Update on Selling Un-Opened Product

BobS · August 13, 2007 3:52AM

Here is an update to this thread I started a while back.

Thread

So, the next show is at the end of Sept. I've been buying like crazy, and am looking for suggestions on how to spread my ramaining $400 to round things out. So far, I have:

BASEBALL
1 each 1980-1987 Topps Baseball Wax Boxes and an 1989 UD box from BBXchange. I plan to sell a pack from each year for around $30.
1 1982 Topps Baseball Cello Box. Plan to break and sell packs.
2x 1975 Topps Baseball Cello Packs - GAI 9.
1 1975 Topps Baseball Wax Pack - GAI 7.5.
1 1976 Topps Baseball Rack Pack - GAI 8.5.
1 1978 Topps Baseball Rack Pack - GAI 9.
1 1979 Topps Baseball Cello Pack - GAI 8.
5x 1982 Topps Baseball Rack Packs.
4x 1986 Topps Baseball Rack Packs - HOF'rs on top.

FOOTBALL
1984 Topps FB Cello Box - GAI 9.5. Plan to leave sealed and sell.
1 1974 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 8.5.
1 1976 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 9.
1 1976 Topps FB Cello Pack - GAI 9.
4x 1984 Topps FB Wax Packs - GAI 9.

BASKETBALL
1 1977 Topps BKBT Wax Pack - GAI 7.5.
1 1979 Topps BKBT Wax Pack - GAI 8.5.

HOCKEY
1 1976 Topps HKY Wax Pack - GAI 9.
1 1978 Topps HKY Wax Pack - GAI 7.5

I want to steer clear of raw packs pre-1980. Also, I picked up the basketball and hockey to try and cover all 4 sports, but may be spreading myself too thin. I wouldn't mind adding a few more rack/cello/wax boxes, however, I'd only buy from Steve and I don't think the $400 would go very far. Also, I could pick up a few non-graded packs from him, but I don't think I could add much to the selling price as they're already priced high.

So, I'm looking for suggestions. If you went to a show, and came upon a table with stuff like this, what else could you like to see on the table and perhaps buy.

CDsNuts · August 13, 2007 4:06AM

I would actually go lower end just to make it look like you really have a lot of unopened material. Plus, lower end stuff sells really well at shows to people looking to rip. My choices would be 1987 and 1988 Topps FB, 1993 SP football, and 1990 Leaf BB.

If you want to keep it high end, you could probably get 1989 Score FB and 1981 Topps Basketball boxes for around $500 total.

BobS · August 13, 2007 4:40AM

Thanks Lee.

So you think I have the 70's stuff covered alright? I was leaning towards a few more graded packs, but perhaps a couple of cheaper boxes (like you mentioned) would look better on the table.

Ahmanfan · August 13, 2007 4:48AM

I would probably lean towards what Lee said.

CDsNuts · August 13, 2007 4:59AM

Honestly, I think the 70s stuff is gonna have to be priced high (because I'm sure you paid handsomely or it) and therefore has a less likely chance to sell. I would use those packs as sort of your centerpiece so you're the guy at the show with "all the old packs". Then when they get to your table, you're more likely to sell the newer less expensive stuff. I think you'll be pretty shocked at how many 87 Topps FB and 1990 Leaf packs you'll sell at $2 a pack.

Also, you're gonna want to fill up your table to make it look like you've got loads of stuff. To be honest, there aren't a lot of guys that sell what you're selling, so who knows what will happen. My guess is that cheaper packs will be your bread and butter, but I can't say for sure. I'm really curious to see how this turns out.

Lee

BobS · August 13, 2007 5:59AM

Thanks guys.

You have convinced me to pick up some cheaper boxes. I'll spend $200 with BBXchange, and the other $200 on a few more late 70's packs.

I like the 1987 football, so thats $45. Besides the 1993 SP football and 1990 Leaf (I don't know anything about post-1988 stuff), how else should I spread the remaining $155 at BBXchange?

bifff257 · August 13, 2007 6:10AM

<< You have convinced me to pick up some cheaper boxes. I'll spend $200 with BBXchange, >>

Great suggestions Lee gave you and I agree.. Buy some cheaper stuff from the late 80's, early 90's something to really fill up your table, look like you are the local wax "GURU" plus it gives you some product to move at a lower price.(Cash Flow)..

