Nothing brings one back to reality like the B-S-T board.

jmski52 · December 8, 2009 2:33AM

I can't help but make the observation that -

Every time I offer something on B-S-T, it's something that I don't want..........

And unfortunately, it's also something that nobody else wants............

Likewise, everything I own that I plan to keep -

Seem to be the same items that people keep trying to buy.

Once, just once - I would like to slap some of my undesirables up on B-S-T and create a bidding war for them.

coinpictures · December 8, 2009 2:34AM

eBay.

GritsMan · December 8, 2009 2:36AM

I suppose it comes down your prices, but also the economy isn't helping. Hard to buy stuff that you know you can't turn around and sell if you have to. That's why 2008 was such a great year to buy stuff from the Mint

yellowkid · December 8, 2009 2:37AM

It does seem as if you have to kiss a lot of frogs there.

doh · December 8, 2009 2:41AM

I've had okay luck recently on the BST. I just sold a nearly $500 item yesterday, but I have the most luck on things $150 and lower.

I agree with the OP...I'd love for people to put a WTB ad for stuff I have available...never seems to happen though.

19Lyds · December 8, 2009 2:47AM

<< I can't help but make the observation that -

Every time I offer something on B-S-T, it's something that I don't want..........

And unfortunately, it's also something that nobody else wants............

Likewise, everything I own that I plan to keep -

Seem to be the same items that people keep trying to buy.

Once, just once - I would like to slap some of my undesirables up on B-S-T and create a bidding war for them.

>>

I'd be pleased with some simple offers.....................

RYK · December 8, 2009 2:50AM

I agree. It is an excellent reality check for run-of-the-mill stuff.

terribleredmonster · December 8, 2009 3:06AM

I won't even put low end stuff on ebay at the moment. I ran some auctions a couple of weeks ago for circulated IHC lots and low end type coins and got my metaphorical a$$ handed to me. Basically my view at this point is that if your material isn't silver, gold, high end or a better date in an already popular series you are not going to get what was up until recently considered a fair price for it. Even silver coins are getting weak with only higher grade and larger coins (halves and dollars namely) bringing reasonable money. Again, I'm speaking of run of the mill collectibles here, not anything exceptional. It does seem though that dealers aren't softening their prices on these kinds of coins (at least locally). Maybe they prefer to hold on to their material and just wait out this rough patch.

The one bright spot in this is that if you have some use for the ho-hum material that seems to make up the bulk of the average collection there are deals to be had readily on ebay. I've recently managed to grab more silver below spot than ever before and have even had luck snagging a few peace and morgan dollars at spot. Just don't expect to sell this type of material for any premium.

Classof67 · December 8, 2009 3:10AM

<< I agree. It is an excellent reality check for run-of-the-mill stuff. >>

True, but I always seem to do ok with oddball stuff when I list it on ebay. This is a discriminating crowd! (That's why I hang around!)

seanq · December 8, 2009 3:20AM

I've decided with this latest batch of sales to go through eBay exclusively and not the BST, just because it seems the niche-market material I like to collect doesn't fare well there. What's bizarre is that I threw up a handful of PCGS graded FS nickels and did extremely well with them too. One coin sold for 2.5x the PCGS guide, and I had another in the same grade which sold immediately to the underbidder for essentially the same price. That sort of material I've normally done well with on the BST, but I've never found anyone there willing to go way over the price guide.

It really is hit or miss right now, people are being very selective. Last week I got my rear end handed to me on some type coin errors, except one from Carson City which went for crazy money. If you're lucky enough to have just the right coin, there are still people waiting to buy it, but generic coins are languishing.

Sean Reynolds

crypto79 · December 8, 2009 3:28AM

I have a few dozen BST transactions, I have learned decent stuff will wholesale there quickly. It is not the place to sell at retail levels unless the item is white hot like an 1853 o no arrows half dime, 1809 dime or gold near melt.

yellowkid · December 8, 2009 3:38AM

This thread just seems to confirm something that we all know, reasonably priced run of the mill stuff, even nice run of the mill stuff, is going begging. This is happening in not just the coin market, but the whole world of collectibles.

terribleredmonster · December 8, 2009 3:50AM

I was actually more than a little surprised that the recession took as long as it did to stard driving down values in day to day trades. Soft economy, soft collectibles prices.

Walmann · December 8, 2009 4:00AM

I'm considering putting up my UHR in VG8 up on the BST, but I'm afaird of taking a loss.

