Huge Collection Purchase | 500,000+ cards (1999-2008)

[Coach J]

Anyone else feel like they just went to a card show and missed out on a great buy they had the money for but didn’t know something was for sale?

Not sure what the final price was but feel like others would have liked to make an offer that would also have come to pick it up this week.

Congratulations on the find and quick flip. Hope the cards end up in a collectors hands eventually!

[jalen1255]

You know the new butter is looking at this thread like...what have I got myself into!!!

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

[Harper]

Happy to hear this collection was moved to someone with the time to really go through it. OP were the other boxes mostly post lebron? I haven’t really seen anything in the pics from before lebron but I know you were specifically looking for those years

[thenightman]

Originally Posted by FeycoBexar

***** UPDATE *****

This collection was just sold to a member on Blowout that lives locally. I started talking to the first 3 people that messaged me about buying the whole collection (all fairly local). I ended up selling lower than my asking price to this member as he made an offer I couldn't refuse in picking it up in a day. I ended up having several long conversations with him, facetimed while going through boxes and explaining how it was organized and what was pulled, and sent quite a few pictures. I will help the buyer load it in a large truck in a day and he will give this collection the time it deserves. I stopped my sorting plan (pulling refractors, jersey cards and such for a separate box) about 1/3 way through when I got his..."I'll pick it up in day and then it is out of your life!" message and couldn't pass it up. DEAL IS DONE, awaiting pickup/payment.

Note that the buyer asked that I not reveal his username. He said he might reveal himself at some point in the future (as he can come to have his message box flooded with PMs like mine is now). He plans to grade a lot of them and sort through what is there from what I was told. I noted that I would love to see a rolling thread on this message board at some point as this collection really just needs someone who is ready to sort and spent months of time piling stuff up in alternate boxes & tables (I don't even know how I'd go about sorting it other than what I did).

For People Who Sent Me Messages
I sincerely apologize for not responding to all of you. I started responding to the first 20 messages or so but now have 125 and it just got overwhelming. It is out of character for me to not answer messages - but I hope the above note about the collection being sold should suffice.

I started this post to get some ideas about how to get rid of this stuff and to show it off as it was a great find. I am surprised that just a few days later it is now out of my hands. Thanks everyone!

Exactly what I recommended. You made the smart choice. Congrats on your find and congrats on your pay day!

[Tarheelsfan2012]

Originally Posted by Tarheelsfan2012

If you come across a 2008-09 Upper Deck Lineage SE Michael Jordan or Kevin Durant. Let me know

To the new owner, let me know lol. Also Kobe or other HOFers

[Coach J]

If the new buyer is following this thread:

I’m trying to get one of each Topps Chrome LeBron to complete my collection. I have the rookie and the 2007-08 and 2008-09. Don’t have the be gem mint but don’t want obvious flaws either.

Thank you.

[prospectorgems]

Originally Posted by Coach J

If the new buyer is following this thread:

I’m trying to get one of each Topps Chrome LeBron to complete my collection. I have the rookie and the 2007-08 and 2008-09. Don’t have the be gem mint but don’t want obvious flaws either.

Thank you.

I believe the original buyer pulled all the Lebrons already.

[Onepocketj]

I really hope the new buyer finds something worthwhile in there but it really feels like a scam. Even if the story is true, the cards have already been picked through by at least two people.

Just seems odd that the OP would rent a uhaul, drive 650 miles to pick all this up, get it home and then suddenly realize it's a lot of cards and he doesn't have time to go through them. But somehow he went through all of it in a very short time and was able to pull all the Lebrons. If he was able to do that, I'm sure anything else of value is gone as well. Seems like a nice easy way for someone to get rid of all their unwanted cards in one fell swoop.

[Archangel1775]

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

I really hope the new buyer finds something worthwhile in there but it really feels like a scam. Even if the story is true, the cards have already been picked through by at least two people.

Just seems odd that the OP would rent a uhaul, drive 650 miles to pick all this up, get it home and then suddenly realize it's a lot of cards and he doesn't have time to go through them. But somehow he went through all of it in a very short time and was able to pull all the Lebrons. If he was able to do that, I'm sure anything else of value is gone as well. Seems like a nice easy way for someone to get rid of all their unwanted cards in one fell swoop.

