NYT Interviews Hobby Execs at National--What's Right and Wrong with Hobby

[Lorewalker]

The part I could tolerate reading screamed of an out of touch journalist asking questions to the exact people who are contributing to the fleecing of the public. I did not read most of the article so if I got the wrong impression, apologies to those I offended.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Lorewalker

The part I could tolerate reading screamed of an out of touch journalist asking questions to the exact people who are contributing to the fleecing of the public. I did not read most of the article so if I got the wrong impression, apologies to those I offended.

You could also add, "To those who laughed out loud at the comedic accuracy of what I wrote: 'You're welcome.'"

Intentional or otherwise, your observation was hilarious!

[Yoda]

Don't forget the impact on the hobby by Covid, particularly new pricing which now seems to be embedded in the hobby.....like it or not.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Don't forget the impact on the hobby by Covid, particularly new pricing which now seems to be embedded in the hobby.....like it or not.

Don 't forget inflation; consumer prices have increased about 24% since the pandemic started.

Pricing is dynamic. No one is capable of manipulating prices for long on commonly transacted items. If prices are high it is because demand has remained high. Demand has not remained high across the board. A 1986 Fleer Jordan in a PSA 9 has declined 90% from its peak. A PSA 2 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson sells today for about 25% less than its peak sale in 2021 but is up nearly 50% since 2022; Robinson generally has been a hot commodity for the last few years.

When it comes to rarities, all bets are off, always. The most extreme version I can recall is registry-driven bidders beating the crap out of each other over a PSA 10 1975 Topps low pop common to the tune of $33,000; a $2 raw card in a $32,998 holder.