Try and build some excitement with some low end stuff, get people ripping this stuff at your table...

Heck if someone pulls a nice star card set off alarms and sirens just like they do at Vegas when a Slot pays off.

keep up the good work, and as always keep us updated..

rube26105 · August 13, 2007 6:12AM

87 topps baseball cases on there are cheap, $100 for a 6 box rack case,87 topps cello packs 1.00 each~!tons of em out there, but you know that someone wants that 87 bonds rookie they only made 85 milllion of!
randy

BobS · August 13, 2007 6:19AM

Just checked. 1987 rack case (6 boxes) for an even $100. Think I could sell a box for $20?

CDsNuts · August 13, 2007 6:23AM

I think you could get $25 a box for the 87 Topps rack, but you could also try 87 Donruss or Fleer and give folks a shot at a better Bonds rookie. Also, 89 Fleer seems to sell well- I think it's BBCE's #1 selling product.

BobS · August 13, 2007 6:45AM

Thanks again. I already have an 89 fleer cello box (have no idea when I bought this) and a 1989 fleer Basketball wax box (bought from Murphy a few years back) that I found this past weekend. I forgot to add them to my inventory list. I think the 1987 case and 1987 football box are sure bets. So that leaves $55. What else????

Thanks for playing along guys.

bifff257 · August 13, 2007 6:51AM

<< So that leaves $55. What else???? >>

How about some golf cards.... You can pick up a case of 2001 Upper Deck off of ebay for around $100....

BobS · August 17, 2007 12:31AM

Hey. Update time.

I've added a a few packs and boxes, so now it looks like this:

BASEBALL
1 each 1980-1987 Topps Baseball Wax Boxes and an 1989 UD box from BBXchange. I plan to sell a pack from each year for around $30.
1 1982 Topps Baseball Cello Box. Plan to break and sell packs.
2x 1975 Topps Baseball Cello Packs - GAI 9.
1 1975 Topps Baseball Wax Pack - GAI 7.5.
1 1975 Topps Baseball Mini Wax Pack - GAI 9.5
1 1976 Topps Baseball Rack Pack - GAI 8.5.
1 1978 Topps Baseball Rack Pack - GAI 9.
1 1979 Topps Baseball Cello Pack - GAI 8.
3x 1979 Topps Baseball Rack Packs.
5x 1982 Topps Baseball Rack Packs.
4x 1986 Topps Baseball Rack Packs - HOF'rs on top.
1 1989 Fleer Baseball Cello Box

FOOTBALL
1984 Topps FB Cello Box - GAI 9.5. Plan to leave sealed and sell.
1 1974 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 8.5.
1 1975 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 8
1 1976 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 9.
1 1976 Topps FB Cello Pack - GAI 9.
1 1978 Topps FB Wax Pack - GAI 9
4x 1984 Topps FB Wax Packs - GAI 9.

BASKETBALL
1 1977 Topps BKBT Wax Pack - GAI 7.5.
1 1979 Topps BKBT Wax Pack - GAI 8.5.
1 1989 Fleer Wax Box

HOCKEY
1 1976 Topps HKY Wax Pack - GAI 9.
1 1978 Topps HKY Wax Pack - GAI 7.5

Golf
2X 2001 UD Golf Wax Boxes

My shopping cart At BBXchange has 2 1987 Topps Baseball Rack Boxes, and 1 1989 Topps Football Wax Box.

I'm contemplating adding a graded 1951 Topps red back pack ($100) and a 1954 Bowman FB 1-cent pack ($90). That would be cool to have, however I'm hesitatnt to add any more graded packs, out of fear of them not selling.

Just looking for more suggestions on where to put the $190, since everyone has been so helpfull thus far.

WinPitcher · August 17, 2007 12:40AM

How about some non sports stuff?

Steve

BobS · August 17, 2007 12:59AM

Non-Sport. I'm clueless. Any boxes better than the rest? I used to love mork and mindy, happy days and three's company. Think they would sell?

