Buying A Sizable Collection

[FrankWakefield]

If you're wanting to "handle" the situation, figure out what's going on in the guy's head. If he has collected stuff over a lifetime, is a student of the game, then you need to be a respectful student of the game yourself... how fortunate you are that he's blazed a trail for you, what a great opportunity for you to march forward from where he has reached... maybe selling a few of his things, and a few of yours, where there is overlap, so you can get even more. I don't care for the idea of him being "handled", but I was just answering your question.

If the seller focuses on things in a more monetary way, then grasp upon that...

And I agree, a 'right price' will sooth things.

[mintacular]

He says he is in no hurry to sell but if the price is right I think he will. I am already slightly concerned that his understanding of how book prices work may be skewed. He also stated that the newer of the old stuff was near-mint, which I find hard to believe. But back to my point, I find it hard to believe that human nature isn't to recoil/jack the price up if you realize the buyer will be reselling your collectibles for a profit.

[JasonL]

It is probably safe to assume that he cares what happens to them, and that question alone should be your cue that a sentimental or thoughtful answer might be appropriate.

Or you could always come back with some simple ones, like:
"I want them."
or
"I like baseball cards"
or my personal favorite:
"I have nothing better to do with my money"

Good luck with the deal !

[tothrk]

Take his mind off of the cards. Upon exchanging pleasant greetings, immediately stuff him in the trunk of your car and drive around for 3 or 4 hours. He'll be glad to see you and his cards leave without asking you any questions.

[Sterling Sports Auctions]

If the guy told you he had cards that are "Near-Mint" I think you are in for a tough road. As you stated, "You were worried about book price". If he knows about "near Mint" there is a very good chance he knows of book value and those people tend think they are the "Bible"

Good Luck,

Lee

P. S. To some people the new old stuff is 80's cards, they are 20+ years old.

[mintacular]

We'll see, guess I might have to educate him on book $ in a non-patronizing way, if need be. "New old stuff" was my descriptor (late 50s, early 60s)

Do what I do and be honest about your intentions. If I buy a large collection I always tell the seller about my plans. I always go through the collection and take out the better cards for upgrades or ones I like or don't have. From there I slowly sell off the rest to be able to afford building the rest of my collection. The closer is ask them if there is any cards that they would want to see in 10 yrs. I have about 20-30 cards I have kept with me because the seller has personal ties and did not want them to be pawned off for money. This is what sold the deal for me. About 3 yrs ago I bought some in Deleware and the guy contacted me back in June to get pics to show his Step-son what he had collected as a kid. Still had the 5 cards. He was estactic that I kept my word.

The book pricing deal is fairly easy to overcome. You have to make money the same way he does and cards "Are only worth what people are willing to pay for them." Maybe a laptop and some VCP will cure the "book value is what I want bug." You would be supprised at what I have bought using a laptop and VCP as a guide.

I do hope this helps you in some way. Best of luck and post those pics when you get the deal closed.

[effe]

I assume you're buying the collection raw. Perhaps you could bring along some graded card examples to help as basis for comparison.