Memory Lane sold cards they didn't have per SCD

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

I still can't get over the fact that ML sent over $2 million dollars worth of cards to a Best Western and held it there for 3 days before they picked them up.

As I recall, the package was left in an "area" where the packages are left. I don't know if that was under the counter or in the small adjoining back room?

I did ask them about a "safe" upon check in as there was not one in the room I was told. They said they had one and i could leave my valuables with them. i wisely kept everything on my person for the entire trip.

I don't believe the "package" ever made it to the hotel safe or if they were asked to put it in the safe by ML? This was just what I "overheard" sitting in the lobby during the follow-up investigation on Saturday of the show.

[BeanTown]

On a side note, but relevant here. Does it really help an auction to realize higher prices for lots by displaying at shows? Everything is done via catalogs and websites for viewing items nowadays. Plus AHs that want to display items before a sale can have potential bidders come to their place to view items. I think shows are more like a “show and tell” and making statement they are viable. Wonder what the percentage of bidders from the last ML auction, were actually in attendance at the show where ML had stuff stolen at.

[Carter08]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

On a side note, but relevant here. Does it really help an auction to realize higher prices for lots by displaying at shows? Everything is done via catalogs and websites for viewing items nowadays. Plus AHs that want to display items before a sale can have potential bidders come to their place to view items. I think shows are more like a “show and tell” and making statement they are viable. Wonder what the percentage of bidders from the last ML auction, were actually in attendance at the show where ML had stuff stolen at.

Agree with that. It always struck me as advertising the AH for future consignments more than advertising the cards themselves.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

On a side note, but relevant here. Does it really help an auction to realize higher prices for lots by displaying at shows? Everything is done via catalogs and websites for viewing items nowadays. Plus AHs that want to display items before a sale can have potential bidders come to their place to view items. I think shows are more like a “show and tell” and making statement they are viable. Wonder what the percentage of bidders from the last ML auction, were actually in attendance at the show where ML had stuff stolen at.

I’d guess having items on display helps attract consignors as much or more than attracting bidders.

I personally like seeing stuff I may be bidding on at the larger shows. Helps to see stuff in person and traveling to where the auction house is located isn’t super realistic for the majority of people/items.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by notfast

I’d guess having items on display helps attract consignors as much or more than attracting bidders.

I personally like seeing stuff I may be bidding on at the larger shows. Helps to see stuff in person and traveling to where the auction house is located isn’t super realistic for the majority of people/items.

+1. I think it helps sales and that is what it's all about. Maybe someone walking by an AH table sees something they have too, and want to sell. There are limitless scenarios when having consignments on display helps.

.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

On a side note, but relevant here. Does it really help an auction to realize higher prices for lots by displaying at shows? Everything is done via catalogs and websites for viewing items nowadays. Plus AHs that want to display items before a sale can have potential bidders come to their place to view items. I think shows are more like a “show and tell” and making statement they are viable. Wonder what the percentage of bidders from the last ML auction, were actually in attendance at the show where ML had stuff stolen at.

I know first hand that there are people who inspect items I bring to shows in order to make bidding decisions. Now I'm not just bringing the top 30 or 40 single cards to shows I'm hauling a lot of stuff for multiple auctions around and trying to pick things that are important to see live like complete sets, or raw cards in addition to the big featured items. Of course we're hoping to attract consignors as well, but don't underestimate the impact on bidding of seeing something live

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Fuddjcal

As I recall, the package was left in an "area" where the packages are left. I don't know if that was under the counter or in the small adjoining back room?

I did ask them about a "safe" upon check in as there was not one in the room I was told. They said they had one and i could leave my valuables with them. i wisely kept everything on my person for the entire trip.

I don't believe the "package" ever made it to the hotel safe or if they were asked to put it in the safe by ML? This was just what I "overheard" sitting in the lobby during the follow-up investigation on Saturday of the show.

It might be the thief wasn't a BW+ employee, but a hobby-savvy person who was in town for the show, looking for opportunities to steal.

Perhaps a guest at the BW+. Maybe someone at Fedex who noticed the return address, or checked its tracking history and discovered its origination. Or a carpet cleaner, plumber, or other person who was there with their eyes open.

It would be interesting to know if ML puts its name on packages in the return address. That would be like a billboard advertisement to any hobbyist who might see the package.