Greed in this hobby

[packfan84]

Re: Greed in this hobby

I can see both points of views on this. I find myself frustrated when I lose out on something on MLB Auctions to the same guy and then see it up on eBay in a couple of weeks for twice the price and continue to see it listed over a year later.

The theory I have for this is the guy is a seller/collector and has the item in their own collection, and if someone wants to overpay for it that wants it more, then that is his price he will let it go for.

The other theory is they are just a seller and looking to build inventory. Like the poster above said, building your inventory through places like Grey Flannel and MLB Auctions is not the most economical way and will eventually be stuck with a hefty inventory. Maybe then, we will be able to pick them up for a better price when they need to dump it.

Also, some of these eBay guys may actually have physical store locations. I see it all the time with autographs, there is a place in the Bay Area that sell JT Snow baseball for $150. Anyone in the hobby knows that is a monster rip off, but if you are lolly gagging around one day and not a savvy collector, you might jump at that. If someone not familiar with the hobby walked in and saw that Amare on the wall, they might just be blown away that they could afford such a piece, especially since the only time they ever hear about game worn items are on the news when the historic pieces fetch monster prices. Then they buy it.

When I first got into Game Used stuff, I was shocked that you could buy a game worn jersey for less than an authentic store model, regardless of the player. Now I know that is not the case.

[commando]

Re: Greed in this hobby

The people who used the phrase "supply and demand" are the ones who get it. If you're winning Grey Flannel auctions, in my opinion, you're probably not stealing the items -- in other words, plenty of collectors are seeing these items and having the chance to bid if interested. If someone thinks they can win several GF auctions, pay the hammer fees, then resell the items at a 3X markup, they will soon learn an expensive lesson.

Sure, you can get lucky and occasionally find a buyer with cash to burn who HAS to have your item... But as a seller myself, I know you can't build a steady, consistent business this way. You ESPECIALLY don't want to be left holding newer "hot" items for long, as the interest of potential buyers will fade over time.

I hear what you're saying, but if I were you I'd keep an eye on this guy and see what he actually sells. Down the road he'll probably be trying to break even on most of his items.

[frikativ54]

Re: Greed in this hobby

Ugh... I had a bad feeling about this post just by reading the title. If someone has worked hard enough to have the resources to purchase the things he wants then why should anyone begrudge that person?

So everybody who has money works hard for it? Last time I checked, plenty of people end up wealthy through inheritance. A lot of our financial state is due to pure luck, plain and simple.

Also, I find it disgusting the way people have jumped all over the OP. It's his opinion, and he has a right to it. Without being accused of being an Occupier. He simply shared his thoughts.

[GoTigers]

Re: Greed in this hobby

Maybe you should go find some homeless and hungry children and tell them your terrible plight. I think you'd be surprised at who they call greedy.

If you're "big on morality", maybe you should do some more research as to what that means... Because this is just jealousy and whining.

[Scotchorama]

Re: Greed in this hobby

As I see it, buyers who want to make a profit can only go so high. If they really want to make a profit, they need to list the item at a "saleable" price. So such a buyer won't outbid a true collector ready to pay the price for a rare item. Simple rule of supply and demand.

[timb69]

Re: Greed in this hobby

Here is my take. I am a collector. I love to collect. There are 2 sides to this hobby. A collector, and a seller. We collect, they SELL to make MONEY. If I was a seller, and had a hot item I got for cheap, and knew I could triple my money, by all means I'll list it for triple my cost to make money. People who want the item, will buy if they want it, or not buy it. Supply and demand. You're confusing the SELLING part to make money as part of the hobby.

[cohibasmoker]

Re: Greed in this hobby

+1

I would purchase the Marlins and keep all the visiting team equipment when they drop by!

The way I see it, can't afford an item? There are two (2) options - work a little harder to make more cash or simply prioritize you spending. As for the Powerball thing, I'd buy an Aston Martin and a membership into Netjets. The NetJet thing would enable me to fly around the world with the Hollywood liberal elites. I would really like to hang out around the French Riviera with Streisand and Spielberg.

