Getting sick of the more obvious frauds

Tanman7baseball · #1 04-09-2013, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric72

Colby,

Agreed...it maddens the hell out of seasoned hobbyists, too.

I have been burned exactly twice in the 30 or so total years I have participated in this hobby. One time was with a counterfeit in the 1990's and I recently wound up with a trimmed card. The particular examples I got stuck with are unimportant for this discussion; however, both transactions left me feeling less than happy about the state of affairs this hobby faces.

Again, I agree...while I may not get duped on the Wagner and Plank that initiated our exchange, there are newcomers to our hobby that would be...and that is a net loss for baseball card collecting, as a whole. After all, without the infusion of new, young, enthusiastic collectors, the continuity of the hobby is in jeopardy.

I appreciate your opinions on the subject and hope this finds you well.

Best Regards,

Eric

I am 22 and I RARELY meet a "vintage" collector my age, like finding a NR-MT t206 Ty Cobb green background in an attic in Alaska (yes so rare that I referenced the state of Alaska), it just doesn't happen. I just think if someone is contemplating in joining our hobby and finds out its filled with an overwhelming amount of frauds then wouldn't that make he/she not want to pursue it? I mean if it was me joining a new hobby and then found out almost every corner I turned someone was trying to scam me, or some dealer/seller was selling their card to me at an absurd price I would not want to pursue it as well.

Vice-versa, there is so much info on the web that can inform a newbie when trying to buy cards but doesn't it disappoint you when you find out the local card shop is selling cards at prices that are absurd (like they're trying to rip you off)? Also, doesn't it suck doing research and finding out the PSA holders can be cracked open then replaced with fakes? I mean there are SO MANY THINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF....It just seems like that the vintage side of the hobby only allows the most AVID and DETERMINED baseball newbies to join... This is just my opinion. Please someone tell me its not that bad. I've been back in the hobby for only a year and I hope I'm wrong. So someone please correct me.

Jlighter · #2 04-09-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanman7baseball

I am 22 and I RARELY meet a "vintage" collector my age, like finding a NR-MT t206 Ty Cobb green background in an attic in Alaska (yes so rare that I referenced the state of Alaska), it just doesn't happen.

I'm aware of two board members who are younger then you. That's about it that I'm aware of though.

Eric72 · #3 04-09-2013, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanman7baseball

I am 22 and I RARELY meet a "vintage" collector my age, like finding a NR-MT t206 Ty Cobb green background in an attic in Alaska (yes so rare that I referenced the state of Alaska), it just doesn't happen. I just think if someone is contemplating in joining our hobby and finds out its filled with an overwhelming amount of frauds then wouldn't that make he/she not want to pursue it? I mean if it was me joining a new hobby and then found out almost every corner I turned someone was trying to scam me, or some dealer/seller was selling their card to me at an absurd price I would not want to pursue it as well.

Vice-versa, there is so much info on the web that can inform a newbie when trying to buy cards but doesn't it disappoint you when you find out the local card shop is selling cards at prices that are absurd (like they're trying to rip you off)? Also, doesn't it suck doing research and finding out the PSA holders can be cracked open then replaced with fakes? I mean there are SO MANY THINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF....It just seems like that the vintage side of the hobby only allows the most AVID and DETERMINED baseball newbies to join... This is just my opinion. Please someone tell me its not that bad. I've been back in the hobby for only a year and I hope I'm wrong. So someone please correct me.

Colby,

On behalf of Net54, please accept my sincerest best wishes to you on your journey. Collecting baseball cards is something that all of us share as a common passion.

From my limited and (admittedly stunted) perspective, it seems as though you may have just a bit of angst...and I wonder why this is. I realize that this hobby is fraught with peril; however, there does exist a tremendous upside.

For example, there is this board...which is amazing in both the depth and breadth of the knowledge shared here.

Although newbies are subjected to "hazing" on occasion...if polite, well-mannered, and generally more interested in the hobby than their own self-promotion...they are generally welcomed.

Yes, fraud is prevalent in this hobby. However, this board can sniff it out quicker than a seasoned bloodhound...and often do. In fact, the repercussions of a card being, "outed" as a fake on this board usually lead to a, "death knell" for eBay auctions.

As Leon would say, please pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable. You have landed at a great site...and all of us welcome you. Please enjoy your stay.

Best Regards,

Eric

Tanman7baseball · #4 04-09-2013, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric72

Colby,

On behalf of Net54, please accept my sincerest best wishes to you on your journey. Collecting baseball cards is something that all of us share as a common passion.

From my limited and (admittedly stunted) perspective, it seems as though you may have just a bit of angst...and I wonder why this is. I realize that this hobby is fraught with peril; however, there does exist a tremendous upside.

For example, there is this board...which is amazing in both the depth and breadth of the knowledge shared here.

Although newbies are subjected to "hazing" on occasion...if polite, well-mannered, and generally more interested in the hobby than their own self-promotion...they are generally welcomed.

Yes, fraud is prevalent in this hobby. However, this board can sniff it out quicker than a seasoned bloodhound...and often do. In fact, the repercussions of a card being, "outed" as a fake on this board usually lead to a, "death knell" for eBay auctions.