I believe there are a few things to consider, the eBay account does have a ton of autographs and he did put it on a credit card. Another reason could be his regular job and his family(wife, really). Going thru all that to sell takes A LOT of time. It's very possible he could've bought it all for $5k and based on the stack of LeBrons, that was already $6k alone. With all the other rookies, he very well could have already tripled his money. Then someone may have offered $5k plus for the rest. Easy sell if I dont have the time or patience.

[Onepocketj]

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

I believe there are a few things to consider, the eBay account does have a ton of autographs and he did put it on a credit card. Another reason could be his regular job and his family(wife, really). Going thru all that to sell takes A LOT of time. It's very possible he could've bought it all for $5k and based on the stack of LeBrons, that was already $6k alone. With all the other rookies, he very well could have already tripled his money. Then someone may have offered $5k plus for the rest. Easy sell if I dont have the time or patience.

My fingers are crossed for the buyer. Hope he does well.
Just whenever I see something like this I think back to this story from my poker playing days:

One of these days in your travels, a guy is going to show you a brand-new deck of cards on which the seal is not yet broken. Then this guy is going to offer to bet you that he can make the jack of spades jump out of this brand-new deck of cards and squirt cider in your ear. But, son, do not accept this bet, because as sure as you stand there, you're going to wind up with an ear full of cider.

[ninjacookies]

She'll be tossed around more than Trae Young through a Zion defensive screen in a few years.

All that'll remain is a 10,000ct box of raw Jonathan Bender bass by 2040.

[gowizards0]

Originally Posted by FeycoBexar

Just wanted to share one of my favorite stacks in the pictures I took. The jersey cards all have the same players like this.

These are all refractors - this was the "refractor box" I started when pulling stuff in my "initial plan" of sorting - there are tons more refractors still in the boxes..



Once again, this is sold. Just sharing for fun!

wow so much good stuff in this picture

[pejc300]

I think this is legit. I think the OPs story matches up and I think the BO buyer is going to make a KILLING.

What do you guys think this sold for? I mean at least 25k, right?

[Ober12]

I just hope the new buyer has the time to help out the player collectors that have asked about their guy in this thread, but I guess that's a longshot. Either way, it would be nice to see what's unearthed in all those boxes, I'm sure lots of us would love to find out!

[Archangel1775]

Originally Posted by pejc300

I think this is legit. I think the OPs story matches up and I think the BO buyer is going to make a KILLING.

What do you guys think this sold for? I mean at least 25k, right?

I hope not...slim profits at that price. 5k-10k is my guess but it would really depend on what was in those boxes that was already separated. Sure, a Kobe Refractor could go for $500 but a common player is only $2-$5. Again, that's A LOT of work.

[FeycoBexar]

Originally Posted by prospectorgems

I believe the original buyer pulled all the Lebrons already.

For LeBron cards, I have those yes. All are available.

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

I really hope the new buyer finds something worthwhile in there but it really feels like a scam. Even if the story is true, the cards have already been picked through by at least two people.

Just seems odd that the OP would rent a uhaul, drive 650 miles to pick all this up, get it home and then suddenly realize it's a lot of cards and he doesn't have time to go through them. But somehow he went through all of it in a very short time and was able to pull all the Lebrons. If he was able to do that, I'm sure anything else of value is gone as well. Seems like a nice easy way for someone to get rid of all their unwanted cards in one fell swoop.

This one is tough. I had to read it and walk away for a second as I take things a bit personally when it comes to any question of integrity. Reading it again – I understand, I mean…after all, I mainly collect autographs and the rule is certainly to do your research and question everything. I did indeed rent a 17’ truck and drive an 850 mile round trip – all within pretty much 24 hours and on a whim while spending more than triple of an amount I have ever spent on collectibles in my entire life. My risk was the same – I did some research and felt comfortable enough and then decided to make a go at it.

“Going through” it in a short time for what my purpose was…wasn’t that bad. Basically, I was opening up each box and seeing what set was there, using my eBay app to search “2006 Topps LeBron” for the card #...then flipping to that number and pulling it out. As discussed with the buyer, I also removed any and all Curry, Giannis, and Durant rookies. However, beyond that – the collection is where I found it other than the first 30% or so where I was pulling refractors, jersey cards, and autographs for a separate box. I stopped doing this once I received the guy’s offer to come get it in a day and get it out of my garage and out of my life. Anyways, I understand the skepticism but this is the real thing.

