OT - Example of why card collecting is dying re: Topps

[packs]

Yeah I'm happy the kid gets what he wanted in the end, but like was mentioned only after this became a story.

[rjackson44]

Thanks Ken for the good news octavio

[sbfinley]

Not being sarcastic at all (I really don't read him unless it's linked here or else where), but does O'Keeffe ever write a positive story about the hobby? Not that it would push papers, but as the only sports reporter in the nation (sans the occasional KO piece) that regularly covers the hobby I'd assume he is a hobbyist. Some good pub might help said hobby that everyone swears is dying due to Call of Duty kids.

[Rich Klein]

If I remmeber from his Net 54 speech -- he is not an hobbyist but a reporter.

And let's face it --- to pull a previously ordered item is not right --- and the father got some pub and when a child is involved -- great story which sells papers and eyes to web site.

And while not we want to see, on a buisness level -- I understand why that is written about in the papers

Rich

[PolarBear]

Glad the issue was resolved.

That aside, I do think that card collecting will go the way of stamp collecting.

What that means is, it will become pretty much exclusively an adult hobby (it almost already is), and it will be focused almost exclusively on vintage (not there yet by a long shot).

The good news is, stuff like T206, Goudey and CJ's will probably hold their value. I'd expect post war stuff, like 52 Topps and Mantle mania to crash though, especially when the baby boomers start kicking the bucket.

[Laxcat]

It's not just baby boomers buying the postwar stuff.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by Laxcat

It's not just baby boomers buying the postwar stuff.

I'd say they're the largest market for 50's and 60's stuff.

The last time the card hobby was a "kids thing" was around 1990. Eventually, you're going to run out of nostalgic baby boomers and gen x-ers who are looking to put together post war sets they remembered as kids.

I think the post war market is eventually going to crash, maybe with exceptions like rookie HOF'ers who will probably always be in demand for HOF sets. I doubt in 10-15 years you're going to see as many people chasing 1959 Topps sets, etc.

[packs]

I also highly doubt 20 years from now you'll find a lot of people looking to spend more than a hundred bucks for RCs of most HOFers. I can't see a person 30 years from now paying up for a high end Al Kaline or the like.

[sbfinley]

Not that I want to derail the thread more than I already have, but I don't subscribe the "hobby is dying" sentiment. The modern market is thriving and and large percentage of that market is 18-35. Many of those collectors invariably step into vintage after a period of time. Additionally, the current market is drastically different from the market of the boom years. Yes the current products are heavily printed, but enough niche sub markets with limited commodities have opened that products should retain vastly more value than the 80-90's have. The Pujols chrome auto will be the litmus test of the Chrome era as he should be the first player with Chrome RC auto to enter Hall. If his value sustains it will bode well for everyone else down the line. Yeah, the hobby is not widespread as it was during the boom, and no kids aren't lining up for gum packs at the general store, but the hobby (much like baseball) is firmly entrenched in specific areas of American culture.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I'd say they're the largest market for 50's and 60's stuff.

The last time the card hobby was a "kids thing" was around 1990. Eventually, you're going to run out of nostalgic baby boomers and gen x-ers who are looking to put together post war sets they remembered as kids.

I think the post war market is eventually going to crash, maybe with exceptions like rookie HOF'ers who will probably always be in demand for HOF sets. I doubt in 10-15 years you're going to see as many people chasing 1959 Topps sets, etc.

What do you base these statements on? Every time I go into the local card shop, there are a good group of kids there.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Laxcat

It's not just baby boomers buying the postwar stuff.

Matt sets up at my shows and let me assure you that the people who frequent his table are far from being all baby boomers.

Rich

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

If I remmeber from his Net 54 speech -- he is not an hobbyist but a reporter.


Rich

If you read his book on the Wagner T206 it's pretty clear he's not a hobbyist. I'm pretty sure he views most of us as living in our parent's basement.