Walkerguy21D · December 8, 2009 4:40AM

<< I have a few dozen BST transactions, I have learned decent stuff will wholesale there quickly >>

Bingo! For the most part, this is a fairly knowledgeable crowd....if you offer decent, desirable material at fair prices, it generally sells fairly quickly. Most of the members are not interested in schlock or generics unless it's dirt cheap, as that can be had anywhere - heck, most of us probably already own too much schlock!

Bochiman · December 8, 2009 4:45AM

You should start to "undesire" some of your OBW rolls of silver Roosies and Frankies....I would be happy to quickly snap those up for you

Type2 · December 8, 2009 4:48AM

You just need to buy more of what you like then sell some of it and keep some for free. Thats the name of the game. No cost to you after the sell off. Do you have any 1/10 oz buffalos.

57loaded · December 8, 2009 4:53AM

the BST's have been for things that i don't want or would like to move.

i factor in eBay fees that i would incur and usually pass that on to the BST buyer.

usually i get a buyer in a few hours if not less.

fishteeth · December 8, 2009 7:43AM

Until the last few months my listings used to always sell very quickly. Much slower lately.

The last group of halves that I listed had no offers. After 1 wk I sent them to a large dealer and was offered much more than I had them
listed for on the BST.

coindeuce · December 8, 2009 7:47AM

I've had a WTB offer in my sigline for over a year, and it may as well be invisible. I got one response early on and then none since. WTF?

ricko · December 8, 2009 7:54AM

Reduce your prices... that simple. Cheers, RickO

topstuf · December 8, 2009 7:56AM

A couple years ago I started a new criterion.
I won't buy it if there's more than one at a small show or more than 3-5 at a large show.
It sorta winnows down the selection, but it sure knocks out the widgets.

lathmach · December 8, 2009 7:57AM

The BST forum doesn't seem to be the place to sell Seated coins.
I put an 1841-O Seated Dime in Good condition on at $1500.00 and it hasn't sold.
I kept the listing active for a week, and only got a couple inquiries.
I don't know if I'll bother bringing it to the top again.

Ray

mrearlygold · December 8, 2009 7:58AM

I've have done business with many fine people via my ads over the years on the BST . But it takes time sometimes.

I used to advertise in the classifieds in Numis News. But alas, Numis News ain't what it used to be and some genius there decided to nix the free classifieds in favor of a paid online classifieds

If the BST were somehow promoted it would draw lots of customers away from Coin World .

roadrunner · December 8, 2009 8:02AM

The BST can be an interesting place. Most routine stuff you have to give away to get rid of it. And often times the seller has already tried a multitude of routes to get fair value. Then it's time to dump it on the BST as a "fresh" item. Those bargains often end up being anchors. I've gotten a few of those anchors along the way but it made me wiser.

At least with the PM's activity of late it has spiced up the night life a bit on the BST. You snooze you lose.

roadrunner

BaseballAbs · December 8, 2009 8:09AM

UHh, don't buy stuff you don't want.

Then you wont have to sell it on the BST.

TwoSides2aCoin · December 8, 2009 8:42AM

The BST is where I go looking for a RIP, which seldom happens. That's reality. But every once in a while, I have nice chats with real people from here.

illini420 · December 8, 2009 8:48AM

Selling works pretty good there if I list for a fair price. But if I'm buried in a coin and not willing to take the big loss that is probably necessary, yeah, it takes somewhat longer. But for free, it's a hard venue to beat

However, if I want to buy something and I can't easily find it in a dealer's inventory, I've found that a quick WTB post usually gets some good results.

coindeuce · December 8, 2009 9:00AM

<< UHh, don't buy stuff you don't want.

Then you wont have to sell it on the BST. >>

Whaaa? I think you meant to state: "Buy stuff you don't want(for yourself). It usually makes selling easier, as long as it is in demand by others. I usually don't buy stuff I don't want anyway.

Bottom line: There is almost no room for emotional attachment to tangibles, in order to be a successful business person.

mightyhunter · December 8, 2009 9:01AM

The BST has been interesting for me. I have purchased some nice coins and sold some nice coins. My biggest gripe is people that inquire about a coin you have for sale and after receiving an image or some further info on the coin never contact you again to say they aren't interested. I posted a WTB for a common date PCGS Standing Liberty Quarter recently. I received an offer to sell at almost double GSB. I turned it down and acquired the same coin for a whole lot less from another source. I have looked at some other Standing Liberty Quarters on the BST recently that were raw. The ask on one was somewhere around GSB for a 63 when the coin was an AU with obvious rub above and below liberty's knee. I am not interested in making offers on coins that are not even close to being accurately graded. I had one fellow who posts often on the forums. He made some rude comments about some coins I had listed on the BST. I looked at coins he had on his website and for the most part they were grossly overgraded. What a shmuck. However, the good outweighs the bad and I will continue to use that forum.

