<< <i>My guess, based on the fact that they chose to include the day they opened in the beginning of that blurb - it sounds like retirement or selling the business. >>
<< <i>I think this has to do with the status of the company. >>
this >>
No way he walks away from the business at his age. He's still a young guy, lol..
Unless he hit the IL lottery, that is!
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.
Due to the government shutdown, his warehouse has been barricaded as a national treasure. Even WWII vets are turned away. B-ball card aficionados storm the capital by the dozens.
I've hit the tipping point where I've gone from looking forward to the announcement with positive anticipation to irritated at this being drug out. Somebody wake me up when there's something to talk about. It's time to make the announcement Steve, you've hit the point of diminishing returns with the wait.
<< <i>I've hit the tipping point where I've gone from looking forward to the announcement with positive anticipation to irritated at this being drug out. Somebody wake me up when there's something to talk about. It's time to make the announcement Steve, you've hit the point of diminishing returns with the wait.
<< <i>Sorry, we're still not ready to make the announcement yet, but all of us here at BBCE are having a blast reading some of the speculation. Maybe even given us an idea or two, perhaps? If you have some time to kill, it's a pretty entertaining read. >>
The reference he makes is to this thread and leaves a link here....
Snuff ... gotta LUV it. You always keep us laughing. But I do agree ... it's been three days ... hopefully Steve is ready to announce his plan soon.
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'm not gonna lie, that made me tinkle in my britches a little. K I'm done with this thread -- not because I'm agitated, but because Snuffcan is going to get me fired and at that point it won't matter what the hell happens.
<< <i>Sorry, we're still not ready to make the announcement yet, but all of us here at BBCE are having a blast reading some of the speculation. Maybe even given us an idea or two, perhaps? If you have some time to kill, it's a pretty entertaining read. >>
The reference he makes is to this thread and leaves a link here....
...and so we wait.... >>
I guess as long as we keep entertaining him he will wait. Are we putting on a good show for you Steve? We entertain you? We entertain you how, like we're clowns? Do we amuse you? We make you laugh? Were here to entertain you? Whattya you mean entertaining? Entertaining how? How are we entertaining?
<<Exciting news for Baseball Card Exchange! Earlier this week, almost exactly 23 years to the day of opening our doors to the original retail store, we signed a lease on a new location that will serve our warehouse and mail order needs, as well as provide us with an area to operate a retail storefront.>>
I guess I did not misremember seeing this "news" about them opening a retail store a while ago!
Exciting news for Baseball Card Exchange! Earlier this week, almost exactly 23 years to the day of opening our doors to the original retail store, we signed a lease on a new location that will serve our warehouse and mail order needs, as well as provide us with an area to operate a retail storefront.
Back in 1990, Baseball Card Exchange opened for business in a small (400 square feet) retail location in Lansing, IL. After three years, we moved to a larger/better location on the main thoroughfare down the street. This retail location was 1400 square feet and served us well. It was a great time to have a card store in the Chicago area; Michael Jordan and the Bulls created a lot of new card collectors, and even converted some die-hard baseball card collectors over to the basketball card market. In July 2002, we made the tough decision to close the retail store and go strictly into internet sales. E-commerce was booming. We moved into a 4,000 square foot warehouse, launched our website, and continued to use other internet outlets to grow the business. We quickly outgrew that location in less than five years, and moved again to our current facility that is about 6,500 square feet. We are located within a self-storage facility, and due to our space needs, we are additionally renting seven storage units as well. Lately, we have just not been able to move around the warehouse. It seems like every time we sell something, we have to move three pallets to get to it. Oh well – it’s time to move again.
We had been scouting new locations for quite a while. After searching for an all-in-one location (warehouse, office, and retail), we were resigned to the fact that we should just move to a bigger warehouse, then pursue a separate location for retail. Still, there was this one location we always had our eye on, in the neighboring town of Schererville, Indiana. Though leased, it was empty for close to a year, and we just could not seem to contact anyone about the location. Finally, we spotted the “For Lease” sign and we didn’t waste any time seizing the opportunity! The sign went up on a Friday, we called the owners on Saturday, inspected the building on Tuesday, then signed a letter of intent on Thursday. Our new building (over 12,000 square feet) should fit our needs perfectly. The new landlord has been great to work with and is very cooperative in meeting our needs.