BobaFett72 · August 17, 2007 1:28AM

the right non sport stuff would sell...
how about Star Wars stuff?

BobS · August 17, 2007 1:33AM

Looks like the only star wars stuff in my busget would be return of the jedi - I don't see that selling over three's company ($35) and mork and mindy ($35).

BobaFett72 · August 17, 2007 1:38AM

really? i honestly dont know anyone who woud buy mork and mindy/threes company over star wars cards.
of course my buddies are star wars geeks

Leiascards · August 17, 2007 3:33AM

The Star Wars 30th anniversay cards are hot right now. Look at what the Harrison Ford Auto from that set went for on Ebay last week.

BobS · August 20, 2007 3:35AM

Well, I decided against non-sport (for now).

I decided to place another order with Steve, this time:

1983 Donruss baseball wax box
1986 Topps baseball cello box
1987 Topps baseball cello box
1987 Topps baseball rack box
1987 Topps football wax box.

So I think I'm done buying inventory. Spent just under the alloted $3K. I have all of the graded packs listed in this thread, the boxes listed above, the 80-87 (an 89 UD) Topps basebal wax boxes (one pack each for $30 deal), the graded 84 FB cello box, 82 baseball cello box, various late 70's and 80's baseball racks, 1989 fleer baseball cello box, 1989 fleer basketball wax box, and the 2001 UD golf boxes. I think I have all the bases covered. Still $150 in paypal account, just in case I see something I can't live without. Next update will be in early Sept., with pictures of my table layout for critique.

Bob

nam812 · August 20, 2007 3:38AM

You may end up having to will that 1986 baseball cello box to your grandchildren. Good luck with everything else.

BobS · August 20, 2007 3:49AM

Hey - I figures at $16 for the box, why not. Maybe they'll be a few star on top packs I can sell for a few bucks. And If I can sell them for a buck a piece (they may be the cheapest packs at the show), I'll still make $8. Maybe I'll use them as a "bonus". Spend $25 get 1 free pack, spend $100 get 5 free packs. It's all about the marketing plan now baby.

nam812 · August 20, 2007 4:02AM

Did you just call me baby?

DeutscherGeist · August 20, 2007 9:40AM

Bob S

You are one of the good guys on here. I wish you lots of luck with your selling endeavor. You got unopened material from the best source out there. Have fun at the show. Some pics would certainly be nice. The presentation is something people react to on the subconscious level. I personally like the 1989 Upper Deck and 1990 Leaf cards because they were the hottest thing when I was a teenager and they really looked like attractive cards. Good quality prints all the way.

CDsNuts · August 20, 2007 9:44AM

Deut- you're right about the subconscious level thing. If I see a table with wax on it out of the corner of my eye, I am automatically drawn like a stripper to Pacman Jones.

Yankeeefan · August 20, 2007 10:00AM

<< Deut- you're right about the subconscious level thing. If I see a table with wax on it out of the corner of my eye, I am automatically drawn like a stripper to Pacman Jones. >>

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · August 20, 2007 10:00AM

<< Did you just call me baby? >>

lol

bifff257 · August 20, 2007 10:07PM

Bob,

thanks for the update, everything looks good....

<< The presentation is something people react to on the subconscious level. >>

I agree, you may want to experiment on different ways to display your wax to attract the most customers.

Good luck, keep us updated and yes, we would love to see some pictures of your table at the show.

earlycalguy · August 21, 2007 12:34AM

Everything sounds great except the part about leaving money in your paypal account.

BobS · August 21, 2007 1:05AM

Everything sounds great except the part about leaving money in your paypal account.

Well, that didn't last long. trying to work out a deal with a seller for a few more graded packs that will just about tap the Paypal out. Also, ordered the 89 fleer cello box from D&A, and just got a message that the only box they had was in bad shape and they would not ship. BBXchange doesn't have them either. Why the "shortage" on 89 fleer cello boxes? There must be tons of them out there.

**Update on Selling Un-Opened Product**

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Update on Selling Un-Opened Product