Open For Bidding: Love of the Game's Summer Set Builder's Auction

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I have never understood the term collector level/collector grade. Aren't we all collectors?

Some are investors and don't normally go for more entry level (less expensive) cards. So, no, we aren't all collectors. I know a few members that aren't collectors.

ps..for me, I mostly collector lower grade cards....collector grade (to me)

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Leon

Some are investors and don't normally go for more entry level (less expensive) cards. So, no, we aren't all collectors. I know a few members that aren't collectors.

ps..for me, I mostly collector lower grade cards....collector grade (to me)

Fair enough but the implication of the term is that higher grade cards are NOT collector cards. I disagree.

[iowadoc77]

This auction certainly does not have the same caliber offerings as some of the big auctions, but that is what I love about it. Lots of opportunities to get some neat stuff without over-extending the budget. You have a great thing going here Al!

[Luke]

Yeah, when I came back into the hobby about 5 years ago, I saw the term "collector grade" and assumed it must mean the really high grade cards. I was and still am a bit confused that it only refers to lower grade cards.

I collect mostly lower grade, but that's just because with my budget I have to choose between a few high grade cards or a bunch of lower grade cards. Easy decision for me.

I guess it's probably because we have the term "high end" for the high grade stuff, and "low end" doesn't sound very appealing, so someone came up with "collector grade".

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Fair enough but the implication of the term is that higher grade cards are NOT collector cards. I disagree.

That is your misconception not mine.

ps. I am in no way trying to disparage high grade collecting. As evidenced in my collection going to auction, I own a few. But I don't think of high grade and collector friendly grade in the same breath. Both are great ways to collect. I love them both, but collector grade a bit better.

[Al C.risafulli]

I guess it's probably because we have the term "high end" for the high grade stuff, and "low end" doesn't sound very appealing

I LOVE the term "collector grade." The first time I read it was here on Net54, years ago. The implication, to me, was that all the stuff is GREAT, regardless of what condition it's in, and collectors like us are happy to pick up the cards they need, regardless of grade. Better to have a hole in the card than a hole in the collection, as the saying goes.

It's a much better way of describing cards than "beater," or "low-grade," in my opinion, because to me, those cards that have been loved and handled are just as awesome as the beauties that haven't. If you buy one of those cards, you shouldn't feel like it's somehow inferior. You wanted a card, and you got it, and it's awesome!

In any event, thanks for all the positive comments in this thread. The idea behind the Set Builder's auction is to be able to present lower-dollar lots that are still cool and unique and worthy of a collector's attention. In a lot of ways, it's more fun to run the Set Builder's auction for me - lower-dollar lots means more people can participate, the lower buyer's premium and cheap shipping just means it's a fun auction for everyone. From a consignor's standpoint, it's an easy way to clean out the dupes box with fees that are the same or less than eBay's. That's sort of the idea behind the Set Builder's auction. It's just a fun thing we do in-between the bigger auctions because auctions are fun and cool, and because everyone loves getting cards in the mail!

-Al

[wolf441]

Originally Posted by Al C.risafulli

I LOVE the term "collector grade." The first time I read it was here on Net54, years ago. The implication, to me, was that all the stuff is GREAT, regardless of what condition it's in, and collectors like us are happy to pick up the cards they need, regardless of grade. Better to have a hole in the card than a hole in the collection, as the saying goes.

It's a much better way of describing cards than "beater," or "low-grade," in my opinion, because to me, those cards that have been loved and handled are just as awesome as the beauties that haven't. If you buy one of those cards, you shouldn't feel like it's somehow inferior. You wanted a card, and you got it, and it's awesome!

In any event, thanks for all the positive comments in this thread. The idea behind the Set Builder's auction is to be able to present lower-dollar lots that are still cool and unique and worthy of a collector's attention. In a lot of ways, it's more fun to run the Set Builder's auction for me - lower-dollar lots means more people can participate, the lower buyer's premium and cheap shipping just means it's a fun auction for everyone. From a consignor's standpoint, it's an easy way to clean out the dupes box with fees that are the same or less than eBay's. That's sort of the idea behind the Set Builder's auction. It's just a fun thing we do in-between the bigger auctions because auctions are fun and cool, and because everyone loves getting cards in the mail!

-Al

Well said. I always seem to find something great in LOTG auctions. Super job as always Al!!

[three25hits]

LOTG is one of my favorite auction houses

[MVSNYC]

Good luck, Al...nice auction.

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by three25hits

LOTG is one of my favorite auction houses

Agree 100000%

[smtjoy]

Happy to have an alternative to ebay, glad LOTG runs auctions for all budgets.

Phil with negative comments like that, good luck getting more to advertise in your book.....