Those of you that know Levi, do y'all think he'll accept my offer on this 1952 Topps Mantle??

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 9:43AM

I'm playing the waiting game waiting to hear back from Levi of 707 Sportscards. I've offered him his asking price of $5250.00 for this 1952 Mantle, BUT I can only do it on a ONE YEAR layaway with 10% down. Since I'm waiting, just thought I'd post and see if y'all think he'll agree to the terms or not. I've always wanted a 1952 Mantle and I like this copy, not too torn up for a PSA 1.

Mike

storm888 · January 27, 2008 9:44AM

If I was the seller, I would accept your offer.

nam812 · January 27, 2008 9:44AM

I do not think he will accept because that could be a 1.5 next month.

perkdog · January 27, 2008 9:47AM

Tough call. If you have done bussiness with him before or talked to him in person at a show I bet he would consider it. Good luck, I hope he can agree with the terms you set forth, it is a very nice looking psa 1 IMO.

storm888 · January 27, 2008 9:51AM

I do NOT see the .5 in that card.

It's only good feature appears to be that the corners
are not totally missing.

ZERO eye appeal for the .5 bump.

ZERO centering points for the .5 bump.

A B&M dealer would not likely pay $3K for that card.

The layaway scheme seems like a good exit plan for Levi.

ElectricPrune · January 27, 2008 9:54AM

He has rejected every offer I have made to him in the past, but they were always for less that what he was asking for in the card(s). Your offer is different. He should take it.

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 9:57AM

He will definetly take your offer. I have spoken to him many times and he has told me that there is no problem in a 1 year layaway for a high dollar card. I saw that one but I just didnt like the significant break in color, and especially the fact that it went right through his face.
Ankur

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 10:03AM

I love this one, but I think the price is a bit high for a PSA 2 ($7700)

Ankur

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 10:06AM

I can tell Storm888 likes my potential future Mantle.

That's ok if he/she won't have it in his/her collection, because I'd definitely like it in mine and to me, the price is OK with what I've seen others for (not low by any stretch of the imagination) but when you consider I'm basically asking for an interest free year payoff, not a bad price.

I've only met Levi briefly at shows a long, long, long time ago, so we don't have any past business relationship, but I hope he'll work with me on this one.

Mike

storm888 · January 27, 2008 10:07AM

The 2 illustrates the value placed on a crease-free field.

Even with parts missing, it grades higher and sells for
alot more than the 1.

fiveniner · January 27, 2008 10:09AM

From my past history with him he just might accept your offer.GOOD LUCK.I sure would not mind owning that same card.

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 10:10AM

Ankur1,

Yes, that 2 would be nice, but that one IS out of my price range. Congrats on the one you got, I saw it in your thread and got me to seriously considering one before they get way out of hand. Hopefully your right that Levi will accept, and I'll be posting a "Got my Mantle" thread in a few days.

Mike

storm888 · January 27, 2008 10:13AM

"I can tell Storm888 likes my potential future Mantle."

/////////////////////////////////////////

I do like your card just fine.

I was pointing out why your offer is a good one.

Implicit in your query - "do you think he'll accept my offer" - is
a request for an opinion of "why or why not."

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 10:15AM

Storm 888: ah but the PSA 2 field is NOT crease free! Look towards the bottom of the card around the Y of his name. There is a VERY light crease that goes from the bottom of the card all the way up to his chin. You can see it if you look closely. If that crease was not there, I would have taken it over a 10 month layaway, but the price just seemed too high for a piece missing, being off center, and a crease. I would have paid $6k for it, but he wouldnt budge on the price.

The reason I bought the PSA 1 even though there were creases is: price was good, color was amazing, gloss is still there, and only one of the creases is major, all the others are lighter. One day I will upgrade.

Ankur

stevek · January 27, 2008 10:17AM

Hey it's a 52 Mantle but I hate creases like that which go through the face and especially the eye. Levi might do it with you - I doubt if that's a card that's going to attract a lot of buyers at the price that it's supposed to be worth, because of that crease.

RipublicaninMass · January 27, 2008 10:31AM

psa 2 is missing a corner, isnt that paperloss?