Jim

[marino13]

Re: Greed in this hobby

I know if I had won that 600 million powerball, that I'd be buying EVERY high price baseball jersey or bat. Probably even try to buy the hall of fame.

+1

I would purchase the Marlins and keep all the visiting team equipment when they drop by!

[yanks12025]

Re: Greed in this hobby

I know if I had won that 600 million powerball, that I'd be buying EVERY high price baseball jersey or bat. Probably even try to buy the hall of fame.

[CPuente57]

Re: Greed in this hobby

This is kind of the same boat as this topic, As an NBA Collector, the only thing that frustrates me is the chance of ever winning anything special like a Finals Jersey or an All Star Jersey is basically nil because guys like JTNBAfan or now this new guy Stageleft have what it seems no real max on how high they are willing to go on items. The prices for the NBA Finals Auctions were insane..$2 grand for an issued Jarvis Vernado Jersey??? 6 grand for Mario Chalmers?? You simply cannot outbid these guys ever. Now at the same time, who am I to tell them how they can spend their money?? I think i've read here that JTNBAFan is an actual real collector who really loves the NBA and this hobby so honestly good for him that he's got the resources to grab whatever he wants. Who's to say if I was in that position I wouldn't do the same? Now I do question why he needs to buy every single superstar jersey (especially like the preseason gamers a few months ago..he couldn't let THAT Lebron go??? There were no special patches or anything..regular preseason gamer that they wore in China) but overall it is what it is..I'm sure MLB or NFL have those guys as well.

[nycpropain]

Re: Greed in this hobby

You're missing the point - I don't want the items. I just see the type of practices from the basketball card 'hobby' coming into this one, and don't like it. Yet you all seem fine with it.

And in the end you can do nothing about it but stomp your feet online.

[hairyangryfella]

Re: Greed in this hobby

If you want the item that bad pay the inflated price. Or do you treasure your money collection just as much?? Can't have your cake and eat it to. We're a capitalism type society so if someone can make a sound investment then more power to them. Some times over paying and holding will still bring value years later

You're missing the point - I don't want the items. I just see the type of practices from the basketball card 'hobby' coming into this one, and don't like it. Yet you all seem fine with it.

[ctguy212003]

Re: Greed in this hobby

I don't understand what this means.

I was speaking out against something that seemed kind of against the spirit of game used collecting - buying up large amounts of items and trying to flip them for profit at high prices, outbidding somebody who may have really wanted one but couldn't afford it on the original auction because of this person's attempts to profit.

I see it so much with cards I wanted to know how this hobby felt about it. Looks like you guys don't give a damn. So be it.

If you want the item that bad pay the inflated price. Or do you treasure your money collection just as much?? Can't have your cake and eat it to. We're a capitalism type society so if someone can make a sound investment then more power to them. Some times over paying and holding will still bring value years later

[hairyangryfella]

Re: Greed in this hobby

So what's your point? Do you want to "occupy" the hobby and this forum?

Just an opinion.

I don't understand what this means.

I was speaking out against something that seemed kind of against the spirit of game used collecting - buying up large amounts of items and trying to flip them for profit at high prices, outbidding somebody who may have really wanted one but couldn't afford it on the original auction because of this person's attempts to profit.

I see it so much with cards I wanted to know how this hobby felt about it. Looks like you guys don't give a damn. So be it.

[hairyangryfella]

Re: Greed in this hobby

I guess if someone wanted that Amare jersey they could have just outbid the seller in the original auction......
or
Make an offer less than what he is asking.

There is no guarantee that the seller will get what he is asking. None of our business what he paid for it.

That Amare is just one example - but he won so many items from each of the auctions, now listed on ebay, it just seems like pure greed to me. And from memory I once tried to negotiate for a card that this guy had listed on ebay and he wouldn't go anywhere near a reasonable offer...

I'm very big on morals, and I just don't like this. I'm also relatively new to the hobby though so maybe there isn't any room for them with game used items...