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

I believe there are a few things to consider, the eBay account does have a ton of autographs and he did put it on a credit card. Another reason could be his regular job and his family(wife, really). Going thru all that to sell takes A LOT of time. It's very possible he could've bought it all for $5k and based on the stack of LeBrons, that was already $6k alone. With all the other rookies, he very well could have already tripled his money. Then someone may have offered $5k plus for the rest. Easy sell if I dont have the time or patience.

Thanks, you really hit the nail on the head. For the last week, I have worked my regular 8-5 job and then immediately went to the garage to go through stuff. By the time the evening rolls around, I spent next to zero time with my family and saw this mound of boxes in my garage…and then thought of the large amount sitting on my credit card. Until you have this many cards in one deal right in front of you, it is hard to imagine as it is very intimidating.

Originally Posted by pejc300

I think this is legit. I think the OPs story matches up and I think the BO buyer is going to make a KILLING.

What do you guys think this sold for? I mean at least 25k, right?

OMG – please I ask of anyone to not speculate the sales price as I’m already having quite a bit of seller’s remorse. I can make this better by just looking at the LeBron cards I pulled and thinking of how long it will take me to just sell those. If you take a look at my eBay auctions for autographs, I’m a bit OCD and mention every single flaw and have all kinds of scans. For cards, I scan both sides and describe any flaws in detail…which requires carefully examining each one as well. Ugh, and to think of all the listing descriptions, accounting, packing/shipping…I am honestly glad to let it go for what I did. Plus, I know the guy got a great deal. NOT to mention the 2 other things that are dragging on me will be gone…the garage will not have al these cards in it and I will be able to pay down the majority of the credit card bill (seeing such an amount on there is maddening right now).

I won’t reveal the sales price out of respect to the buyer (it is his business) but I will say it was a good bit less than half of that (but you have to consider his truck rental and time). I paid just about double for what I ended up selling it for…of course, after removing the cards noted above. I’m banking on the LeBron’s doing the best and being easier to sell right now, although I think I will have to end up grading a few (I haven’t sent a card out for grading in years but do use PSA/DNA and BAS all the time for autographs). So, the thing to outline is that I still have not actually made all my money back – but I am now closer to breathe a bit and can take the time I’d like to in selling the rest. When you have such a large amount on a credit card and really can’t afford it, you feel (or at least I do) the pressure to quickly make back as much as you can. Like I said, I’ll be able to breathe better now.

One thing to keep in mind in all this…it is a pain like you can’t imagine to rent a truck, drive far, load all these, drive far home, unload all these – it is something to keep in mind for what this is worth to someone. The buyer will have a hell of a time going through this stuff, it is fun to see all the jersey cards and refractors. When I stopped heavily collecting in the early 2000’s, jersey cards were getting big – so, seeing all these was a lot of fun – especially seeing them of every player you can imagine like Kobe, Wade, Iverson (and the same for refractors)…and again, all stuff the buyer gets.

Originally Posted by Ober12

I just hope the new buyer has the time to help out the player collectors that have asked about their guy in this thread, but I guess that's a longshot. Either way, it would be nice to see what's unearthed in all those boxes, I'm sure lots of us would love to find out!

Agreed. I feel really bad about not answering all the private messages just to even say that “I don’t have time to look” (I think I answered the first 25 or so only before I just became worn out). There is a ton in here for player collectors. I cant imagine how you’d organize it though – there are so many players and you’d have so many stacks…and you can’t just start with 20 players to organize as then you’d have to go back through all the boxes for the next 25. I have no idea how he’s going to do it but hey, I don’t have to worry about that anymore!

===============

Okay, honestly – from here on out, I will stop posting with a whole long writeup. This post is a challenge in so many ways – overwhelming in volume like the collection itself. Thanks everyone!

[blackandgold]

I’m with onepocketj-this has SCAM written all over it. Hope not but he got a lot of people excited and just like that made the lot disappear Poof

[byronscott4ever]

I think if you enjoy going through cards, this would be fun.

As for hauling cards, I have hauled way less than 20% of this amount a couple of times in the last year and it was exhausting. So I guess each buyer can assume they got a free gym membership with the purchase.

[watashiwa05]

It would be a lot of fun to go through and sort these. I’m local too if the buyer’s looking for some extra hands.

