Observations on the current state of the hobby from a show this weekend

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

But the answer is “yes”, in the spirit of this thread, people post their observations.

Many people may not like what people are seeing, but like the news, people are just reporting reality.

For people to claim others don’t see what they actually see, that’s pretty arrogant, pompous and very misleading - trying to twist reality.

Perhaps it is rainbows and unicorns for several people out there, please continue to report it.

The spirit of the thread? Give me a break. The answer is no. You are not seeing it. Period. You are posting as if you have first hand knowledge watching this happen. Where have you actually seen it happen? YouTube doesn’t count.

[theshowandme]

I’m cancelling my Philly trip after learning there is no money to be made

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by premium1981

The spirit of the thread? Give me a break. The answer is no. You are not seeing it. Period. You are posting as if you have first hand knowledge watching this happen. Where have you actually seen it happen? YouTube doesn’t count.

It’s his bit. He does it all the time. Just states things as fact as if he had omnipresent knowledge of every card show in America. It even becomes a little charming after a while.

[Above the Rim]

REA has a most impressive auction up right now. Lots of great pre-war to drool over, watch and maybe even bid on. Will be interesting to see closing prices, but I bet a lot of stuff (pre-war) is holding its own, perhaps even going up in prices. Wagner items in particular are very healthy these days. Cobb & Ruth should also do well.

Now a lot of post war vintage may be struggling a bit. And the market segment we most dwell on, modern, isn't doing as well.

Quality pre-war is your safest bet for investment nowadays. But it's fun to dabble in your favorite modern players, just for giggles. Be careful out there folks.

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by premium1981

The spirit of the thread? Give me a break. The answer is no. You are not seeing it. Period. You are posting as if you have first hand knowledge watching this happen. Where have you actually seen it happen? YouTube doesn’t count.

Maybe the economy is booming where you live but it doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s going on everywhere else in the country.

If things were selling briskly, I would report that.

What has stood out in my observations are people coming in to liquidate their collections.

Several weeks ago at a local card shop even, there were four guys in line with their peli cases waiting for the shop buyer to buy them out for cash.

That’s not a sign that the hobby is booming - I see more people asking for Pokémon and Disney lorcana than baseball cards.

And do you really have the audacity to claim what others post here based on their own observations is fiction?

That’s pretty pathetic.

[Pacmeyer]

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

Perhaps it is rainbows and unicorns for several people out there, please continue to report it.

It’s possible there’s an alternate dimension where Star Wars Sapphire is now $2000 a box.

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

Maybe the economy is booming where you live but it doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s going on everywhere else in the country.

If things were selling briskly, I would report that.

What has stood out in my observations are people coming in to liquidate their collections.

Several weeks ago at a local card shop even, there were four guys in line with their peli cases waiting for the shop buyer to buy them out for cash.

That’s not a sign that the hobby is booming - I see more people asking for Pokémon and Disney lorcana than baseball cards.

And do you really have the audacity to claim what others post here is fiction?

That’s pretty pathetic.

I don’t believe you. And I doubt there are many who do. I don’t even think you go to card shops. As horrible as you claim the hobby is you would be a hypocrite to even show up in one.

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by premium1981

I don’t believe you. And I doubt there are many who do. I don’t even think you go to card shops. As horrible as you claim the hobby is you would be a hypocrite to even show up in one.

For some, it’s been rainbows and unicorns since 2017.

It must be nice living in an ivory tower.

It’s been as rough as I’ve seen it for many years.

Heck, there are excessive blasters sitting at target and Walmart - that’s a huge telltale sign!

[WallyatJCCards]

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

Many dealers do not want to buy everything and anything any more.

That's spot on. Many folks who are selling "expect" X% for their collection and when they don't get that, then the potential buyer/dealer is generally considered a rude person or idiot because "they can easily make a ton of cash." Many people are now learning that no matter how/when/where you sell cards these days, you are going to take a bath, especially if you are unable to immediately flip those purchases.

