Card Shows: Tech as a servant or master?

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Sure, except that you know there's somewhere between 10-20% off built into the sticker price of just about everything, but you have to ask for it, as in a simple, "what's the best you can do?" etc. On the flip side, dealers can respond to the refrain, "I can get this for so much at such and such," with "Why haven't you?" It's a bit of a dance, but like I said, we're not talking auto parts here, that's part of the fun.

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

Same thing, really, and no confession necessary. It's another way of letting the dealer know you're serious and ready to buy if the price is right.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

It wouldn't bother me to hear this as a seller if I was someone who had no pricetags on my merchandise!

If the material was visibly priced, I might sing a different tune. Then, it may be more bothersome depending on which word was emphasized!

"How much would it cost me to own this card?"

Hmm. This guy sounds like he really wants the card. I'm listening...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, everything's already priced, as he can see...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, you.......$50 extra!

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

It wouldn't bother me to hear this as a seller if I was someone who had no pricetags on my merchandise!

If the material was visibly priced, I might sing a different tune. Then, it may be more bothersome depending on which word was emphasized!

"How much would it cost me to own this card?"

Hmm. This guy sounds like he really wants the card. I'm listening...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, everything's already priced, as he can see...

How much would it cost me to own this card

Well, you.......$50 extra!

I've been around the block a few times, and know full well that some dealers have a fixed price with absolutely no give. I never, ever try to haggle or work the price down. This was my original post. I hope that no dealer has ever had cause to "spit up in his drink" at anything I have ever said to him.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Keith,

My comment was not directed towards you or anyone at all. Only meant as a bit of humor. Forgive the confusion!

[Exhibitman]

I like the euphemisms and double-speak from people who are not comfortable bargaining. My pet peeve is: "What's the best you can do on this card?" My answer is "Well, more than I am asking." Another one I hear a lot at shows is: "Is there any flexibility?" --Yes, I am certain every card bends, but you can't try it until you buy it.

When I am buying, I ask a specific and explicit question:

"What is the absolute lowest price you will take for this?"

I get a surprisingly large number of laughs and double takes. People are not used to a direct question. What's really fun is when the response is too high and I hand the cards back. Many of the sellers offer an additional discount as I start to walk away.

[jsfriedm]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

"What's the best you can do on this card?"

When I am buying, I ask a specific and explicit question:

"What is the absolute lowest price you will take for this?"

I was under the impression that these were the exact same question.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

I was under the impression that these were the exact same question.

I think there's some minor nuances there, although they are definitely variations on the same theme.

And I think for all of us, part of the fun in a healthy market is that sometimes the market doesn't clear. Sometimes it's painful that way, particularly if we're on the buying end, and we really, really want to buy the item, but can't get the seller to come down to our level.

To really know what the market price is for an item, sometimes we don't end up being the buyer. Because if you're the one always paying top dollar, then you're the one setting the market!

And as a seller, sometimes it takes a little while for the right buyer to come along. Just part of the process.

In the interim, there's nothing wrong with two parties deciding to walk away if the deal isn't right.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

I was under the impression that these were the exact same question.

Ambiguous. Depends on whose best it is. The best you (seller) can do on a card is to sell it for full price.

[vintage321]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

I was under the impression that these were the exact same question.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

I was under the impression that these were the exact same question.

They're variations on an age-old theme. Some people approach negotiations by asking sellers to compete against themselves. Some sellers actually play along.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

When I am buying, I ask a specific and explicit question:

"What is the absolute lowest price you will take for this?"

I get a surprisingly large number of laughs and double takes. People are not used to a direct question. What's really fun is when the response is too high and I hand the cards back. Many of the sellers offer an additional discount as I start to walk away.

This is probably the most annoying thing a buyer can say. That’s why people are laughing at you.

So many people say the exact same thing (or a variation) to sellers, all day ever day.

[Exhibitman]

They can laugh all they want as long as they give me a sufficient discount.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

and I should confess that I have used the expression: "how much would it cost me to own this card?"

Oh man, a kid at a show where I had a booth was trying to sell me a card and asked me "what can I do to put you into this card today?" I nearly spit up my drink. No sale though; didn't need the card.

[sammythunder]

I think VCP is a resourceful tool, but not the only one that should be used. It's inevitable that dealers will try to maximize their ROI and sellers will try to get the most they can out of the card. I think it ultimately comes down to a compromise between the dealer and seller.

There are also external factors that go into it, such as whether or not that seller and dealer have done business before. That will certainly help shape things to go smoothly.

[Snowman]

Comps are an essential starting point for transacting in this hobby.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Snowman

Comps are an essential starting point for transacting in this hobby.

They are but too many people rely on them too much. I know we feel the same way about nicely centered cards and what premiums they bring. I just hear "comp" at shows so much it makes me sick. I guess with the newer stuff, if they are all 10s, then "comps" mean something.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Leon

I guess with the newer stuff, if they are all 10s, then "comps" mean something.

Exactly. The shiny, sparkly new Gem Mint 10 as a pedestrian commodity, one example interchangeable from its counterparts. In this instance, they are comparable to auto parts or any other product offered in abundance.

With vintage, every card tells its own story. Yet another reason to love each of them!

[steve B]

I generally just buy if I like the item and price, and can afford it. I seldom try to talk someone down.

Those times though....
Flea market

Don't you want that card?
I do, just not at that price.
Ok, why?
Because I'm a cheap **** (He'd used that language earlier so it was ok)

After a good laugh we talked about collecting for a while, and he offered a decently lower price. I bought the card.

Some flea market guys were a bit pushy. And my standard reply was that I already had whatever they were pushing.
One day I casually mentioned that I was thinking of setting up to sell off some extras. That particular guy was a regular, and very pushy. He had me come to an out of the way part of his setup and handed me a couple boxes of Topps minis, the late 80's ones. They were new and selling pretty well.
Yeah, I don't really want these.
They're free, just don't come set up here for a couple weeks.

Ok then....

Whenever I was a bit broke and wanted cards, I'd just mention selling to him and took my bribe.

Perhaps not my finest moments, but he offered.