As Leon would say, please pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable. You have landed at a great site...and all of us welcome you. Please enjoy your stay.

Best Regards,

Eric

Eric,

I have no angst, but just a disconcerning feeling about the future of the vintage baseball world. This cite and Leon have welcomed me with open arms and I am more than grateful for that. I have a passion for baseball just as much or more than the members of this cite. I look for no upside when collecting. I wish to never sell my collection. I only hope to pass it down for generations. I just love the history and story behind each card. My grandfather got me hooked on collecting and his favorite player was Mickey Mantle. His passion for baseball has resonated through me. The only reason I even heard about "the Mick" was because of the stories he told me as a child. Today, Mickey Mantle is my favorite player. Anyways, I wish the best for the hobby of course. I also think joining this website was the best thing I ever did. The collecting vintage card world at first seems so vast and dark. When I joined Net54 I felt a lot more at ease and many here have been so unbelievably helpful. The darkness finally turned to light. Since ive joined I've literally spent a few hours reading threads each day. So much information and so little time. All in all, my angst is caused by the deception and fraud I have gone through. Baseball is my passion and I got turned off from collecting vintage when I was scammed. I just truly wish no one will go through something like that. Especially a novice collector. So when seeing fraudulent auctions just makes me mad because of the repercussions it can potentially cause. Once again, sorry for the vent but thank you to all on this board for helping me through my collecting journey...

-Colby

Seattle799 · #5 04-09-2013, 11:51 PM

From my limited experience, if you're looking to make sure you don't get ripped off, the B/S/T forum here is a safe place. From my (again, limited) experience, few here are willing to sacrifice their reputation to rip you off for a hundred bucks. My dealings here have all been positive.

But as always, be careful out there.

teetwoohsix · #6 04-10-2013, 03:07 AM

Hi Colby-

I think there will always be people who will try to take advantage of someone if they have the chance. Not just in this hobby, but in life. It sucks, but there's ways to avoid it. Some people will risk their reputation over a couple of bucks-it's pathetic but true.

I've never been burned on Net54, and have made some great contacts and usually try to stay buying from people I've had good dealings with. It's always good to have a few raw cards of whatever you collect so you can really get to know them-you will see that it makes it easier after awhile to notice something that "doesn't look right".

And finally, there's many people on this board who are willing to help if you have questions before you pull the trigger on something- don't be afraid to ask for help. Many decent board members with a ton of knowledge who will help a fellow collector. If I can ever help, feel free to contact me (I'm no expert, but if I don't know the answer I may be able to point you in the right direction).

Don't let scam artists discourage you from enjoying the hobby. They usually get outed and squashed like bugs.

Sincerely, Clayton

calvindog · #7 04-10-2013, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle799

From my limited experience, if you're looking to make sure you don't get ripped off, the B/S/T forum here is a safe place. From my (again, limited) experience, few here are willing to sacrifice their reputation to rip you off for a hundred bucks. My dealings here have all been positive.

But as always, be careful out there.

Define "rip you off." There are plenty of board members who are happy to buy a card on eBay for $1000 and list it on the BST for $4000 three days later -- right after posting it on the pickups thread as their "holy grail."

Leon · #8 04-10-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvindog

Define "rip you off." There are plenty of board members who are happy to buy a card on eBay for $1000 and list it on the BST for $4000 three days later -- right after posting it on the pickups thread as their "holy grail."

Good point Jeff. As an example, several years ago I was able to get an E136 Home Run Kisses card that is some kind of pre-production card or test card. It is on completely white and very thin stock. It was several thousand dollars. It got graded fine and I know the provenance of it and several experts agree it is what it is. I posted it on the board as a new pick up. Next thing I know a board member, who I know very well, tells me he has a 1911 Zeenut the same way and he wants $1500 for it. I tell him, well, I dunno, why don't you send it to me and let me check it out. If it's good and like you say, then we can talk price but the price quoted isn't out of line for what it supposedly is. I got it. It was a very regular Zeenut that was just a little light from exposure to the elements. I had plenty just like it. He said, ok....how about $15.....so I bought it. Caveat emptor.
While there are almost no absolute thefts from the BST you can still get taken advantage of. The very large majority of collectors here won't do that but there are almost 4000 members now so there is a bit of almost everything. If I can ever help anyone, especially our younger collectors, please PM me.....best regards

calvindog · #9 04-10-2013, 07:54 AM

Leon, that is a hilarious story! $15! That poor seller probably had to think about getting a job. How awful!

Shoele$$ · #10 04-10-2013, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvindog

Define "rip you off." There are plenty of board members who are happy to buy a card on eBay for $1000 and list it on the BST for $4000 three days later -- right after posting it on the pickups thread as their "holy grail."

You noticed that too huh?.....

Goes back to the original point...just more and more "sellers" lately who think NOBODY else follows what things sell for on Ebay or in other auctions

Just encountered another douchebag last night trying to pull the same bull$hit with me, it's getting worse and worse it seems with every passing day. There's definitely a lot of really great and legit sellers here, but then the "others"......not so much.

ullmandds · #11 04-10-2013, 10:51 AM

If u dont want to get ripped off...educate yourself...its as simple as that! Much easier to do these days than 20+ yrs ago.

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