What is the most that over paid for an item?

[Oil Can Dan]

I dropped around $6K on a David Ortiz World Series bat not long ago. Love the bat and all but that's a little nutty. Also dropped around $4K on a supposed 1992 Pedro Martinez jersey & pants in an American Memorabilia auction. That's a little crazy too considering there's no guarantee it's legit.

[athletics61]

For me, I have to go back to the winter of 1994 when I sprung $1500 for a Charlie Hayes 1993 black alternate Rockies jersey. Beautiful jersey, but every time I see that jersey hanging in my closet I'd swear it is calling me a sucker. The black alternates are indeed hard to find, but one should be had for a fraction for what I paid.

Just something you learn from whenever you get that impulse buy feeling.

[skyking26]

We all have our stories. I think if you are a collector, somewhere you have a story like ours. I have several. Biggest one is buying a McGwire GU BP jacket in the '98 Northshore auction. Came with a letter from A's equipment guy. Paid $1200 in '98, sold it last year thru American Memorabilia for a sad $325. If the wife ever found that out I would be done... Cecil Fielder was the toast of Detroit in the early 90's. By the time he left, nobody cared. Early on I bought a gamer for $415 from John Taube. Sold it years ago for about $225.

I think after nearly 30 years of collecting I have learned you buy what you WANT, not what you think is a good investment. Investments should be held to stocks and such. Everybody knows me here as the world's largest Kingman collector. Rarely sell anything - if I did I would likely take a loss. Have a HR ball, pretty cool, but nobody cares. Find it interesting that the one guy can't sell that Thome shirt. If Jim retires with 500 HR and no HOF, that shirt won't bring that money down the road - no way. Gotta be in this cause ya like it - not for the money.

[jboosted92]

First Game used item i bought...of Patriots auciton (Ty Law game worn cleats) 500.00.... boy did I do some research after that!!!

[timotswan]

Just a thought for some, but I checked into possibly donating to charity things I have bought and lost on and do not care about with a cpa and he said you can donate to charity and can possibly recoup some of your lossses through a tax deduction. You may be able to treat your sales the same way, as a long term loss, to go with another long term gain as it maybe considered an investment. Not advice but just an idea you may want to check on with your tax advisor for the private collector.

[CollectGU]

I Also dropped around $4K on a supposed 1992 Pedro Martinez jersey & pants in an American Memorabilia auction. That's a little crazy too considering there's no guarantee it's legit.

Wow, I think that's a good deal for a rookie uniform. That will double as soon as he retires...

Regards,
Dave

[TNTtoys]

Just a thought for some, but I checked into possibly donating to charity things I have bought and lost on and do not care about with a cpa and he said you can donate to charity and can possibly recoup some of your lossses through a tax deduction. You may be able to treat your sales the same way, as a long term loss, to go with another long term gain as it maybe considered an investment. Not advice but just an idea you may want to check on with your tax advisor for the private collector.

I went with the tax deduction strategy once. There was a fund-raiser / Christmas sale at my church, and they were asking for donations to be included in the sale. I let go a handful of autographed photos with COAs; all can be referenced in price guides for higher values than I can ever expect in the 2nd market. They were very thankful and provided receipts for everything. Not major items but nevertheless, it works, and is a win-win for everyone.

[TNTtoys]

As far as his website its more of a foundation site but oviously offers items you can purchase but it doesnt seem to be quite fully functional yet.

I love the picture they used for the Website but a bit dissapointed that they showed him in every uniform but the San Francisco Giants

Sorry to hear about the pic, it doesnt seem like they have a number listed

An update regarding the Strawberry website -- The foundation contacted me today, and apologized for the mishap and offered to send a replacement. I believe I spoke to Tracy, who couldn't possibly be any nicer. The website issue was due to switching web hosting companies, and appears to be resolved today. I look forward to receiving my replacement photo and would recommend dealing with them to anyone. Just another piece of info that I may not have conveyed -- a good portion of the proceeds generated by the photo sales go back into the foundation to help autistic children.

[suave1477]

TnT Great News I am glad things worked out over all I am actually going to try contacting them I would like a photo made up of the actual Home Page picture of the site. We will see what happens.

[SSB15]

If you take a look at most of the replies, it seems that the items from the current players have a higher risk....

For example, I have a game used Sosa bat with the COA and matching Sosa sticker on the bat. If I sold it today, no one would pay me 1/2 of what I bought the bat for 3 or 4 years ago....


Scott