NFL Auctions Pricing Reaching Unreasonable Levels?

[mvandor]

In the career thread I didn't see so many independently wealthy guys. Nevertheless, items on NFL Auctions I have an interest in (Chargers) are going crazy IMHO, and I know some collectors here have several LT game worn jerseys from NFL Auctions.

With a week to go the following prices are already in play:

LT GU Alternate Jersey: $4,900
LT GU Throwback Helmet: $3,500
Gates GU Home Jersey: $3,100

Is this where prices have been on these types of items? Am I going to be limited to collecting GU gloves, pants and shoes unless I hit the lottery?

[Jags Fan Dan]

In my opinion, NFL auctions prices have always been way, way inflated on everything. I have never even been able to think about buying anything off of there. When you see guys like John Beck's jersey sell for over 4k (it may have been over 5k, I can't remember!), that's when I call it quits there!

[DRILLINDK]

I agree, the average Joe would never be able to afford items at these current price levels. I've suspected for a long time, that auction houses and even people affiliated with the player a bidding. IMO

[mvandor]

I agree, the average Joe would never be able to afford items at these current price levels. I've suspected for a long time, that auction houses and even people affiliated with the player a bidding. IMO

Really curious as to whether these prices are in line with recent prices for similar items or not. Seems high to me.

[dafivehole]

You are guys are right... if the winners ever tried to move these items on the secondary market, they'll be in for a big surprise. Over spending because you "Know it's real" isn't worth that much... I think a lot of these buyers are doctors and lawyers that have more money than sense and don't really know the items actual "value." The market will eventually bottom out and these items will start to be more realistic... it's just that the original buyers will lose a ton of money on their initial investments. Patience my friends...

Roger

[lund6771]

Roger...

there are a lot of people that buy stuff for collecting, not purely for investment...these people couldn't really care less if the jersey that was purchased for $5,000 could only be re-sold for $3,000.00 on the secondary market today...

10 years from now, if the player has a solid career, and the original purchaser is bored with the item, I would be very suprised if they wouldn't be making up to 50% on their original purchase

[DRILLINDK]

I agree with everyone's thoughts. Although, I think that the individuals bidding are not concerned with the monetary value of these auction items. I believe these bidders are either wealthy individuals (where spending this kind of cash is not a financial concern) OR auction houses/associates. In a way it's very disappointing, for me, the average individual. Spending this kind of cash on one of these auction items would rival an entire year of my GU budget. Is this what it has come to? At these rates, I can look forward to buying LT's right sock for $800! This is sad, and I'm waiting for the day it carries over to MLB auctions and NBA auctions alike. Once again, the little man loses.

[DRILLINDK]

Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now.

[David]

If the auctions are for charity, that might account for some of the higher pricing. In charity auctions, people who can afford it often over bid as it's a donation.

[gingi79]

Across the board, every league's auction sells items at a grossly inflated amount.

NHL.com has sold Hockey Fights Cancer, Garth Brooks Patched and Katrina patched jerseys for a tidy amount above normal MeiGray prices for these one game wonders. (Granted there is a partial tax deduction)

NFL.com has sold jerseys at prices that even rich people would scoff at. John Beck is a hallucination right now. Dan Marino jerseys have sold for less than his NFL.com auction. I hope the kid is the next Tom Brady but the value of the jersey will never match the final price.

MLB.com has some steals. If you root for any MLB team, go to their website and watch their auctions, a bargain pops up now and then.

I don't deal in the other leagues so I can't comment on them.
To illustrate my point:
My advice, which you should take with a grain of salt? Wait for the secondary market unless it's an item you must own. eBay has garnered the following 3 Sami Salo's and their original price.


Rookie Sens I paid $200, original buyer paid $595
Third year Alt Sens (25+ repairs!) I paid $202, original Buyer $595
Last year's Canucks Blue I paid $175, original buyer $295

I paid $310 for my white 06/07 Salo, but I saw him wear it live while beating the Senators 2-1 and wearing it while scoring the game winning goal against the Blackhawks (where I photomatched it)