[mjohnatgt]

Nah, the bit about covering it on credit cards makes complete sense. My scam alarms are not going off.
The buyer did fleece you, IMO, but it's off your credit and out of your garage, so you can both be happy.

[missedthedrop]

I think most people started losing interest when all the big hits were taken out.
Hopefully there's some meat left on the bone for the next guy.

[mc1]

Originally Posted by blackandgold

I’m with onepocketj-this has SCAM written all over it. Hope not but he got a lot of people excited and just like that made the lot disappear Poof

Scared money dont make money. Maybe they new buyer flushed 10k down the drain. Maybe hes going to make 100k. More!?

Im sure if hes an active poster we may see Some gems still.

[Onepocketj]

Originally Posted by mc1

Scared money dont make money. Maybe they new buyer flushed 10k down the drain. Maybe hes going to make 100k. More!?

Im sure if hes an active poster we may see Some gems still.

I hope it's legit and works out for everyone. Blows my mind that someone could put that much on a credit card and then try to figure out a way to flip it afterwards but I know people do it everyday. Hell, if it is legit he may have been able to sell it for triple what he got by not taking anything out.

[GoNYGoNYGo]

I don't know I hope that whoever bought it would be dropping thousands on a collection that they were picking up in person and not at least confirm there is something of value in there.

It seems reasonable to me - first guy sells it just to get rid of it - might be out of collecting and doesn't know what he has. First buyer says wow there is some nice vintage that I collect let me grab that and the prospect of sifting through hundreds of thousands of cards is too daunting and says alright I have what I collect and I'm happy now I'll sell this massive collection for what I paid for it. Second buyer (OP) sees it and notices there a lot of stuff Lebron era including his RC season so he talks with the seller goes down and buys in on a credit card.

I 100% believe that you don't know how daunting the task is until you start - I have maybe 2% of this amount of cards in my basement and at the start of quarantine I thought perfect I will organize got about 20% of the way and started losing steam.

So OP say not worth it and it seemed like the base year sets were rather organized so he goes through and pulls out some highlights. If it's true that all he took out were Lebrons and a few other RC's than what is left is huge based on the pictures we have seen. I mean if he had all those Lebron refractors etc. its not like the original owner only had Lebron - the other RC's from those seasons might be there - Kobe, Duncan, Durant etc. might be there. And lastly if whoever bought it from OP went down there and bought the entire lot without opening a box to confirm that the OP was being honest and there is no reason to believe he wasn't then that's on him to be honest.

[Onepocketj]

Originally Posted by GoNYGoNYGo

I don't know I hope that whoever bought it would be dropping thousands on a collection that they were picking up in person and not at least confirm there is something of value in there.

It seems reasonable to me - first guy sells it just to get rid of it - might be out of collecting and doesn't know what he has. First buyer says wow there is some nice vintage that I collect let me grab that and the prospect of sifting through hundreds of thousands of cards is too daunting and says alright I have what I collect and I'm happy now I'll sell this massive collection for what I paid for it. Second buyer (OP) sees it and notices there a lot of stuff Lebron era including his RC season so he talks with the seller goes down and buys in on a credit card.

I 100% believe that you don't know how daunting the task is until you start - I have maybe 2% of this amount of cards in my basement and at the start of quarantine I thought perfect I will organize got about 20% of the way and started losing steam.

So OP say not worth it and it seemed like the base year sets were rather organized so he goes through and pulls out some highlights. If it's true that all he took out were Lebrons and a few other RC's than what is left is huge based on the pictures we have seen. I mean if he had all those Lebron refractors etc. its not like the original owner only had Lebron - the other RC's from those seasons might be there - Kobe, Duncan, Durant etc. might be there. And lastly if whoever bought it from OP went down there and bought the entire lot without opening a box to confirm that the OP was being honest and there is no reason to believe he wasn't then that's on him to be honest.

Not arguing at all. That being said, it sounds like it was perfectly organized. If the cards are all in numerical order and it's as easy as the OP said to open a box, see what set it is and go to the numbers that are worth something (Lebron, Curry, etc), there is nothing to preclude the previous person from doing that. If I bought this lot and only collected vintage, you better believe I would check ebay, Beckett, whatever, just to make sure there wasn't a monster set or card in there before I resold it. JMO