Now comes the difficult part – moving. We already have a plan in place, and should not miss a day of our normal operations. We hope to be fully operational in our new facilities by the beginning of December. While the grand opening date of the retail store has not been decided yet, we are aiming for MLB Opening Day, 2014. We believe the retail store will have very little impact on the day-to-day responsibilities of Steve, Mike, Rick, Pete, and Reed. We truly feel having a retail presence in NW Indiana will complement the current BBCE business model and make us a significantly stronger company. Trust us; this will not be the run-of-the-mill local card shop. Thanks for all the positive e-mails and voicemails. Steve
Really? This is the big announcement that required a cliffhanger buildup? Do they realize that 99% of their customers don't give two craps about their physical location? I guess I'm happy for Steve if it's a big deal to him, but honestly this is incredibly anti-climactic. Hey guys, huge announcement..........I'm moving next week!!!! Do any of you care? Honestly, this affects almost no one.
I think opening a retail store is a very good move for them. I think many people underestimate how many people still prefer to buy in person, and if you have a well-run shop, how well you can draw from beyond your immediate area.
www.sportsnutcards.com Specializing in Certified Autograph Cards, Rookies, Rare Inserts and other quality modern cards! Over 8000 Cards in stock now! Come visit our physical store located at 1210 Main St. Belmar ,NJ
<< <i>Cool news but I hope they entertain the idea of authenticating packs and boxes for customers. >>
They already do this now with bbce shrinkwrap on boxes and some packs. Steve is already authenticating for psa so I wouldnt expect him to compete against that interest.
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.
The "big buildup" was manufactured by all of us anyway.
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.
<< <i>The "big buildup" was manufactured by all of us anyway.
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.
Thanks, Steve." >>
Using the term "major decision" and announcing it in a few days seems like a build up to me. Followed by whoever it was that just can't wait to make the announcement, but no, we're gonna let so-and-so make it. All of this implies something bigger and it seems a little self-indulgent to think it warrants any drama. Now, maybe if I lived remotely close to this part of the country I'd care, but put me in the very large majority of Steve's customers who don't (from a personal standpoint). With that, I honestly wish nothing but success for Steve and if this is a big deal for his business then I'm happy for him. I just could have done without the fireworks.
I'm really happy for Steve and everyone over at baseball card exchange but I have to agree that this was anti-climactic. And for those who are saying that we made a big deal, remember who posted it on their home page.
This seems more like news you would just post the first time with no five-day buildup.
Regardless, congratulations and all the best and if I'm ever in the area I will definitely pass by :-)
Edited to add...
By the way, If anyone was wondering what I thought the big news was.....I was hoping that he was going to announce that we can authenticate any of the packs that we purchase from him prior to shipping out the first time.... Rather than receiving it from BBCE, shipping to PSA, shipping it Back to BBCE to authenticate, sending it back to PSA and then shipping it back to customer.
Well ... I agree with a lot of what has been said. To most of us it's no big deal ... but to STEVE and DA BOYZ it's a huge move. Yes, Steve did make the announcement on his website that something was going to happen, but we are the ones who brought it over here and made a huge thread on it.
To most of us, including myself, I think it matters not.
HOWEVER, to STEVE and DA BOYZ, they must be very excited.
STEVE, I wish you all the best with your new journey.
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.
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.
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
IMO it's pretty darn embarrassing as much as BBCE does for us as a group (not to mention many of us individually) that more support and happiness is not shared about Steve's big news...
Again, I think it's pretty darn cool. I'm excited for them, and can't wait to get there to see it!
<< <i>This seems more like news you would just post the first time with no five-day buildup. >>
But it wasn't official until yesterday... you know what, never mind. I'm sorry you didn't get what you were expecting.
I don't think BBCE is the one being the drama queen here...
>>
No one is being a drama queen here. Let me be clear that I'm very happy for Steve and the BBCE GROUP. I think he's a class act and an ally to our great hobby. I just think the news was over-hyped but still great news nonetheless.
<< <i>Hey guys, huge announcement..........I'm moving next week!!!!
Oh yeah? Where to? >>
Indiana, feel free to drop by when you're in the area!
