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Go Back   Net54baseball.com Forums > Net54baseball Main Forum - WWII & Older Baseball Cards > Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions

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  #1  
Old 10-19-2017, 12:14 PM
Aquarian Sports Cards Aquarian Sports Cards is offline
Scott Russell
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This board has been very good to me in a short amount of time. It is definitely a case of getting out what you put in. I have met and done deals with numerous board members, I have sold things on consignment for several, and have enriched my knowledge of the hobby immeasurably. I have made friends, and argued baseball good-naturedly (and Packs, Corey Dickerson is still only an average player at best outside of Coors, and saying Aaron Judge will have a Jay Buhner-like career is NOT an insult!)

I do admit to getting depressed about a certain combination of things though. When people post about leaving the hobby because of all the problems; when people complain about lack of ethics in the auction business; when people complain about their treatment by, in our industry, large and/or powerful companies; and yet they don't understand why I insist in a live-only auction format for the company I am purchasing I get depressed.

I have gotten SO much flack from members here, and my peers in the business for "being stupid" or a "dinosaur" or any one of a million other insults, because I will not turn Birmingham Auctioneers into an online auction.

I am not some old fart (apologies to the old farts out there!) I am 45 years old, I am very technologically savvy. I went into this with the ideas I have specifically BECAUSE of the types of posts mentioned, and I agreed to buy the company over a year ago, before I became an active member here.

I think many of us got into the hobby at least in part due to the camaraderie. Going to a show with a buddy, hanging out at the local card shop. Collecting with your dad, or kids. Making friends with dealers who would then keep an eye out for you, maybe even have your back from a hobby standpoint if you needed advice.

Almost all the complaints I see are about the death of this spirit, some times combined with unsavory business practices. You know the threads:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...92#post1711392

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...highlight=pwcc

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...highlight=pwcc

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...highlight=pwcc

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=246205

and so on and so forth.

I would say that Net 54 itself is an attempt to hold onto a sense of community in an age where technology can increasingly isolate us.

So why, for the love of Cobb, would I want to merely create a similar business to the ones that many people feel are damaging what's great in our hobby?

Yes, a live-only auction has limitations. Mainly it limits the amount of money I can make by limiting my buyers to those who are in the room. It also limits the opportunities for shenanigans. We don't allow buyers to bid on their own items (though that is actually perfectly legal!) and while it is possible to shill bid in a live auction, it is a little harder to sneak it past a room of other bidders and auction staff who are paying attention.

I'm not only willing, but HAPPY to place limits on my business if it ensures I run an event that is ethically flawless and creates that sense of a bunch of people getting together to share a pastime they love. We talk cards before, during and after the auction. We have guys who've been attending for over 20 years. I started as a buyer at these auctions over 15 years ago myself, and it really is a place where you can recapture that sense of community we long for. As proof I offer up the fact that a one time buyer became friends with the owner and is now taking over running the day-to-day as that owner semi-retires!

Don't get me wrong. I want to make money, I want to provide a nice living for my wife and I. But I really think being a contrarian here is the way I can feel best about it. I buy from and consign to a number of the big auction houses. I have had great conversations with guys from REA, PWCC, Goodwin and more. I have tons of respect for the good things that all the "big boys" have done for the hobby, but there are some things they can't do.

Does the hobby really need another player in the online realm? What could I possibly do to differentiate myself from the names already mentioned and others who already do that job well?

Also, other than the extra transparency that a live-only auction brings we offer other advantages. A number of consignments that I have brought in have been material turned down by the "Big Boys." While we have auctioned five-figure items, we are happy to take in three-figure lots. In our New Jersey auction we welcome lots as low as $30. We're small and nimble and don't mind working for our money!

In addition to that if you've never been to a live auction you are missing out on a great social event. David Birmingham, the current owner is a phenomenal auctioneer, I'm not half bad. There's an excitement in the room, especially when a particularly good item comes up, that can't be duplicated behind a screen clicking a mouse. In short, it's a pretty good time.

So if you're one of those guys who complains about everything wrong with the hobby, and you are within driving distance (damn limitations) I would invite you to come out and spend a few hours with us some Tuesday or Saturday. No links in this post as this was not intended to be an advertisement per se, but rather a response to the constant outcry of "The hobby sucks"

If you have questions or comments I will respond to all of them. Maybe treat this like an AMA.

Thanks,

Scott Russell
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Check out https://www.thecollectorconnection.com Always looking for consignments 717.327.8915 We sell your less expensive pre-war cards individually instead of in bulk lots to make YOU the most money possible!

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorconnectionauctions
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  #2  
Old 10-19-2017, 04:55 PM
dclarkraiders dclarkraiders is offline
Duane Clark
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Scott,

Well said.

I enjoy attending the auction in Campbelltown and the way it is run by Dave and you. I am happy to hear that you will retain the position that only bidders in the room are part of the auction. If you are within driving distance and have not attended then you are missing out.

Scott and Dave Birmingham, i wish you continued success.

