Please stop telling me what the "book" price is...

Rogermnj · January 14, 2008 11:28AM

Never fails, everyday I get a message on ebay from someone telling me what the book price is of a card I am selling...

Most of the time it is a high grade low pop card of a popular player.

I don't really care that my pop 1 mattingly card books for $1.25, yes i want $50.. If you don't like the price, don't buy it bozo.

Just wanted to rant..

lawnmowerman · January 14, 2008 11:35AM

I agree Roger, people are dumb.

On the other side of the coin I hate when sellers say " Beckett value $80.00" going by the inflated mid '90s pricing when the card selles for like $5.00 now

onlyanumber · January 14, 2008 11:37AM

I love it when sellers state 'high beckett' value of XXX (meaning mint condition) and the card is no better than VG-EX.

gumbyfan · January 14, 2008 11:53AM

<< I agree Roger, people are dumb.

On the other side of the coin I hate when sellers say " Beckett value $80.00" going by the inflated mid '90s pricing when the card selles for like $5.00 now

>>

I like it when people make up their own book value. That card has a high beckett of $25.

vintagetoppsguy · January 14, 2008 11:59AM

<< I like it when people make up their own book value. That card has a high beckett of $25. >>

I agree (though sometimes you have to). However, I wouldn't buy anything from that seller. Look at his feedback! No feedback as a seller, 2 recent negatives and now selling a few high priced items. Too many red flags!

rube26105 · January 14, 2008 12:03PM

gumbyfan · January 14, 2008 12:05PM

<< 

<< I like it when people make up their own book value. That card has a high beckett of $25. >>

I agree (though sometimes you have to). However, I wouldn't buy anything from that seller. Look at his feedback! No feedback as a seller, 2 recent negatives and now selling a few high priced items. Too many red flags! >>

Yep...anothre reason I didn't bid.

mtcards · January 14, 2008 12:09PM

"Book" Price is an absolute fantasy. In my experience, book price is either unrealistically high or unrealistically low (esp. high grade cards). Heck, if I write a book of one page and put all the prices of my cards on it, does it "book" for that?

gumbyfan · January 14, 2008 12:16PM

<< "Book" Price is an absolute fantasy. In my experience, book price is either unrealistically high or unrealistically low (esp. high grade cards). Heck, if I write a book of one page and put all the prices of my cards on it, does it "book" for that? >>

Is it bound and published?

F1ferrari · January 14, 2008 12:21PM

I had a genius ask me today if I could discount shipping if he buys several items from me. I told him that I would have no problem combining shipping if her were to win several of my auctions, the only problem is that I only have 1 item currently for sale.

BobbyVCP · January 14, 2008 12:22PM

What about the VCP price is that okay?

vintagetoppsguy · January 14, 2008 12:24PM

<< I had a genius ask me today if I could discount shipping if he buys several items from me. I told him that I would have no problem combining shipping if her were to win several of my auctions, the only problem is that I only have 1 item currently for sale. >>

Are you sure it wasn't a phishing email???

Barfvader · January 14, 2008 12:38PM

<< I love it when sellers state 'high beckett' value of XXX (meaning mint condition) and the card is no better than VG-EX. >>

Oh you mean like this auction. Koufax, Feller, Rookies plus eight other HOF's

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax Rookie#123, card has been trimmed but other than that it is a great looking card. Card Books for $1,200.00 dollars.

There is more in the auction but I think it pretty much speaks for itself.

ripkenintheminors · January 14, 2008 1:09PM

How about this quote from an auction listing:

IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD $900.00 DON'T BID THIS IS WHAT IT BOOKS FOR SO THAT IS WHAT I' AM ASKING FOR IT. GOOD LUCK BIDDING.

For the record, "bidding" starts at $889.00

Ahmanfan · January 14, 2008 4:24PM

another way to look at it might be that it really is a $1 card, it's just in a slab that makes it worth $50.

Estil · January 14, 2008 9:27PM

<< 

<< I love it when sellers state 'high beckett' value of XXX (meaning mint condition) and the card is no better than VG-EX. >>

Oh you mean like this auction. Koufax, Feller, Rookies plus eight other HOF's

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax Rookie#123, card has been trimmed but other than that it is a great looking card. Card Books for $1,200.00 dollars.

There is more in the auction but I think it pretty much speaks for itself. >>

I remember someone telling me in response to my concern about whether peeling the clear flim off mid-1990s Finest cards was sacrilege:

"They're your cards, do what you like with them....If you want to trim the borders off because you think they look better that way, go ahead."

Is this what he meant?

Rogermnj · January 14, 2008 10:07PM

<< another way to look at it might be that it really is a $1 card, it's just in a slab that makes it worth $50. >>

There are no $1 cards. There are only $1 cards to you. Every item has a different value to the collector who is considering its purchase.
Just like the thread last week about someone paying 265x book for a marcus allen card he needed. If someone sent me that card in the mail I would throw it directly in the garbage. Even cards that are readily available in abundant supply sell for wide ranges.