In all seriousness, yes I was needling Steve a bit, but I'm pretty sure he can handle it. If this is a major deal for his business I am genuinely happy for him and wish him absolutely nothing but continued success. He's one of the best guys in the business and we are lucky to have him around.
Also, I'd like to thank Maurice for the advice to "stay classy". I'm sure I won't have to wait long to reciprocate it.
I am officially retiring from this thread so that I do not cause any more problems, as that was never my intention.
Comments
<< <i>My guess, based on the fact that they chose to include the day they opened in the beginning of that blurb - it sounds like retirement or selling the business. >>
<< <i>He's hired Sterling Cooper. >>
Or Wes Spece perhaps?
<< <i>I think this has to do with the status of the company. >>
this
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
<< <i>
<< <i>I think this has to do with the status of the company. >>
this >>
No way he walks away from the business at his age. He's still a young guy, lol..
Unless he hit the IL lottery, that is!
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.
James
<< <i>He decided to open every pack he has, get the cards graded and sell them.
James >>
If that happens I will attend the funeral that Mike hosts. He can serve the freshly made 1950 howdy doody pudding.
jbox
<< <i>I've hit the tipping point where I've gone from looking forward to the announcement with positive anticipation to irritated at this being drug out. Somebody wake me up when there's something to talk about. It's time to make the announcement Steve, you've hit the point of diminishing returns with the wait.
jbox >>
jbox
<< <i>Sorry, we're still not ready to make the announcement yet, but all of us here at BBCE are having a blast reading some of the speculation. Maybe even given us an idea or two, perhaps? If you have some time to kill, it's a pretty entertaining read. >>
The reference he makes is to this thread and leaves a link here....
...and so we wait....
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.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
<< <i>from FB
<< <i>Sorry, we're still not ready to make the announcement yet, but all of us here at BBCE are having a blast reading some of the speculation. Maybe even given us an idea or two, perhaps? If you have some time to kill, it's a pretty entertaining read. >>
The reference he makes is to this thread and leaves a link here....
...and so we wait.... >>
I guess as long as we keep entertaining him he will wait. Are we putting on a good show for you Steve? We entertain you? We entertain you how, like we're clowns? Do we amuse you? We make you laugh? Were here to entertain you? Whattya you mean entertaining? Entertaining how? How are we entertaining?
<< <i>
I'll admit, this was funny.
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 guess I did not misremember seeing this "news" about them opening a retail store a while ago!
Jmaciu's Collection
This is a shop I will have to visit.
Very cool and i wish yall the best!!
Exciting news for Baseball Card Exchange! Earlier this week, almost exactly 23 years to the day of opening our doors to the original retail store, we signed a lease on a new location that will serve our warehouse and mail order needs, as well as provide us with an area to operate a retail storefront.
Back in 1990, Baseball Card Exchange opened for business in a small (400 square feet) retail location in Lansing, IL. After three years, we moved to a larger/better location on the main thoroughfare down the street. This retail location was 1400 square feet and served us well. It was a great time to have a card store in the Chicago area; Michael Jordan and the Bulls created a lot of new card collectors, and even converted some die-hard baseball card collectors over to the basketball card market. In July 2002, we made the tough decision to close the retail store and go strictly into internet sales. E-commerce was booming. We moved into a 4,000 square foot warehouse, launched our website, and continued to use other internet outlets to grow the business. We quickly outgrew that location in less than five years, and moved again to our current facility that is about 6,500 square feet. We are located within a self-storage facility, and due to our space needs, we are additionally renting seven storage units as well. Lately, we have just not been able to move around the warehouse. It seems like every time we sell something, we have to move three pallets to get to it. Oh well – it’s time to move again.
We had been scouting new locations for quite a while. After searching for an all-in-one location (warehouse, office, and retail), we were resigned to the fact that we should just move to a bigger warehouse, then pursue a separate location for retail. Still, there was this one location we always had our eye on, in the neighboring town of Schererville, Indiana. Though leased, it was empty for close to a year, and we just could not seem to contact anyone about the location. Finally, we spotted the “For Lease” sign and we didn’t waste any time seizing the opportunity! The sign went up on a Friday, we called the owners on Saturday, inspected the building on Tuesday, then signed a letter of intent on Thursday. Our new building (over 12,000 square feet) should fit our needs perfectly. The new landlord has been great to work with and is very cooperative in meeting our needs.