I spend more time and money sorting $1 cards/boxes/bins/collections than I make. I've finally decided to stop buying those bulk collections because most times I sell them or try to cash out myself, I'm selling at 10% of market value, but I paid 50%, which, clearly, doesn't make for a good business model. :-)

[LVDan]

What's so rough about people with too much money to spend thinking sports card investing is an easy smart move then failing miserably only to liquidate and bail?
I just don't quite get the angle of "sad" or "rough"...
Seems similar to someone catching the golf bug one summer, dropping 3K on the best clubs then losing interest a year later and selling the sticks for $200 at a yard sale.
Have you not heard the stories of the multitudes of people who unsuccessfully chased the gold rush back in the day? Or chasing sunken treasure in the far corners of the world.
At least the new fangled folks who lost thousands on cards didn't have to ride horses over the rockies only to fail.
This is America- our history is filled with foolhardy attempts to get rich quick.

[blackbears86]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

stuff i want is either not dropping or is not available to buy

I finally got lucky and bought a 2013 Prizm hockey box off ebay for almost half what the BIN prices are.

So...........maybe unopened prices are finally starting to come down a little?

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by blackbears86

I finally got lucky and bought a 2013 Prizm hockey box off ebay for almost half what the BIN prices are.

So...........maybe unopened prices are finally starting to come down a little?

Nice! underrated product

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by mossoholic

The only people making any money worth mentioning are ones with some type of connection, some type of scam, bot, breakers, or people worth 7 figures. If you have a well into the six figure bankroll and can do it as a full time job you can make a living but not any money worth mentioning. Anyone else is either getting absolutely destroyed, losing, or barely making anything.

Some people are wealthy enough to buy and hold for 5-10 years, or even a lifetime, and they do not care about prices until it’s time to sell

That has been a proven method for a very long time

[blackbears86]

Originally Posted by LVDan

What's so rough about people with too much money to spend thinking sports card investing is an easy smart move then failing miserably only to liquidate and bail?
I just don't quite get the angle of "sad" or "rough"...
Seems similar to someone catching the golf bug one summer, dropping 3K on the best clubs then losing interest a year later and selling the sticks for $200 at a yard sale.
Have you not heard the stories of the multitudes of people who unsuccessfully chased the gold rush back in the day? Or chasing sunken treasure in the far corners of the world.
At least the new fangled folks who lost thousands on cards didn't have to ride horses over the rockies only to fail.
This is America- our history is filled with foolhardy attempts to get rich quick.

I like you LVdan because you always inject a dose of reality.


I'm having more fun than ever collecting. Sure, I'm not making money hand over fist like the pandemic, but the excitement of the chase is still there when I buy new unopened, and that's with shifting my focus to older releases.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Above the Rim

REA has a most impressive auction up right now. Lots of great pre-war to drool over, watch and maybe even bid on. Will be interesting to see closing prices, but I bet a lot of stuff (pre-war) is holding its own, perhaps even going up in prices. Wagner items in particular are very healthy these days. Cobb & Ruth should also do well.

Now a lot of post war vintage may be struggling a bit. And the market segment we most dwell on, modern, isn't doing as well.

Quality pre-war is your safest bet for investment nowadays. But it's fun to dabble in your favorite modern players, just for giggles. Be careful out there folks.

REA catalogue auctions are the best in the space.

[LVDan]

Originally Posted by blackbears86

I like you LVdan because you always inject a dose of reality.


I'm having more fun than ever collecting. Sure, I'm not making money hand over fist like the pandemic, but the excitement of the chase is still there when I buy new unopened, and that's with shifting my focus to older releases.

thanks man- Im still having fun in my narrow little lane too
I never got rich during pandemic because I never strayed outta my comfort zone- rare cards of obscure players at rock bottom buy ins. It's still working to supplement my kids insistence on national brand mac n cheese dinners and the occasional family camping trip. Very little has changed for me in my 6.5 years on my most recent hobby go-round. The sky is falling mindset is only valid for those who expected things to remain hideously outta whack forever going forward.

