Want a free lunch (Washington DC area)?

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Posted By: Mike Masinick

Hey everybody,
This is my first post on this forum, though I've been lurking for several months now. I am getting started in a business that deals with Vintage cards that I think is pretty exciting. Are any of you knowledgable Vintage people living in the DC metro area, or could you recommend somebody who is?

I feel like I've learned quite a bit about vintage cards in the last few months, but I still have quite a few questions and I'd love to be able to sit down with somebody and get some candid answers and some thoughts on my project.

I'll be happy to treat you to lunch at the ESPNzone or somewhere similar in Northern Virginia if you're available... Send me an email with your areas of expertise and let's try to get together. Thanks!

Mike Masinick
CardTarget.com

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Posted By: Josh

Mike,

The main office of our auction company is based in downtown Silver Spring, MD, which is exactly 1/2 mile from the DC line. While I am not in the area to meet with you, Bill Huggins (President of Huggins and Scott Auctions) is there. I don't know what his time frame is, as he is leaving on Thursday AM for the Chicago show, but if you want someone as knowledgable as anyone in the hobby on vintage cards, Bill could be your guy.
I will give you the number at the store and you can give him a call and atleast pick his brain for a bit about whatever it is that you need.
I have worked with him for 20 years now and have gained amazing vintage card experience from him.

If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to see if I can help. I can be reached in California at 510-530-1156.
You can reach Bill at 301-608-0355.

thanks
Josh Wulkan
Huggins and Scott Auctions

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Posted By: barrysloate

Mike- if I can be of any help in any area of vintage cards, books, or other types of memorabilia (don't know equipment) feel free to email me at bsloate@att.net. I live in Brooklyn so I'll have to take a rain check on the lunch.

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Posted By: Mike Masinick

Here are a few of my more global questions that anyone can answer...

Do you know of any shared ownership groups for high end cards? Obviously the Gretzky purchase comes to mind, but were there any with more than a few people?

One of the things I've had the most trouble figuring out is how to value cards (Perhaps that's because nobody has this figured out?). How do you know what cards are worth paying a premium for over SMR value, and which ones the sellers should maybe give YOU a break on? Do you just have to get really good at spotting a "high 9" Vs. a "low 9"?

I'm talking cards in the $5000+ range for these questions.

Thanks!

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Posted By: pete ullman

mike...don't take this the wrong way...but it sounds like you're trying to capitalize monetarily on the recent upsurge in vintage card prices, etc.

There is no science to knowing what a card is worth. It takes years and years of experience to be able to authenticate and understand and recognize many different issues visually as well as scarcities and why.

It's one thing to look in a book and read a value, it's a whole other story to be able to understand why prices are where they are.

And a lot of the crazy prices lately involve more than 1 collector wanting the same card.

Good luck...I think?

pete in mn

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Posted By: Darren J. Duet

I foresee joint ventures for high $$$ cards, I own a piece you own a piece. Going public are we? Buy high, sell higher.

Hold on to what you got because you'll never be able to afford it again.

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Posted By: Mike Masinick

Yea... you're certain jumping to conclusions a little bit, maybe that's my fault for being vague. I have no interest in speculating on card prices or trying to make money flipping cards, but I am interested in why prices are where they are for a variety of issues.

I'm not trying to capitalize on anything at this point. I'm just trying to figure out some concepts so that I can make some sound business decisions going forward.

That's kinda why I wanted to do this over lunch with somebody rather than over the message boards. =)

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Posted By: davidcycleback

The best experience for real pricing is active buying and selling. Many knowledgeable pricers don't even refer to a price guide like SMR.

When I bid on or buy something I ask myself, "What I could I sell this for?" The only way you can answer the question well is if you are experienced with the material, including selling. I find looking at eBay prices helpful for in general things, like 'What are Bill Terry autographs selling for these days?.'

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Posted By: DJ

I strongly suggest you attempt to build a time machine of some sorts.

I have been following this hobby/business since 1980 and before about 10-14 months ago, I had a decent feel on what things should sell for. It's safe to say that I no longer do. I'm simply in constant awe at some of these recent prices and while I'm now convinced that there won't be a future burst of any sorts (as the comic book business went through a similar spike), I hope I'm wrong so I can continue to add to my collection.

Good Luck!

DJ

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Posted By: Mark Evans

I live near 7 Corners (Falls Church) and, while I've done some serious lurking on this board for several years, I am definitely not an expert on vintage cards. On the other hand, I always enjoy meeting others in the hobby and would be pleased to join you for lunch. No need to treat. Mark

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Posted By: Mike Masinick

Thanks to everybody who emailed me privately... I really appreciate it!

For those of you who are in the DC area, it looks like we're going to do lunch on Saturday in Tysons Corner at a sports bar. Please email me for details. I look forward to meeting you and picking your brains.

Mike