Now comes the difficult part – moving. We already have a plan in place, and should not miss a day of our normal operations. We hope to be fully operational in our new facilities by the beginning of December. While the grand opening date of the retail store has not been decided yet, we are aiming for MLB Opening Day, 2014. We believe the retail store will have very little impact on the day-to-day responsibilities of Steve, Mike, Rick, Pete, and Reed. We truly feel having a retail presence in NW Indiana will complement the current BBCE business model and make us a significantly stronger company. Trust us; this will not be the run-of-the-mill local card shop. Thanks for all the positive e-mails and voicemails. Steve
I still love you Steve.
jbox
Specializing in Certified Autograph Cards, Rookies, Rare Inserts and other quality modern cards! Over 8000 Cards in stock now! Come visit our physical store located at 1210 Main St. Belmar ,NJ
<< <i>Cool news but I hope they entertain the idea of authenticating packs and boxes for customers. >>
They already do this now with bbce shrinkwrap on boxes and some packs. Steve is already authenticating for psa so I wouldnt expect him to compete against that interest.
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.
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.
Thanks, Steve."
<< <i>The "big buildup" was manufactured by all of us anyway.
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.
Thanks, Steve." >>
Using the term "major decision" and announcing it in a few days seems like a build up to me. Followed by whoever it was that just can't wait to make the announcement, but no, we're gonna let so-and-so make it. All of this implies something bigger and it seems a little self-indulgent to think it warrants any drama. Now, maybe if I lived remotely close to this part of the country I'd care, but put me in the very large majority of Steve's customers who don't (from a personal standpoint). With that, I honestly wish nothing but success for Steve and if this is a big deal for his business then I'm happy for him. I just could have done without the fireworks.
jbox
Though it may be a while, can't wait to get up there and check it out!
This seems more like news you would just post the first time with no five-day buildup.
Regardless, congratulations and all the best and if I'm ever in the area I will definitely pass by :-)
Edited to add...
By the way, If anyone was wondering what I thought the big news was.....I was hoping that he was going to announce that we can authenticate any of the packs that we purchase from him prior to shipping out the first time.... Rather than receiving it from BBCE, shipping to PSA, shipping it Back to BBCE to authenticate, sending it back to PSA and then shipping it back to customer.
I guess I need to send all my sealed boxes in to get the stickers updated with the new address.
To most of us, including myself, I think it matters not.
HOWEVER, to STEVE and DA BOYZ, they must be very excited.
STEVE, I wish you all the best with your new journey.
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>NW Indiana?? Gary?? >>
In his blog he has "Schererville, Indiana".
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>Stay classy jbox, bigdcards and Foo3112. >>
+1
Oh yeah? Where to?
Again, I think it's pretty darn cool. I'm excited for them, and can't wait to get there to see it!
<< <i>This seems more like news you would just post the first time with no five-day buildup.
>>
But it wasn't official until yesterday... you know what, never mind. I'm sorry you didn't get what you were expecting.
I don't think BBCE is the one being the drama queen here...
<< <i>
<< <i>This seems more like news you would just post the first time with no five-day buildup.
>>
But it wasn't official until yesterday... you know what, never mind. I'm sorry you didn't get what you were expecting.
I don't think BBCE is the one being the drama queen here...
No one is being a drama queen here. Let me be clear that I'm very happy for Steve and the BBCE GROUP. I think he's a class act and an ally to our great hobby. I just think the news was over-hyped but still great news nonetheless.
<< <i>I do have this question....Chipper, are you playing in the Playoffs this year?
NO, but I'm sure he's watching it at Hooters.
<< <i>Hey guys, huge announcement..........I'm moving next week!!!!
Oh yeah? Where to? >>
Indiana, feel free to drop by when you're in the area!
In all seriousness, yes I was needling Steve a bit, but I'm pretty sure he can handle it. If this is a major deal for his business I am genuinely happy for him and wish him absolutely nothing but continued success. He's one of the best guys in the business and we are lucky to have him around.
Also, I'd like to thank Maurice for the advice to "stay classy". I'm sure I won't have to wait long to reciprocate it.
I am officially retiring from this thread so that I do not cause any more problems, as that was never my intention.
jbox