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 10:32AM

Storm888,

Just messin' with you, I keep pulling up my email every few minutes to see if I have a response yet. I emailed him yesterday so he might be at a show or just away from email. Maybe I'll hear tomorrow. Everyone keep making your opinions, its giving me something to do while waiting. Take care,

Mike

WinPitcher · January 27, 2008 10:37AM

Unless i was getting that card for the lower end of the 1 market value I would pass.

Creases that run through the the face I usually pass on, unless I am getting it on the lower end of the scale. Be patient, one with better presentation may come up and you possibly can work a deal then.

However that was not the question. levi may do it, I don't know.

Whatever you do choose I wish you well.

Steve

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 10:37AM

Ankur1,

Your card does have some awesome coloring, makes the Mick jump right out at you. Nice pickup.

Mike

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 10:55AM

PSA 2 Mantle RC

This is a PSA 2 priced at approx $5800. But not sure if he will allow a layaway. Check it out!

Ankur

Downtown1974 · January 27, 2008 10:57AM

MIke, That is a nice 1. Im curious to hear his answer. Good Luck!

WinPitcher · January 27, 2008 11:03AM

Mantle and I like this copy, not too torn up for a PSA 1.

Well then that is all that matters, good luck, Levi is a decent fellow and he will at the least consider your offer.

Steve

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 11:16AM

Ankur,

I saw that one too, but I'd rather have the crease than all the white in the background. Guess its just personal preference. With the Mantles, I'm not really hung up on the numerical grade, whether its a 1 or 2 or .5, just matters to me that its authentic. I've seen some ugly 2's that I'd prefer the 1 over. If I was buying it for resell, then obviously, I should probably get the 2, but just don't like that 2 that shaqfu has. I do like the other PSA 2 that you posted though. If that one was $5750.00 I'd rather have it.

Mike

msassin · January 27, 2008 11:18AM

I think he will accept your offer.

jamesgotpoorman · January 27, 2008 11:23AM

What is the worst he'll say? Sorry to low? Bid again.

gemmintrarities · January 27, 2008 11:25AM

I made an offer for a 1941 Playball Dimaggio and 1933 Goudey Gehrig to Levi once at a show. I said that I would be paying cash, what could he do for the pair, and he said the price is on the cards. My first and last experience w/ Levi.

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 11:25AM

He will not budge on his prices. And yes, some are a bit high.

Allen · January 27, 2008 11:37AM

Why not just save for a year and pay in cash?

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 11:49AM

Allen,

Whats the point in paying the guy with cash? He wont discount if you do. It would be the same to pay with a credit card or check.

Ankur

Allen · January 27, 2008 11:56AM

What is the point of paying over a year on layaway? All you really do is risk taking a $525 loss. What if you get laid off, your house burns down, etc? If you cannot pay for the card up front, you don't need it. Save up and pay for it, I bet it will be a more rewarding experience and you will probably end up with a better card.

vintagetoppsguy · January 27, 2008 11:59AM

<< Why not just save for a year and pay in cash? >>

<< Allen,

Whats the point in paying the guy with cash? He wont discount if you do. It would be the same to pay with a credit card or check.

Ankur >>

I think Allen makes a good point! If you save for a year and have $5200 cash, you could probably be more selective and get a much better copy.

storm888 · January 27, 2008 12:07PM

OK.

It is not the subject of the thread, BUT when you
solicit "views" on here you often get more than
you asked for.

Allen and VTG are TOTALLY correct.

In my sundry incarnations here - as a lurker and a
poster - I have learned that it is best to solicit advice
from the players here BEFORE you make decisions.

WinPitcher · January 27, 2008 12:11PM

Yup

Steve

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 12:21PM

Well lets consider this. I find a card I love for $5k. Do I have $5k I can spare? Yes.

Would it be easier for me if I was able to pay for it over time? If the answer to this question is yes, then a layaway is the best option.

Keep in mind that this is why credit cards from major department stores always give an option to pay over 12 months with no interest etc etc. Because sometimes it is just easier to pay over time than to pay all at once. I know that there are some things that I would not be able to buy without a layaway.

Just my 2 cents.
Ankur

Edit to say: I was disputing Allen for paying in CASH. Cash is king, and if someone refuses to discount regardless of HOW you pay, then why give cash when you can give a check or credit card?

