Philosophical Trading Question

drc · #1 11-19-2011, 02:18 AM

The guy didn't have to trade it if he didn't want to. He could put a $1 million trade value on it if he wanted. There's no law or rule or ethic that says someone has to accept someone else's trade offer, no matter how generous the offer. Someone's allowed to keep the item simply because he wants to keep it.

HRBAKER · #2 11-19-2011, 08:24 AM

You weren't expecting too much (IMO) but yet neither was he as there are no rules. Some folks are much more "collegial" than others. Since you initiated the contact I assume he figures you really want the card and he can use that to come out on the long end.

whiteymet · #3 11-19-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drc

The guy didn't have to trade it if he didn't want to. He could put a $1 million trade value on it if he wanted. There's no law or rule or ethic that says someone has to accept someone else's trade offer, no matter how generous the offer. Someone's allowed to keep the item simply because he wants to keep it.

Yes I agree!

I thought I covered that in my original post when I said:

" I understand and agree that all collectors can do with their cards/memorabilia etc. what they want to do with it. It is their choice entirely to trade or not to trade anything in their collection."

Fred

FrankWakefield · #4 11-19-2011, 09:42 AM

A starting point would be that your expectations were not unreasonable...

But the matter is much more complex. Identifying the set and the particular cards could change that. What the catalogs or some folks might perceive as common could be a misleading, because some 'common' cards aren't common at all. Some of the old cards are thinly traded, only surface every year or so. And the particular player, even though a common, might be particularly dear to some folks. Additionally, you were the one wanting to trade, not him... he's not motivated to trade, he's content with what he has. You want what he has, it may well cost more, ie money or a HOFer.

I can't remember who they've been, but sometimes I've been contacted about some card I have, and how someone claims to dearly want it. They then give me some lowball catalog offer. They're outraged when I've countered with a somewhat high, above catalog range, price for the card. Golly, if I'd been wanting to sell the card then it would be long gone. There's a difference between 'wanting to sell' and a 'willingness to part' with a card. This fellow you're dealing with may merely be willing to part with the card, he might not be that excited about your particular HOFers, he might have sentimental attachment to the card... If you want the card give him what he wants, if you don't then move on and be happy that you're looking elsewhere for that card.

whiteymet · #5 11-19-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

A starting point would be that your expectations were not unreasonable...

But the matter is much more complex. Identifying the set and the particular cards could change that.

Frank:

I did identify the set. 1955 Exhibit Baseball Post Card backs. I was looking for Sauer. The two HOFer's I had available among the other "commons" were Irvin and Lemon.

Fred

Runscott · #6 11-19-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

I can't remember who they've been, but sometimes I've been contacted about some card I have, and how someone claims to dearly want it. They then give me some lowball catalog offer. They're outraged when I've countered with a somewhat high, above catalog range, price for the card. Golly, if I'd been wanting to sell the card then it would be long gone.

Well-stated.

At some point I'm betting 'the other guy' with the '55 exhibit common is going to jump into this thread - they always do if it lasts long enough

marcdelpercio · #7 11-19-2011, 12:32 PM

As a frequent trader, I can see both sides of this. I have received some unsolicited trade offers on certain cards...sometimes tough ones, sometimes not. My response is generally along the lines that I'd consider trading for the right offer. I was once called "completely insane" because I was looking for around 150% trade value on a tough T207 common and the other party was offering nothing nearly as difficult.

I have been on the other side as well, when I have been fully willing to trade significantly in somebody's favor for a card I need or just really like.

That said, my general philosophy is to try to trade equivalent value/scarcity cards for each other, and I think that the vast majority of other traders are the same. I have completed tons of trades and said "no thanks" to tons of others. I have received some truly ridiculous offers but they don't bother me. I just laugh to myself, politely decline, and move on to the next deal.

FrankWakefield · #8 11-19-2011, 02:27 PM

Someone who grew up in Chicago, was born in the early 40's, who bought Exhibit cards from the machines, who had fond memories of Sauer leading the league in home runs and RBIs in 1952 (now wouldn't we have thought a Dodger would have done that?), and who played left field as a kid because of Hank... it would take some prying to get that card from such a person notwithstanding book values and Lemon and Irvin. On the surface the deal sounds fair... but if you got Sauer could I then trade you a Kell and a Del Ennis for it?

whiteymet · #9 11-19-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

Someone who grew up in Chicago, was born in the early 40's, who bought Exhibit cards from the machines, who had fond memories of Sauer leading the league in home runs and RBIs in 1952 (now wouldn't we have thought a Dodger would have done that?), and who played left field as a kid because of Hank... it would take some prying to get that card from such a person notwithstanding book values and Lemon and Irvin. On the surface the deal sounds fair... but if you got Sauer could I then trade you a Kell and a Del Ennis for it?

Hi FranK;

I agree with your point about the Sauer "love" as a kid. I really doubt that that is the case here.

As for me trading you the Sauer for a Kell or Ennis, if you are collecting the set and it is the last card you need, or you have an Ennis "love" as you described above, the card is yours. If you only have one card in the set and I am collecting the set and I have Kell and Ennis, no trade.

Fred

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