AnkurJ · January 14, 2008 10:57PM

You know, I hope you dont say stuff like this to younger collectors. I remember when I was 10 or 11 years old, I would ask for a card, and the price would be way over guide. And when I said that beckett has it listed at this, I would always get a nasty comment like "well go buy it from beckett!". Today when I go to those same shows and see some of those same dealers. They know who I am and that I spend money on good cards, but trust me, I would never bother going to their table.

Also, when using Vintage Card Prices, these prices are auction records of what cards have ACTUALLY SOLD for. If I can get the card for that price, why would I spend more on it?
Sellers: you need to relax a bit and think about it if you were put in the same position.

Ankur

stormsurge · January 15, 2008 12:59AM

I use VCP prices all the time when looking to make a purchase and always start negotiating with sellers on that basis if I feel their list price is inflated.

Sometimes I get rude comments which is fine with me as I just put those sellers on the won't buy from list. On the flip side it often it has lead to a sale at more appropriate prices.

sagard · January 15, 2008 1:19AM

A lot of people don't like giving their cards away at Ebay auction prices. That is why they laugh when badgered with Ebay VPC results. Buyers are not entitled to Ebay auction prices. With almost everything common they can get it at Ebay pricing, but it certainly doesn't get you everything.

Rogermnj · January 15, 2008 1:20AM

<< You know, I hope you dont say stuff like this to younger collectors. I remember when I was 10 or 11 years old, I would ask for a card, and the price would be way over guide. And when I said that beckett has it listed at this, I would always get a nasty comment like "well go buy it from beckett!". Today when I go to those same shows and see some of those same dealers. They know who I am and that I spend money on good cards, but trust me, I would never bother going to their table.

Also, when using Vintage Card Prices, these prices are auction records of what cards have ACTUALLY SOLD for. If I can get the card for that price, why would I spend more on it?
Sellers: you need to relax a bit and think about it if you were put in the same position.

Ankur >>

When I use to do shows, i would give cards away to younger collectors. Believe me when I tell you my tables were always full. However if I have a card that you want but don't like my price, don't try and lecture me about what you think the price should be. Just don't buy the card or tell me how much YOU WOULD like to pay. I have no problem with people telling me that the card I have is not in their price range but DO NOT lecture me on what a card is worth.

Correct way:
Collector: How much is this card?
Me: $50
Collector: I'd like that card but want to be into it for around $20, do you have any room on the price?
Me:yes or no whatever

Wrong way:
Collector: how much is this card?
Me: $50
Collector: Are you serious? This card is only worth $30.00. Go get a beckett and see for yourself.
Me: I never used that line, but to these kind of comments I see why people said go buy it from beckett.

I would rather give the card to buyer#1 for free then take off $1 for buyer #2.

OnlyThe10s · January 15, 2008 1:28AM

My $0.02 on this...

Some cards are really NOT worth what sellers ask. There was a case a little while back where an eBay seller was selling a Manny Ramirez card I needed for like $400.00 in PSA 10. There were 6-10's on the pop report, and almost every other card from this series sold for less an ONE FIFTH of this guy's asking price.

This was a case where I was like, "Dude... that card is worth A TENTH of your asking price"... he got mad... we went back and forth a little but... and I ended with "Good luck with your sale".

This is the SIXTH time he's listed this card at this ridiculous price and it will never, ever sell. Guys that overprice their cards like that make me sick. You go ahead and sit on the card for a few YEARS then buddy... go ahead....

Anyone want a 1986 Topps Alan Knicely card for $100.00?

Sick..

Edited for grammatical errors.

ripkenintheminors · January 15, 2008 1:30AM

In defense of the uneducated collector, a lot of people tend to want to buy a card or cards for a kid to have down the road and simply do not have a clue. That's not to bash and I'm not discouraging people to be part of the hobby. With all of that said, a lot of people do not understand things like sales trends and population reports. And in their defense, they try to hold to book value as some sort of defense from getting burned.

Rogermnj · January 15, 2008 1:38AM

<< In defense of the uneducated collector, a lot of people tend to want to buy a card or cards for a kid to have down the road and simply do not have a clue. That's not to bash and I'm not discouraging people to be part of the hobby. With all of that said, a lot of people do not understand things like sales trends and population reports. And in their defense, they try to hold to book value as some sort of defense from getting burned. >>

When I see that a collector is uneducated, I am more then happy to take the time to explain why one card is priced at 10% of book and another easily sells for 300% but I find that the people throwing around the book price at you are either cheap, can't afford the card or are trying to sandbag you so they can make a profit. Remember, its not like regular cards are priced over book, these are not readily available cards with low pop's or rare rookies and auto's of hot players ungraded.

ripkenintheminors · January 15, 2008 1:42AM

<< 

<< In defense of the uneducated collector, a lot of people tend to want to buy a card or cards for a kid to have down the road and simply do not have a clue. That's not to bash and I'm not discouraging people to be part of the hobby. With all of that said, a lot of people do not understand things like sales trends and population reports. And in their defense, they try to hold to book value as some sort of defense from getting burned. >>

When I see that a collector is uneducated, I am more then happy to take the time to explain why one card is priced at 10% of book and another easily sells for 300% but I find that the people throwing around the book price at you are either cheap, can't afford the card or are trying to sandbag you so they can make a profit. Remember, its not like regular cards are priced over book, these are not readily available cards with low pop's or rare rookies and auto's of hot players ungraded. >>

Totally agree, and wasn't trying to single you out. I never pictured you as a person that would yell at a kid at a show.

