How much to pay for "bulk"?
Economics forum
Posted on Nov. 29, 2013, 12:26 p.m. by meecht
After hearing stories of people finding a "hidden treasure" when buying old Magic collections, I've been searching Craigslist in my area for people selling old collections. I try to target "found in closet/storage unit" or "I know nothing about them" ads not to screw the person over, but because former players can tack sentimental value onto actual monetary value.
I just don't know what to offer in those cases. What's usually considered "fair" when making an offer in such a situation? Do you go by a general price per card valuation, or do you gauge the quality of the collection first?
Well I definitely would not buy a collection without at least taking a gander at it first, then making an offer. I run an eBay store, and it's never failed for me. Going in blind can be really disastrous, as a lot of older players did collect their Homelands and their Fallen Empires storing them thinking they'd gain value. It happens more than you may think.But to buy for entire bulk, I think it'd depend on just how many cards there are. I've seen people offer 2~12 cents a card for 10,000 + card collections. But if you get to see at least one or two staple that you know you can sell, I usually try to get as close to the worth of those + a little extra as I can.
November 29, 2013 12:55 p.m.
between .5 cents and 2 cents a card depending on the quanity, always ask for how many cards are there the more there are the more the cheaper per card you pay
November 29, 2013 3:08 p.m.
The ad that sparked my question stated "over 1000 cards," but they said they know nothing about them and to make an offer. However, they also said that the cards are in binders.
November 29, 2013 3:13 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #6
You should ask to see the collection first unless they specifically mention what kinds of cards they are. In this case, the person posting the ad admits to knowing nothing about them, so you don't really put yourself at a disadvantage by looking at them yourself before making an offer. It's also not wise to assume that they're rare or good cards just because they're in a binder. I've seen and bought many binders that contain commons and uncommons (although the purchases were parts of larger deals, and the bulk was throw-in.
You should also be careful about paying for bulk. If you appraise a collection of rares and sorted cards, you know exactly what you're getting. When you buy bulk, the majority of what you'll get is just useless deadweight, and that collects space in your house/apartment/dorm. Flip the money cards, then get rid of the bulk. Some major dealers will buy at something like $1 per 200 or some similar rate. That will at least help you get some more money.
November 29, 2013 3:23 p.m.
I didn't mean to imply that binders = more value, but that the collection was probably well-kept.
My plan was to do just that, Epochalyptik. I was going to pick out anything useful or valuable, then sell whatever is left to my local shop as bulk.
November 29, 2013 3:34 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #8
I probably wouldn't even go so far as to say it's well kept (at least not without seeing it first). The only thing I'd assume from the collection being in a binder is that the player who used to own it has at least gone through the cards once in his or her career. I wouldn't assume anything more.
When you're buying collections, only trust what you can see and discern for yourself. Be skeptical of everything else.
November 29, 2013 4 p.m.
I won't buy anything worth more than about 100 dollars without personally being able to get my hands on it first.
Bought a bunch of revised duals from a craigslist ad. Got scans ahead of time, met up and personally inspected the cards against the scans before I handed over any cash.
The only exception to that is when I'm buying collections from long-time internet friends. I'm buying a 3500 card collection off a guy I know without actually being able to see the cards first, but I've known him online for about a decade so I'm pretty sure he's not going to rip me off.
November 29, 2013 4:15 p.m.
Also, a great tip about buying large collections:
Just make it clear to them that the more information they give you about the cards, the more you'll pay for the collection.
I'll start with one price per card if all you tell me is how many cards there are. The price goes up if you tell me a breakdown by rarity, up again if you have a list of notable cards, and you'll get the most money from a complete list.
Of course, most people, affronted that you won't offer them 5 grand for their unsorted pile of 20,000 cards will simply curse at you and stop replying to emails, but nuts to those guys.
November 29, 2013 4:31 p.m.
That's true. I replied simply asking for a couple pictures of the collection, but have yet to receive a response and probably won't until this evening. Of course, that's assuming the collection hasn't already been bought.
Didgeridooda says... #2
Always ask for them to give you the initial price. If it seems high, make sure to check the cards to see if it is worth it. Just be skeptical. If they do not want you to look through it, and want you to do a fast swap, be careful.
November 29, 2013 12:53 p.m.