Friends giving up collecting in 2022

HexsHeroes · #1 07-06-2022, 09:57 AM

.

I am one of those whom exited the hobby this year. In my case, it was parting with my collection of vintage baseball autographs (in particular, Detroit Tigers). While the high cost/low availability of the "wants" on my list contributed to my decision to sell, it was primarily a combination of factors starting with the transition to having less "stuff" as I get older (estate planning), and eventually preparation for retirement and downsizing my home.

While the topic has come up in one way or another (what happens to your collection when you die, etc.), I know that my wife literally is terrified with the prospects of dealing with (disposing) of my "stuff". I have no kids. And my wife has no collecting knowledge of any kind. So parting with my collections while I am still able to do so is a huge relief (kindness) to her. And lends well towards the other life events ahead. Will I miss it ? Yes, and no. Collecting is always going to be a part of my DNA. But the thrill of the hunt, and joy from acquiring are greatly diminished as I have gotten older. A shame perhaps. But it has been a great ride for the most part. And while I might not have realized as much in dollars and cents from the sale of my collection (as I had hoped), the sense of relief is quite real.

Orioles1954 · #2 07-06-2022, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

.

I am one of those whom exited the hobby this year. In my case, it was parting with my collection of vintage baseball autographs (in particular, Detroit Tigers). While the high cost/low availability of the "wants" on my list contributed to my decision to sell, it was primarily a combination of factors starting with the transition to having less "stuff" as I get older (estate planning), and eventually preparation for retirement and downsizing my home.

While the topic has come up in one way or another (what happens to your collection when you die, etc.), I know that my wife literally is terrified with the prospects of dealing with (disposing) of my "stuff". I have no kids. And my wife has no collecting knowledge of any kind. So parting with my collections while I am still able to do so is a huge relief (kindness) to her. And lends well towards the other life events ahead. Will I miss it ? Yes, and no. Collecting is always going to be a part of my DNA. But the thrill of the hunt, and joy from acquiring are greatly diminished as I have gotten older. A shame perhaps. But it has been a great ride for the most part. And while I might not have realized as much in dollars and cents from the sale of my collection (as I had hoped), the sense of relief is quite real.

Nice thoughts. Working in the auction business, the fallout of family members dealing with the deceased's collection isn't often pretty.

Aquarian Sports Cards · #3 07-06-2022, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

Nice thoughts. Working in the auction business, the fallout of family members dealing with the deceased's collection isn't often pretty.

I've been lucky so far, but have definitely heard the horror stories.

Jewish-collector · #4 07-06-2022, 10:40 AM

One nice thing for the family to pass down to children, grandchildren, etc,...would be for the auction house to create a separate hard copy catalog for the person's collection. In most cases, it won't be the size of the usual auction catalog, but it could be a separate section within the regular catalog, an insert, a flyer, etc,... especially if they have rare cards/memorabilia rather than just the usual cards.

obcbobd · #5 07-06-2022, 03:15 PM

I'm not leaving the hobby, but my focus is changing. I just can't see paying the crazy prices. Some sets that I planned on completing I will likely give up on. I'm just not willing to pay the going price for a 52 Topps Mays, 49 Bowman Paige, or a E121 Ruth/Cobb. A bummer but there is still plenty to collect and friendships to maintain!

Johnny630 · #6 07-06-2022, 03:31 PM

Across the board I've been hearing from fellow collector friends in the hobby that they're not coming this year due to the expenses and or location, AC.

riggs336 · #7 07-06-2022, 11:55 PM

Collecting, and giving up on friends.

Snapolit1 · #8 07-07-2022, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Across the board I've been hearing from fellow collector friends in the hobby that they're not coming this year due to the expenses and or location, AC.

That�s cool. Already seems over crowded. Hotel rooms are impossible to find.

JustinD · #9 07-14-2022, 08:58 AM

I forgot to say that another reason for my slowdown are the addition of sales taxes to every purchase due to my location.

I can't even count how many times I have been on the trigger, but then pulled out on a larger ticket item as that additional cost pushes it over my happiness vs cost mental line.

The cost savings on these state taxes has seriously placed moving to a non-sales tax state high on my priority list as the constant dings to my income seem to place 25% of the country at a distinct advantage while making purchases. As well as the taxed retirement penalties I have to worry about in the near future.

If I can just convince the wife, I would leave Michigan in a second for some of the advantages fiscally. The bummer is all highway of leaving NY and Cali folk keep jumping up the housing prices in the areas I keep looking at.

(PS - I know that the Captain America crowd on paying taxes will jump on this, but honestly it does not bother me and I feel a wise man does all he can to lower his tax burden.)

darwinbulldog · #10 07-14-2022, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

That�s cool. Already seems over crowded. Hotel rooms are impossible to find.

Nobody goes to the National anymore. It's too crowded.

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