Rogermnj · January 15, 2008 1:42AM

<< My $0.02 on this...

Some cards are really NOT worth what sellers ask. There was a case a little while back where an eBay seller was selling a Manny Ramirez card I needed for like $400.00 in PSA 10. There were 6-10's on the pop report, and almost every other card from this series sold for less an ONE FIFTH of this guy's asking price.

This was a case where I was like, "Dude... that card is worth A TENTH of your asking price"... he got mad... we went back and forth a little but... and I ended with "Good luck with your sale".

This is the SIXTH time he's listed this card at this ridiculous price and it will never, ever sell. Guys that overprice their cards like that make me sick. You go ahead and sit on the card for a few YEARS then buddy... go ahead....

Anyone want a 1986 Topps Alan Knicely card for $100.00?

Sick..

Edited for grammatical errors. >>

Why would it EVER make you sick?? Someone out there has something and they want a certain price for it, what does that have to do with you? The only reason you are sick in this particular situation in my opinion is that you WANT the card and you can't have it at the price you want. If he wants to buy and card and then put it in his ebay store and pay all the fees ... WHY ON EARTH should/does that generate any kind of emotion out of you?

WinPitcher · January 15, 2008 1:45AM

Why would it EVER make you sick?? Someone out there has something and they want a certain price for it, what does that have to do with you? The only reason you are sick in this particular situation in my opinion is that you WANT the card and you can't have it at the price you want. If he wants to buy and card and then put it in his ebay store and pay all the fees ... WHY ON EARTH should/does that generate any kind of emotion out of you?

Bingo

Steve

larryallen73 · January 15, 2008 1:55AM

As some know I am a probate attorney and thus deal with sorting out a family's valuables after death. People are ALWAYS telling me about how mom/dad has this incredible collection of [insert crap here] that is worth $XXX according to a price guide. I stop them and say, "why don't you check Ebay's ended auctions to see what the stuff is REALLY WORTH... because price guides do not mean a thing in real life."

ripkenintheminors · January 15, 2008 2:08AM

FWIW I agree and disagree on the population reports comment. Cards in a lower population demand a higher premium, even if it means paying absurd amounts of money for a card of a player that was less than an all-star. At the same time, there are some ridiculous prices. Either way, I won't get that upset about it.

vintagetoppsguy · January 15, 2008 2:39AM

<< However if I have a card that you want but don't like my price, don't try and lecture me about what you think the price should be. >>

I agree 100%. I don't think there is anything wrong in emailing the seller and asking them if they would take less, but telling a seller that their card is not worth what they're asking is insulting. There is a tactful way to do things.

<< There was a case a little while back where an eBay seller was selling a Manny Ramirez card I needed for like $400.00 in PSA 10. >>

I think that mentality is the whole point behind this thread! Who really NEEDS a card? I have several registry sets myself and I don't NEED anything. If someone feels like they NEED a card then they should step up to the plate and buy it. I NEED groceries and I NEED electricity. I would never go to grocery store or the light company and tell them that their product/service is not worth what they are asking for it. If I don't like the price I shop around, go to their competitor or do without. Why should baseball cards be any different? If you don't like the price, then don't buy and wait until one comes along that is in your price range.

MeteoriteGuy · January 15, 2008 2:45AM

I agree with the posters on the fact there is no need to get upset because someone is wanting more for a card then you want to pay. In fact, I think I would say 95% of the complaints I see on these boards feels more like whining then valid complaints. If an ebay auction upsets you that much, I would hate to see how you react when something really important does not go your way.

Remember it is a hobby.....try to have fun...not a whining party,

Clear Skies,
Mark

CDsNuts · January 15, 2008 2:47AM

There is a reason that when you go into most card shops that have survived the card shop apocalypse, 80% of their cards are faded from the light. It's because they've been sitting in the case for decades gathering dust and absorbing the sun because card shops refuse to price cards what they're actually worth. Instead, they price them at book value and they never sell.

Example: I was on vacation and wandered into this card shop. The guy had a few decent cards and I picked out an EX-MT Brooks Robinson RC, a card that I've always wanted. I ask him how much it is, and without skipping a beat he says "Whatever book is." I immediately leave, knowing that Beckett is something ridiculous like $500. The guy didn't even look to see what condition the card was in. I really feel that Beckett is a crutch idiots use so they don't have to do any work or think too hard about anything.

Please stop telling me what the &quot;book&quot; price is...

Comments

Please stop telling me what the "book" price is...