Steve. It is going to cost Steve north of 5 million dollars to bring the product to market. He will be letting all his customers know about the protocol for getting first dibs on it. >>
text says 'decision', not 'purchase'. also, i'm not really sure how a retail store adds value to steve's business. either way, it will be fun to see what the deal is.
I would consider it BOTH a major decision AND a major purchase if he decided to buy out all of Fritsch's product.
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>I am not sure but what a great PR move, it has caused quite a bit of discussion already. >>
And generated a few good ideas for them to consider. >>
+ 1
Obviously, this is all speculation. I wouldn't be surprised if someone made an offer on his inventory that he couldn't say no to and became a consultant. On the other hand, I also wouldn't be surprised if he expanded and opened a retail store.
One thing is for sure, I'm absolutely positive a lot of thought and consideration went into it. Whatever it is, wishing Steve continued success.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
I think the fact they used the date they opened and use of the word DECISION indicates something that might not be considered positive news. I think if it was growth related, they would have used more positive sounding tone. I'd expect it to be something about a significant change to the business model or company role.
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<< <i>BBCE will begin a service authenticating product for their customers?? Those boxes that have been in your closet for the past 35 years that does not have a BBCE logo will now be reviewed by them and stamped with his wrap????
<< <i>I think the fact they used the date they opened and use of the word DECISION indicates something that might not be considered positive news. I think if it was growth related, they would have used more positive sounding tone. I'd expect it to be something about a significant change to the business model or company role. >>
I agree with this. A new location, new service, etc. would likely have just been an ANNOUNCEMENT without the word DECISION.
I have the inside word: They have decided they will not be participating in any more group rips on the forum due to what a tremendous pain in the arse it is...
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For example, a decision could mean he has decided to take on a more active role in combatting resealers by offering an authentication service (not a numerical grade per se, just an opinion on authenticity).
We all pay a premium for bbce shrinkwrap, most of us happily. In that business model, Steve has to own and lay out for the inventory and hunt to all corners of the globe for it. In the second model, he has no acquisition cost or headache, yet he still profits from the bbce seal. Just a thought, but one that could easily coexist with his current model. He would also likely see a lot of previously hidden inventory come out of the woodwork, even it if only goes back into hiding once sealed.
"On October 1st 1990, Baseball Card Exchange officially opened its doors. Today, October 1st 2013, 23 years later, we have made a major decision. We'll be making an announcement in the next few days."
Technically, it would be 23 years and one day later, but I digress.
Steve has made major purchases before and never given a recital of the history of the company, so I think this has to do with the status of the company. What can you do with a company? You can sell it, you can merge it, you can divest parts of it, you can "go public", you can raise capital for it (other than going public), or you can acquire another company.
Perhaps Steve is going to do a Private Placement to raise funds for expansion, acquisition, etc. and is looking to big fish customers as potential investors? But that doesn't explain the recital of the company's history.
IMO, Steve will be selling the company to PSA, who is planning to open up an internet retail operation under an independent entity. PSA is also negotiating to acquire Fritsch cards' inventory, and will then compete against Blowout Cards, DACardworld, etc. PSA will attempt to take advantage of perceived synergies in the marketplace.
Kiss me once, shame on you. Kiss me twice.....let's party.
There is no way he is opening up a second location. Very stupid on his part and Steve is not stupid. He can manage this just fine at one location. There is no way he is working for someone else. There is no way he is selling his successful business. I doubt he is announcing to the world that the major decision is buying a huge collection from his customer. He buys huge collections all the time - that's what he does.
Shane
Looking for high grade rookie cards and unopened boxes/cases
<< <i>IMO, Steve will be selling the company to PSA, who is planning to open up an internet retail operation under an independent entity. PSA is also negotiating to acquire Fritsch cards' inventory, and will then compete against Blowout Cards, DACardworld, etc. PSA will attempt to take advantage of perceived synergies in the marketplace. >>
I feel like this would be a major conflict of interest.
Looking to have some custom cuts or plain custom cards built? PM me.
I heard about those Mantle inserts in OPC Hockey but never saw one before!
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.