Best Regards,

Duane Clark
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  #3  
Old 10-19-2017, 05:23 PM
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bnorth bnorth is offline
Ben North
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Scott I wish you the best of luck in running your auctions the way you described. Most do not understand how hard it really is as a business owner to stay completely ethical. As a life long business owner I would estimate 10% at the absolute most stay ethical during the time they run/own their business.

If I was closer I would love to attend one of your auctions. I know the one BST transaction we had went perfect.
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  #4  
Old 10-19-2017, 07:14 PM
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Snapolit1 Snapolit1 is offline
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Scott - best of luck dude. I've bought great cards from you in the past and will again in the future. My issue with the live auction format is only that I don't have the time. Barely see my son during the week and my wife takes care of all the essential stuff that keeps life afloat. I just can't justify a night out of the house or a weekend day to sit at a live auction. I hit card shows occasionally but it's pretty much in and out. A quick drive by. Further, my interests are really narrow. Maybe too narrow for my own good. I can walk through a card show and very quickly see if there is something I'm interested in. An auction is a longer slog.

One of these days I will catch one. But the stars would have to align.

Good luck with everything. See you before long I'm sure.

Last edited by Snapolit1; 10-19-2017 at 07:15 PM.
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  #5  
Old 10-19-2017, 08:06 PM
Aquarian Sports Cards Aquarian Sports Cards is offline
Scott Russell
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the compliments. I also have had a couple PM's one of which is worth addressing in this thread. A member from California is looking for 5 specific cards to complete a set and said that he would be heart-broken if one of them came up in our auction and he couldn't bid, and would we allow someone to bid for him. The answer is an emphatic YES. I have advised several Net 54 members to send a buddy with a list of bids and a form of payment. We have some Net 54 regulars and if you ever see something you want and mentioned it in my regular auction threads I'm sure you could find someone to help you out.
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Check out https://www.thecollectorconnection.com Always looking for consignments 717.327.8915 We sell your less expensive pre-war cards individually instead of in bulk lots to make YOU the most money possible!

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorconnectionauctions
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  #6  
Old 10-20-2017, 09:12 AM
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rjackson44 rjackson44 is offline
octavio ranzola
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Scott is a classy guy ...good luck
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  #7  
Old 10-25-2017, 08:31 PM
Aquarian Sports Cards Aquarian Sports Cards is offline
Scott Russell
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Thanks for the PM's too. I am perfectly happy to answer questions here in the thread as well. Also we have a show this Saturday at the same venue as the auction, near Hershey, PA, so maybe come and say hi!
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Check out https://www.thecollectorconnection.com Always looking for consignments 717.327.8915 We sell your less expensive pre-war cards individually instead of in bulk lots to make YOU the most money possible!

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorconnectionauctions
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  #8  
Old 10-27-2017, 01:04 PM
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Leon Leon is offline
Leon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards View Post
Thanks for the PM's too. I am perfectly happy to answer questions here in the thread as well. Also we have a show this Saturday at the same venue as the auction, near Hershey, PA, so maybe come and say hi!
Good luck with the auction and at the show this weekend, Scott!!

.
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  #9  
Old 10-28-2017, 04:46 PM
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glynparson glynparson is offline
Glyn Parson
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Default Thanks Scott

A special thanks to Scott and Dave for the show in Hershey/Campbeltown today. Very well organized and we had a decent crowd of collectors. A few walk ins and some nice deals with the other dealers made for a good show. If you guys continue with the show be sure to sign me up.

Last edited by glynparson; 10-28-2017 at 05:05 PM.
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  #10  
Old 10-28-2017, 05:22 PM
Aquarian Sports Cards Aquarian Sports Cards is offline
Scott Russell
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It's always a pleasure Glyn, thanks for the E79's!
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Check out https://www.thecollectorconnection.com Always looking for consignments 717.327.8915 We sell your less expensive pre-war cards individually instead of in bulk lots to make YOU the most money possible!

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorconnectionauctions
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  #11  
Old 10-29-2017, 05:16 AM
jefferyepayne jefferyepayne is offline
Jeff P
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You don't owe an apology or explanation to anyone, Scott! Being a contrarian is often a very wise and savvy way to run a business. Stick to what you think is best and ignore all of the noise from those who don't have the guts to do something like this themselves.

jeff

P.S. How do I get on your mailing list for auctions and shows?
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  #12  
Old 10-30-2017, 06:35 AM
Aquarian Sports Cards Aquarian Sports Cards is offline
Scott Russell
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Anyone can shoot me a PM with your email to get on our list.

It also comes down to, does the market really need yet another online auction? There's nothing within my power that I could do to make myself stand out in that field. Will I become a millionaire using my model? It's doubtful, but I'll make a living and lots of friends if my experience so far holds true.
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Check out https://www.thecollectorconnection.com Always looking for consignments 717.327.8915 We sell your less expensive pre-war cards individually instead of in bulk lots to make YOU the most money possible!

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorconnectionauctions
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