DennisH · December 8, 2009 9:15AM

<< Once, just once - I would like to slap some of my undesirables up on B-S-T and create a bidding war for them.

>>

I'd like to list stuff on the BST and not have someone ask, "what's your best price?" or make a lower offer -- even though the listing says "prices are firm."

lkenefic · December 8, 2009 10:17AM

I think the down market in general has been a learning experience for me. Stuff (re:schlock) I bought on the cheap years ago is selling... for at or around what I paid for it. Overall I think I've been breaking even. The only things I seem to be making money on are key dates. Overall, I think I actually do better on the BST than on ebay. With Paypal fees and the inaccessibility to your money once you do sell something... ebay is hardly worth it these days. (unless you bought gold in 1989....)

Leo

jmski52 · December 8, 2009 12:26PM

You should start to "undesire" some of your OBW rolls of silver Roosies and Frankies....I would be happy to quickly snap those up for you

Ah yes, Bochiman - there is nothing like a satisfied customer. I have 55 rolls of OBW Roosies that I bought from the same guy in 2006, and another 15 rolls of OBWs from Mad Marty - and you are the only person on the whole forum who managed to sweet-talk an end-roll toner from me.

So that means I have 3499 original BU Roosies that are missing their lost brother.

The whole episode sets off my OCD whenever I think about it.

Lablover, yeah - I know, I know.

That's the problem, nobody wants the crappy stuff!!!!

yellowkid · December 8, 2009 12:34PM

I can't stand having money in a piece I no longer care for, I would much rather sell, even at a loss, and put the money into another mistake.

Bochiman · December 8, 2009 2:44PM

<< You should start to "undesire" some of your OBW rolls of silver Roosies and Frankies....I would be happy to quickly snap those up for you

Ah yes, Bochiman - there is nothing like a satisfied customer. I have 55 rolls of OBW Roosies that I bought from the same guy in 2006, and another 15 rolls of OBWs from Mad Marty - and you are the only person on the whole forum who managed to sweet-talk an end-roll toner from me.

So that means I have 3499 original BU Roosies that are missing their lost brother.

The whole episode sets off my OCD whenever I think about it.

Lablover, yeah - I know, I know.

That's the problem, nobody wants the crappy stuff!!!! >>

Jerry, tell them sad little brothers that the stray, affectionately known as "58-7" is still well taken care of by my son in his 3-ring. We've talked and feel it is "safer" in there than in a book right now, and he is too young to fully understand slabbing so it stays where it is for awhile

boucharda · December 8, 2009 9:14PM

<< Reduce your prices... that simple. Cheers, RickO >>

I gave the BST a recent try with a UHR MS 70 FS I had for sale....no one interested for a week with daily TTT's so I raised the price $100 and put it on Ebay.

No exaggeration....it sold in 3 hours.

Bochiman · December 9, 2009 12:35PM

<< 

<< Reduce your prices... that simple. Cheers, RickO >>

I gave the BST a recent try with a UHR MS 70 FS I had for sale....no one interested for a week with daily TTT's so I raised the price $100 and put it on Ebay.

No exaggeration....it sold in 3 hours. >>

Not surprising on something like that. A lot more eyes and people that didn't buy one when they could than on here. For items like that, there always seem to be a quicker, better priced, market on ebay since the more knowledgable are here (more knowledgable on prices and timing to get things early).
Not saying it won't always sell here, but saying that there are different markets and driving forces in each place.

badger · December 9, 2009 12:52PM

For me it's a toss up, I'm not sure if I am happier when I buy off the BST or sell on the BST. I think it is a great service.

Dave

RedTiger · December 9, 2009 1:56PM

<< 

<< Reduce your prices... that simple. Cheers, RickO >>

I gave the BST a recent try with a UHR MS 70 FS I had for sale....no one interested for a week with daily TTT's so I raised the price $100 and put it on Ebay.

No exaggeration....it sold in 3 hours. >>

Is anyone else thinking BING?

(Promotional discount of 8% for Ebay BIN items, been as high as 20% recently.)

PQType · December 9, 2009 2:11PM

Lets see, I just sold a nice IHC on BST and in the last year I found thes two beauties

Be patient, and check it a few times a day. Works for me...sometimes

Got this one Raw and just got it back from PCGS today. Looks great in hand, Looks all silver in hand

In March I picked this up which has since lead to me working on an 1865 Proof Cam Set

This 1865 Beauty has a inny

Nothing brings one back to reality like the B-S-T board.

Comments

Leave a Comment