Shane is correct on all points. That said, maybe he held back one of the 1971 Football Series 2 wax boxes that he had recently & is going to offer it for a group rip.
Ron Burgundy
Buying Vintage, all sports. Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
<< <i>Shane is correct on all points. That said, maybe he held back one of the 1971 Football Series 2 wax boxes that he had recently & is going to offer it for a group rip. >>
Say that again....he had WHAT in his inventory recently???
<< <i>my guess: Steve is going to start doing auctions. >>
I like this guess a lot. >>
Makes the most sense to me-inventory flies off the shelf and it's hard to replace, Steve isn't aggressive with his pricing, and with the decline of ebay more and more dealers/collectors are setting up their own auction houses- Shoeless, Brockelman and Luckey, Sterling, Cataquet, etc. Major acquisition would be a great jump start.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>my guess: Steve is going to start doing auctions. >>
I like this guess a lot. >>
Makes the most sense to me-inventory flies off the shelf and it's hard to replace, Steve isn't aggressive with his pricing, and with the decline of ebay more and more dealers/collectors are setting up their own auction houses- Shoeless, Brockelman and Luckey, Sterling, Cataquet, etc. Major acquisition would be a great jump start. >>
There certainly would be benefits to all parties involved if this were the case. Steve would be able to get maximum money for his product and customers wouldn't have to worry about being on his website the second it gets listed, just whether or not they're willing to bid higher than everyone else. It would also certainly provide more accurate data for pricing products.
However, I think the big announcement is that Steve is pregnant. The ultimate unopened item.
Hopefully he is announcing that he will offer a consignment service or something similar and not that his warehouse burned down and he is moving to San Diego to focus on golf and selling Ken Griffey Jr memorabilia.
Comments
It is going to cost Steve north of 5 million dollars to bring the product to market.
He will be letting all his customers know about the protocol for getting first dibs on it.
<< <i>One of the biggest vintage wax box collectors has decided to unload his collection to Steve.
It is going to cost Steve north of 5 million dollars to bring the product to market.
He will be letting all his customers know about the protocol for getting first dibs on it. >>
Same guess for me but the collection is fritsch's
Current obsession, all things Topps 1969 - 1972
+1 on your reply, reed. steve would be proud.
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stupid print dots
Han Solo: I don't know, I can imagine quite a bit.
<< <i>text says 'decision', not 'purchase'. >>
I would consider it BOTH a major decision AND a major purchase if he decided to buy out all of Fritsch's product.
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>text says 'decision', not 'purchase'. >>
I would consider it BOTH a major decision AND a major purchase if he decided to buy out all of Fritsch's product. >>
absolutely true, i just think it would be worded differently if that were the case.
Due to popular demand, BBCE is installing several humidifiers in the warehouse to get that 'Kruk magic' into all the product.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
<< <i>I am not sure but what a great PR move, it has caused quite a bit of discussion already. >>
And generated a few good ideas for them to consider.
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stupid print dots
Jmaciu's Collection
<< <i>
<< <i>I am not sure but what a great PR move, it has caused quite a bit of discussion already. >>
And generated a few good ideas for them to consider. >>
+ 1
Obviously, this is all speculation. I wouldn't be surprised if someone made an offer on his inventory that he couldn't say no to and became a consultant. On the other hand, I also wouldn't be surprised if he expanded and opened a retail store.
One thing is for sure, I'm absolutely positive a lot of thought and consideration went into it. Whatever it is, wishing Steve continued success.
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They call me "Pack the Ripper"
But in all seriousness, a new location opening...maybe west coast.
<< <i>BBCE will begin a service authenticating product for their customers?? Those boxes that have been in your closet for the past 35 years that does not have a BBCE logo will now be reviewed by them and stamped with his wrap????
Just a guess >>
Great guess.
I'll go with this one!
aconte
<< <i>I think the fact they used the date they opened and use of the word DECISION indicates something that might not be considered positive news. I think if it was growth related, they would have used more positive sounding tone. I'd expect it to be something about a significant change to the business model or company role. >>
I agree with this. A new location, new service, etc. would likely have just been an ANNOUNCEMENT without the word DECISION.
jbox
They have decided they will not be participating in any more group rips on the forum due to what a tremendous pain in the arse it is...
