Will economy affect hobby?

[cohibasmoker]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

The sports memorabilia field is a HOBBY. We do not need sports memorabilia to survive. We need food to eat and shoes on our feet. But, those who were reckless in their purchases of sports memorabilia were probably reckless in their personal finances so yes, there will be an effect on the sports memorabilia field.

For the past eight years, people were buying homes and re-financing homes at a record pace. The Nasdaq, which is based on the development of and sales of electronic items, was through the roof - computers, i-phones, x-boxes, and big-screen TV's. You name it, people bought it. People bought new cars and were taking cruises twice a year. Disneyland posted record profits. Credit cards were issued like candy and at a record pace. Most everyone took one, two or more, and maxed them all out within Months.

Well guess what? It pay back time. Blame who you want but ultimately, it comes down to us - the individual. People are going to have to live within their means and if it comes down to a jersey or a pair of shoes for their kids, hopefully the kids will get new shoes.



Jim

[WadeInBmore]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

My two cents for what it's worth...

While the value of an item is only what someone is willing to pay for it, I do think this "recession" is affecting the hobby. Within the past month I've managed to acquire two items that I never imagined obtaining, however, do to the economy the sellers had to make sacrifices and sold items that they were planning on keeping for themselves.

[commando]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

Someone basically mentioned this earlier.... Some collectors are already established financially, and are less affected by this recession. Other collectors have lost their jobs and are barely paying the bills. When you look at the whole ball of wax, of course the hobby is taking a hit. It boils down to who is collecting what. Obviously, at least two or more collectors with money are looking to purchase scarce Tigers bats. I have to believe that the average collector who is worried about his job and finances is bidding less on items he is casually interested in.

[dafivehole]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

I agree... "something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it." There might the odd exception to this rule but for the most part it holds true regardless of the economic climate.

Roger

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

For what it's worth, two jerseys I sold this summer on ebay re-appeared on ebay in the past month. The first one sold for half of what I sold it for while the second one sold for two-thirds.

Case in point, right here folks.

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

I have "hope" and "confidence" that the economy will be fixed in 6 months. President Obama promised with spending hundreds of millions of dollars that "change" is going to happen. Circuit City will realize that they can make it, as will KB Toys, and we will see the return of some of my favorite stores when I was a child such as Kiddie City and Clover.

Someone have Chris's home number?

We need to call and have his mother wake him up.

On a more serious note, I'm praying right along with you, Chris, but I don't see it. I work in high rises in Los Angeles, and all I am seeing is midnight move-outs. It's bad. Any and every company in Financials or sales are dropping off the face of the earth at an alarming rate.

The economy is effecting everything....our hobby included. The guys (& gals) here who have posted that they are being "more selective"....have hit the nail on the head. Something's got to give, and it's the volume of what we all want. We simply have to cut back and just go after those highly desired "I can't live without it" items.

That is why you are seeing most of the second and third tier items in the major auctions going for chump change with two or three bids....IMO.

Steve

[sylbry]

Re: Will economy affect hobby?

i found this 1931 photo of babe ruth. 1931 being the height of the supposed "great depression". babe seems to be wearing a sensual fur coat and silky socks. pretty damning evidence that there was no "great depression".



rudy.

On a related note, when the Depression was really hitting America hard Babe was holding out asking for $80,000 a season. He was offered $75,000 but wouldn't take it. A story goes a sportswriter came up to him and, in effect started chewing him out for holding out for so much money while the country is in a Depression and people are out of jobs and waiting in line for bare necessities such as food. Babe's response was, "no one told me." He signed for $75,000 the next day.

[grenda12]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

If I really want it, I'm getting it. However, I find myself being a little more selective in what I get.

Im doing the same thing.

[joelsabi]

Re: Will economy affect hobby?

i found this 1931 photo of babe ruth. 1931 being the height of the supposed "great depression". babe seems to be wearing a sensual fur coat and silky socks. pretty damning evidence that there was no "great depression".



rudy.

that fur coat is in that sports museum in los angeles.

[spartakid]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

Well, I don't think that fiscally speaking, Babe Ruth is an accurate example of the average American at the time of the Great Depression.

[skyking26]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

I guess it is the old saying Rudy, people find money whatever the circumstance...

[kingjammy24]

Re: Will economy affect hobby?

i found this 1931 photo of babe ruth. 1931 being the height of the supposed "great depression". babe seems to be wearing a sensual fur coat and silky socks. pretty damning evidence that there was no "great depression".



rudy.

[skyking26]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

Like anything in this world it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Maybe it was the player themselves buying it, maybe a family member, maybe someone photo matched the bat to a home run or game winning hit. Maybe it was the last bat's they needed the point is price something is not reflective of what something worth, it's reflective of what two parties are willing to exchange it for.

R E A L L Y

[1986&2004Bosox]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

Like anything in this world it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Maybe it was the player themselves buying it, maybe a family member, maybe someone photo matched the bat to a home run or game winning hit. Maybe it was the last bat's they needed the point is price something is not reflective of what something worth, it's reflective of what two parties are willing to exchange it for.

[skyking26]

Re: Will ecconomy affect hobby?

For what it's worth, two jerseys I sold this summer on ebay re-appeared on ebay in the past month. The first one sold for half of what I sold it for while the second one sold for two-thirds.

I'm glad someone is getting the deals; I certainly am not. For that matter - if I am offered a bat direct it is at double or more what it's current market value should be...

I failed to mention 2 bats that just went on ebay the other night. I was on each, a Northrup and Gates Brown. Combined they went for over $900. Now tell me there is a recession? Apparently the new owners of these items have not heard about it yet nor felt the effects.