Buying up a collection

totallyradd

Today a friend of mine informed me that his neighbor was looking to sell his collection of 1970's to mid 2000's cards. Roughly 100,000. My buddy asked me if I had any interest. I might, but without seeing any of these cards, what's a good ballpark negotiation price? I don't wanna rip the guy off, and obviously I don't wanna be throwing away money if I were to buy in. I'm sure that 90-95% of the cards will start a great fire. I wanted to find out what the highlights of the collection are, so I'm hoping to find out about that soon.

Any suggestions? I've only bought up on collection before and that was for 50 bucks. I mailed in a Maddux Topps Tiffany rookie, came back a 10 and I flipped it for $125. That was a much smaller lot compared to the numbers he's thrown out.

Dboneesq

With a range like that, I don't think anyone could even guess as to what a good offer would be. Need a LOT more info. Kind of like a guy saying he has a car for sale ... it's between a 1975 and a 2010 ... no additional info ... and asking what it's worth.

Let us know when you have more info. It's always interesting to see what the collection contains and to see what board members suggest.

MrNearMint

Doug is right, not much info for anyone to go off of. But at the same time, these types of card lots dont usually have much in terms of high dollar items, especially given the years so I personally wouldn't spend much at all. I'm guessing you'd be doing to person a favor taking these cards off their hands.
I personally would have to get the better end of the deal in a transaction like this, probably wouldn't be worth it any other way, call me skeptical.

Foo3112

It's simple. Look through the stuff, then ask the seller what do they want for it and go from there.

LarkinCollector

I've done large pickups like this before. My recommendation, offer total retail value of the top 5-10 'highlight' items you see. If you pay anything more, you're losing tons of time sorting through the rest.

mygotta

Given the range, I would bet 90,000 of those said 100,000 falls between 87-95.

If that is the case, low ball the entire collection. Unless some of the 70's stuff is in pristine condition with high end stars, you will just have lots of cards to deal with. Start between $50 and $100. It might seem insulting, but it will ultimately be your time and money. It's not ripping him off if you are honest about what you want the cards for and what they are worth to you site unseen.

vladguerrero

Dont miss the bus.

jmmiller777

<< <i>Given the range, I would bet 90,000 of those said 100,000 falls between 87-95.

If that is the case, low ball the entire collection. Unless some of the 70's stuff is in pristine condition with high end stars, you will just have lots of cards to deal with. Start between $50 and $100. It might seem insulting, but it will ultimately be your time and money. It's not ripping him off if you are honest about what you want the cards for and what they are worth to you site unseen. >>



+1