TheClockworkAngelCollection
For example, a decision could mean he has decided to take on a more active role in combatting resealers by offering an authentication service (not a numerical grade per se, just an opinion on authenticity).
We all pay a premium for bbce shrinkwrap, most of us happily. In that business model, Steve has to own and lay out for the inventory and hunt to all corners of the globe for it. In the second model, he has no acquisition cost or headache, yet he still profits from the bbce seal.
Just a thought, but one that could easily coexist with his current model. He would also likely see a lot of previously hidden inventory come out of the woodwork, even it if only goes back into hiding once sealed.
ebay id Duffs_Dugout
My Ebay Auctions
Technically, it would be 23 years and one day later, but I digress.
Steve has made major purchases before and never given a recital of the history of the company, so I think this has to do with the status of the company. What can you do with a company? You can sell it, you can merge it, you can divest parts of it, you can "go public", you can raise capital for it (other than going public), or you can acquire another company.
Perhaps Steve is going to do a Private Placement to raise funds for expansion, acquisition, etc. and is looking to big fish customers as potential investors? But that doesn't explain the recital of the company's history.
IMO, Steve will be selling the company to PSA, who is planning to open up an internet retail operation under an independent entity. PSA is also negotiating to acquire Fritsch cards' inventory, and will then compete against Blowout Cards, DACardworld, etc. PSA will attempt to take advantage of perceived synergies in the marketplace.
Kiss me twice.....let's party.
There is no way he is working for someone else.
There is no way he is selling his successful business.
I doubt he is announcing to the world that the major decision is buying a huge collection from his customer. He buys huge collections all the time - that's what he does.
Shane
<< <i>Fresh cases of 1987 Topps hitting the shelves? >>
I'm not interested, I only want a fresh case of 1988 Donruss.
<< <i>IMO, Steve will be selling the company to PSA, who is planning to open up an internet retail operation under an independent entity. PSA is also negotiating to acquire Fritsch cards' inventory, and will then compete against Blowout Cards, DACardworld, etc. PSA will attempt to take advantage of perceived synergies in the marketplace. >>
I feel like this would be a major conflict of interest.
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<< <i>My guess is that Steve is reading all the responses and getting a good chuckle. >>
Unbelievable that we agree on something. The pied paper is playing his flute and MOST eyes are on his every move!
<< <i>Steve has come up with a way to make your cheap cards items more valuable. >>
I heard about those Mantle inserts in OPC Hockey but never saw one before!
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>my guess: Steve is going to start doing auctions. >>
I like this guess a lot.
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Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
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<< <i>Shane is correct on all points. That said, maybe he held back one of the 1971 Football Series 2 wax boxes that he had recently & is going to offer it for a group rip. >>
Say that again....he had WHAT in his inventory recently???
Amy Hart I would love to spill the beans for everyone, but I suppose I'll let my brother share the news.
<< <i>
<< <i>my guess: Steve is going to start doing auctions. >>
I like this guess a lot. >>
Makes the most sense to me-inventory flies off the shelf and it's hard to replace, Steve isn't aggressive with his pricing, and with the decline of ebay more and more dealers/collectors are setting up their own auction houses- Shoeless, Brockelman and Luckey, Sterling, Cataquet, etc.
Major acquisition would be a great jump start.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>my guess: Steve is going to start doing auctions. >>
I like this guess a lot. >>
Makes the most sense to me-inventory flies off the shelf and it's hard to replace, Steve isn't aggressive with his pricing, and with the decline of ebay more and more dealers/collectors are setting up their own auction houses- Shoeless, Brockelman and Luckey, Sterling, Cataquet, etc.
Major acquisition would be a great jump start. >>
There certainly would be benefits to all parties involved if this were the case. Steve would be able to get maximum money for his product and customers wouldn't have to worry about being on his website the second it gets listed, just whether or not they're willing to bid higher than everyone else. It would also certainly provide more accurate data for pricing products.
However, I think the big announcement is that Steve is pregnant. The ultimate unopened item.
Robb