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by LVDan

What's so rough about people with too much money to spend thinking sports card investing is an easy smart move then failing miserably only to liquidate and bail?
I just don't quite get the angle of "sad" or "rough"...
Seems similar to someone catching the golf bug one summer, dropping 3K on the best clubs then losing interest a year later and selling the sticks for $200 at a yard sale.
Have you not heard the stories of the multitudes of people who unsuccessfully chased the gold rush back in the day? Or chasing sunken treasure in the far corners of the world.
At least the new fangled folks who lost thousands on cards didn't have to ride horses over the rockies only to fail.
This is America- our history is filled with foolhardy attempts to get rich quick.

Darn right it is, Dan.

[ThoseBackPages]

'MERICUH!!!!!!!!

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by premium1981

I don’t believe you. And I doubt there are many who do. I don’t even think you go to card shops. As horrible as you claim the hobby is you would be a hypocrite to even show up in one.

Interesting...what if I say I've seen something similar at shops here? People are taking their cards to the LCS and essentially pawning them for 40-50% of market or what they paid (sometimes lower). Now, I'm not sure if hermano's characterization of them "getting out" is entirely accurate, but no doubt it is true for some. Others (such as myself) have changing collecting habits, and like to put some nice parallels and low #'d cards back into the wild for other collectors to enjoy. I know I get excited when I see something rare pop up out of nowhere.

On the other hand, people are still walking in and dropping $4-$500 on new wax, which is also ill-advised.

Can also echo what Wally is saying. The LCS is not just buying anything, most have an idea of what they can move and what they can't. And can testify that some of the "sellers" are NOT happy at the offer they receive...which is inherently the issue with sports cards -- you can only sell them in a few places. I've sold many Trout, Ohtani, Angels cards the past two years because I know I'll be able to buy them back for pennies on the dollar in a few years.

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by LVDan

What's so rough about people with too much money to spend thinking sports card investing is an easy smart move then failing miserably only to liquidate and bail?
I just don't quite get the angle of "sad" or "rough"...
Seems similar to someone catching the golf bug one summer, dropping 3K on the best clubs then losing interest a year later and selling the sticks for $200 at a yard sale.
Have you not heard the stories of the multitudes of people who unsuccessfully chased the gold rush back in the day? Or chasing sunken treasure in the far corners of the world.
At least the new fangled folks who lost thousands on cards didn't have to ride horses over the rockies only to fail.
This is America- our history is filled with foolhardy attempts to get rich quick.

It’s more challenging to make a quick buck when there are a lot less fools in the market.

[here2havefun]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

I will be driving 3 hours to Philadelphia this weekend.

That trip will include tolls, gas, and a hotel.

Add in a museum entry fee and at least 4 meals.

Hopefully inflation doesn't hurt this trip, I do not want to sell my collection.

You hitting the Barnes Foundation Museum? :eyes: :eyes :eyes:

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

Interesting...what if I say I've seen something similar at shops here?

I would believe you. I have no reason to doubt that its happening. I stay pretty tuned into what is going on. What I don't believe is Herman saying he has seen it. He likes to say a lot of things for dramatic affect. Just like his follow ups about rainbows and unicorns. No one said that either, but he has to throw that in there too for more drama. He thrives on it. Its the only reason he is here.

[ddearing]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

I’m cancelling my Philly trip after learning there is no money to be made

Dangit. I guess I will too then. Probably can't cover my $2k in expenses for the show if there is no money to be made. Why do I keep doing this?

Unrelated - I picked up a collection this week that you and TBP would appreciate. Ask me about it when I don't see you this weekend.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by ddearing

Dangit. I guess I will too then. Probably can't cover my $2k in expenses for the show if there is no money to be made. Why do I keep doing this?

Sir, I’m hoping all the people ready to exit the hobby and sell for a loss find your booth with your massive BUYING sign!

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by ddearing

Dangit. I guess I will too then. Probably can't cover my $2k in expenses for the show if there is no money to be made. Why do I keep doing this?

Unrelated - I picked up a collection this week that you and TBP would appreciate. Ask me about it when I don't see you this weekend.

SIR!!!!!!!!!