At what level should I set my expectations

[camaro69]

Originally Posted by irv

LOL Yeah, because sketchy things don't happen from EBay U.S. or from U.S. sellers. I hope you're not serious?

Winston, for what it's worth, I paid just over $300 CDN for my 6 about 4-5 months ago. Personally, I'd take my 6 over that OC one anyday.
As John said, OC and other qualifiers deter people, me included.

I may end up buying the card for myself and resubmit it for grading requesting no qualifiers.In hand it is a beautiful card but top to bottom is off centre. Side to side is fine and so is the back. I have to ask. Why are people so obsessed with centering. For me as a collector if it is something that came from the factory then I can handle it. But if it something that someone has done since the card has been out and about then I have a problem. But there are a lot of people that would sooner have dinged corners then a card off centre. I guess I could never understand that.

[irv]

Originally Posted by camaro69

I may end up buying the card for myself and resubmit it for grading requesting no qualifiers.In hand it is a beautiful card but top to bottom is off centre. Side to side is fine and so is the back. I have to ask. Why are people so obsessed with centering. For me as a collector if it is something that came from the factory then I can handle it. But if it something that someone has done since the card has been out and about then I have a problem. But there are a lot of people that would sooner have dinged corners then a card off centre. I guess I could never understand that.

I use to think the same way. If it came from the factory like that then what's the problem? (look at a lot of my 52's in my link)
The truth of the matter is, if one can find a centered card then they are almost guaranteed to, when the time comes, sell it for a premium. Yes, they will buy it a premium but their chances of recouping or increasing their profits will be significantly increased as well.

Also, since some cards are notorious for being tough to find centered, if one finds one, then it becomes a more desirable/rarer copy. And, like I've now grown accustomed to, centered cards are much more appealing as well.

It is what it is. Many collectors have their quirks and the like but centering, as far as I know, is usually pretty high on most people's list.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

They absolutely do! But I basically use 2-3 US sellers and don't really need to look beyond them. However as a US buyer, I think cross-border transactions give scammers another layer of comfort to run their scams (whether US to Canada, Canada to US, US to UK, anywhere).

I am probably biased in that I am in the market for an OPC Gretzky rookie - and the number of counterfeits on EBAY coming from up North is staggering, lol

I agree with the first bold as I'm sure some take advantage of that like you say, but because you are specifically looking for an OPC copy, your odds of running into a shady character from Canada also increase 10 fold due to the fact the product you're after is OPC and not the American Topps.

Gretzky RC fakes have been around for years, and since this boom in prices, I am sure even more are now coming to the market as I'm sure Topps copies are as well stateside.

[Exhibitman]

I'd pay $200 for it, delivered. Looks to me like an unqualified 6.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Camaro,

At least you have gotten a ton of good intel here, and probably a few laughs.

Please keep us posted on what you end up selling it for...

[camaro69]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

Camaro,

At least you have gotten a ton of good intel here, and probably a few laughs.

Please keep us posted on what you end up selling it for...

I will LYK. If it was not for the cost of shipping I would likely sell it to an offer here. But the cost of shipping from Canada into the US is well over $20.00 Closer to $30.00. So when you subtract from the sale then it is not where I would like to be for my friend.So at the show on Sat. when the deal can be done in person it will be a lot easier to except some offers. I really do appreciate everyone shipping in with some comments and suggestion.Thanks.

[camaro69]

I sold the card today at our local show. $250.00