The biggest example I saw of this was with a comic book I bought. Price was $600. I said I would pay cash. Price dropped to $400.

BobaFett72 · January 27, 2008 12:30PM

that PSA 2 from Shaq-fu (nice rhyming!) looks like ass. ugh.

vintagetoppsguy · January 27, 2008 12:31PM

<< Well lets consider this. I find a card I love for $5k. Do I have $5k I can spare? Yes.

Would it be easier for me if I was able to pay for it over time? If the answer to this question is yes, then a layaway is the best option. >>

I think you still missed the point. Sure it's easier to pay a layaway over time, but you don't get to hold onto the merchandise like you would in your department store/credit card/12mo SAC example. If you purchase something for 12 mo SAC on your department store credit card, don't you get to take it home with you? Of course!

On a layaway, what risk does the seller have? Absolutely none - he already has a down payment and any future payments. What risk does the buyer have? MANY - including some that Allen already mentioned.

To the OP, save your money over a year and buy a better one for the same money! You'll get a better card and the cash will give you more bargaining power!

Allen · January 27, 2008 12:32PM

<< Keep in mind that this is why credit cards from major department stores always give an option to pay over 12 months with no interest etc etc. Because sometimes it is just easier to pay over time than to pay all at once. >>

Yeah and loan sharks lend you money to help you out. Department stores do this to get buyers to purchase things that they can often not afford and MANY, rates go from 0% to 25.9% on the 13th month and that is free money for them. A lot of buyer procrastonate and pay other bills because they are not accumulating intrest on that card and then they get slammed with the high rate. I think these cards can be useful if you have an unexpected need, say my refridgerator dies today and it is the end of the month and I do not have an emegency savings. I could get a fridge and then make sure that it is paid off ASAP and hopefully within a month or two. I will just stop before I get way off the topid of the post.

storm888 · January 27, 2008 12:34PM

Obviously, a no-interest credit-card buy is substantially different
than a lay-away scheme.

With the CC, I get the item in my hand and can either enjoy it
or flip it for more money.

With lay-away, I part with some cash and get NOTHING in hand
until the item is paid in full.

Lay-away on cards is OK, if you think the card is either going
to increase in value quickly or become more scarce during the
term of the lay-away. Otherwise, there is really no advantage,
and you risk a possible unplanned default on your own part.

WinPitcher · January 27, 2008 12:46PM

What department store allows 12 months? Usually they are 3 months then like Allen says you are now paying 25%

The best way IMO would be to use one of those teaser CC that do in fact allow a low interest rate for 6 months or whatever, that way Levi gets all his money and you get the card. You then have whatever your CC terms allow for.

Steve

storm888 · January 27, 2008 12:55PM

Lowes
Home Desperado
Best Buy
Circuit City
Sears

All have 12-mos no pay/no interest schemes, from time to time.

On day 366, if you do not pay it off, they
hit you with all the interest for the previous
12-mos.

It's a good deal, if you pay it off on time.

ripkenintheminors · January 27, 2008 1:01PM

I've offered deals to my wife in regards to a possible "buy out" where if I got one card I'd walk away from the hobby. One of our conversations was in regards to a '52 Mantle. However, after seeing what my IRA got last year, I may wait. If I put the cost of a '52 Mantle in an IRA it would be quite a bit of cash when I go to get it in 30+ years if I make it that long. Then again, maybe the '52 Mantle would match the value in regards to sales.

However, feel free to tell me why I should still get a '52 Mantle.

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 1:02PM

Macys, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, Sears etc

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 1:04PM

"However, feel free to tell me why I should still get a '52 Mantle"

Back on topic! One reason is that they will always hold their value and will most likely always be a top 10 wanted card!

vintagetoppsguy · January 27, 2008 1:04PM

<< Lowes
Home Desperado
Best Buy
Circuit City
Sears

All have 12-mos no pay/no interest schemes, from time to time.

It's a good deal, if you pay it off on time. >>

Yip! And those are just the nationwide department stores - then there are a ton of other small mom and pop shops that offer the same - like furniture stores.

<< On day 366, if you do not pay it off, they
hit you with all the interest for the previous
12-mos. >>

Yip! You can have a balance of only one dollar, but they're still going to charge you interest on the full amount back from day one!

