Resisting the Urge to Sell

[jp1216]

Whenever I have to need or urge to sell a particular card - I usually do it. Certain cards in my collection are 'untouchable' - no matter the value. If I consider parting with a card - it usually means I don't really 'want' it. Make sense? But sometimes - if something amazing becomes available - it may be worth it to shrink my 'untouchable' lot....

[Sean1125]

It is up to you whether you want to keep the item or get the others, but if you are able to get a decent or significant profit I think you should put it into other items as long as you think they will maintain their value at a minimum.

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Whenever I have to need or urge to sell a particular card - I usually do it. Certain cards in my collection are 'untouchable' - no matter the value. If I consider parting with a card - it usually means I don't really 'want' it. Make sense? But sometimes - if something amazing becomes available - it may be worth it to shrink my 'untouchable' lot....

I feel the same way Jon does. I have an "untouchable" list, but sometimes there are cards that supercede that list and that may mean I have to sell one or two of those cards to step up one level. But in the end, it's up to you what you feel comfortable with selling. Most of my cards are easily attainable down the line, but have a feeling I would spend my cash on other wants, rather than going buying back cards I sold...so I usually keep them because they mean a lot to me.

But yeah...if you can get more cash, do so! And then tell me how you did it

[atx840]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Whenever I have to need or urge to sell a particular card - I usually do it. Certain cards in my collection are 'untouchable' - no matter the value.

+1

[bigwinnerx]

I still consider myself in accumulation stage. Looking for good buys, etc. Some on the BST have been well funded in this regard.

I've tried to branch a bit, look at different sets, but, invariably, if I do sell, those are the first cards to go. (Virginia T210s easiest example)

And upgrades do get the move out the door, too.

[Exhibitman]

It's just stuff; everything in my collection is for sale, at the right price. Of course, if the item is really rare and I really like it a lot, the asking price will give the buyer a nosebleed. I've rarely sold an item at my asking price and been sorry later; I've nearly always regretted selling things for less. As for the OP question, don't resist it. The fact that you are considering it probably means the items really aren't all that important to you.

[ullmandds]

I'm with Adam...at this point in my life...I'm 43...have been collecting things all of my life...everything is for sale for the right place...very few "things" in life are irreplaceable!!!

[mybuddyinc]

"Someone asked me if my club was for sale. What a ridiculous question. Of course it is for sale. So is my hat and my overcoat, and my watch. Anyone who wants them can have them at a price." --- H. Harrison Frazee, owner Boston Red Sox, 1917

[CardsFan999]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The fact that you are considering it probably means the items really aren't all that important to you.

I suppose what you're saying is true to a certain extent. None of the items I've sold off to acquire others are particularly hard to come by and they can all be re-acquired.

Cash flow has been the major issue. I recently started using Paypal's "Bill Me Later" feature. It's really nothing more than a line of credit, but it's hooked into Paypal and my limit is intentionally low. Perhaps it will help me resist my temptation to sell off items to raise quick cash for buying others.

[Exhibitman]

My rule of thumb is that if I don't have the cash to pay for something hobby-related I should not be buying it. If I was to bid on something at auction that required me to draw on a LOC to pay for it, I would do so only with the understanding between me and my CPA, er, wife, that I would liquidate other items to pay down the credit line and any accrued interest. My feeling is that when you start taking on debt to cover hobby stuff it has turned from a hobby into an addiction.

[ullmandds]

I'd follow Adam's advice...he's a smart cookie!!!! I totally agree...they're just cards...you can't eat them...or live within them...many things in life more important than old cardboard...and certainly not a good thing to go into debt over?!

[CardsFan999]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

My rule of thumb is that if I don't have the cash to pay for something hobby-related I should not be buying it.

That used to be my rule of thumb as well and most of the time it's very good advice. The problem is timing. In cases where I might have the Paypal funds to cover it in two or three days, but I don't have it today, it is helpful. If an auction is ending shortly, and buy it now pay immediately, there is no reason to lose out on a good deal on an item because you don't have the money right this second. Definitely not a good approach for people that have problems with credit cards but that is not me.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Whenever I have to need or urge to sell a particular card - I usually do it. Certain cards in my collection are 'untouchable' - no matter the value. If I consider parting with a card - it usually means I don't really 'want' it. Make sense? But sometimes - if something amazing becomes available - it may be worth it to shrink my 'untouchable' lot....

Same here. The only problem is that there are items that should have been on that list, but I didn't realize it until I had sold them