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 1:12PM

<< What is the point of paying over a year on layaway? All you really do is risk taking a $525 loss. What if you get laid off, your house burns down, etc? If you cannot pay for the card up front, you don't need it. Save up and pay for it, I bet it will be a more rewarding experience and you will probably end up with a better card. >>

Good questions Allen,

I'm not risking taking a $525.00 loss, if for some reason I can't pay it off in time with cash, I'll just put it on a credit card at that time and pay it off ASAP, or sell a toy to pay for it. I won't get laid off, I'm a public official and unless I do something criminal (which I don't think will be a problem), I will finish my term. If my house burns down, I have insurance (and less than 2 more years of payments on my house, that will be a nice relief when those payments end). I cannot pay for the card up front because I just had to pay $10,800 in cash to fix my Porsche that I broke (expensive toy that I have that I don't need but that provides tremendous stress relief), and I'm taking my family to Orlando in a couple of months and want all my excess cash for that.

I do agree that I don't need it (the card), but life would be boring if I only bought what I needed such as food, basic shelter, transportation, etc. I don't need a lot of the things that I purchase, but that's one of the reasons I work, and buy/sell political autographs to have enough money to enjoy some "toys", and to provide fun and good times for my family. They won't be doing without anything I can assure you for me to put this on layaway.

VintageToppsGuy,

I hear you about if I had the $5200.00 all in cash that I could be a little more selective, but I am satisfied with the condition and price of the one I made the offer on, and to me, its a lot easier to funnel the cash over 12 months on a planned, committed to purchase, then to set the funds aside, as I will fall to the temptation of getting something new for the Porsche with that laying around or purchasing a new cache of Beretta's, or purchasing a female wallaby to mate with my male, etc. Does that show a lack of discipline or a weakness? Perhaps, but only in my toys, as the other things in my life are taken care of.

Keep the opinions coming, makes life interesting,

Mike

storm888 · January 27, 2008 1:21PM

Mike is a good sport.

I would vote for him, if I was a constituent.

AnkurJ · January 27, 2008 1:22PM

Well said Mike!

Allen · January 27, 2008 1:41PM

Sounds like you are rolling in the money, I did not take that into account when asking the questions. I just thought someone using a layaway plan might be doing it because the money was an issue. My advice only applies to members who do not play with Porsches. and toys like that. If you are ballin like that I say go for a PSA 5 or 6 Mantle! Good luck with whatever you do.

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 1:55PM

<< Sounds like you are rolling in the money, I did not take that into account when asking the questions. I just thought someone using a layaway plan might be doing it because the money was an issue. My advice only applies to members who do not play with Porsches. and toys like that. If you are ballin like that I say go for a PSA 5 or 6 Mantle! Good luck with whatever you do. >>

Allen,

I'm not rolling in the money by any stretch of the imagination. You are right that the $5250.00 all at once right now IS an issue. Didn't want to imply that it wasn't. Didn't mean to sound flippant about money, as that is definitely not the case, just discussing my side of it, and I have my own unique way of obtaining toys and like to do interest free layaways for large items if possible, as that makes me go at them in a disciplined approach, and they then mean more to me when I do get them in my hands. Would love to have a PSA 5 or 6 Mantle, but I don't think I could ever drop that kind of coin on a card until I get in a much, much, higher tax bracket. I just wouldn't sleep too well spending that much on a small piece of cardboard. Once again, didn't mean to come across as "rolling in the money".

Mike

gemmintrarities · January 27, 2008 2:03PM

Just get one of these and keep the rest of the money that you would spend on the PSA 1..lol

thenavarro · January 27, 2008 2:11PM

That's a sweet signed Mantle card. I wish I could have afforded to get a Mantle rookie back in 90-93 as I remember seeing several small ads in the Dallas Morning News where he would periodically sign autographs on the weekends. Would have been incredible to get one signed. His son, Danny Mantle (I believe that was his name) would set up at local shows and peddle Mantle signed memoribilia. I bought a few things such as signed balls, signed photo balls, etc, (he even had some balls that had an image of his 52 rookie on it) but have long since sold them all.

Have any of you ever seen one of his 52 Topps cards signed?? What do they go for??

Mike

Those of you that know Levi, do y'all think he'll accept my offer on this 1952 Topps Mantle??

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