The art of the deal, as Larry Pelliconi spoke of recently is a dying art, he is right. Just wanted to add a few thoughts. But the art of the hunt is still alive and well.
Finding something that is a grail can be very exciting for a collector, who really has a grail and not a false grail. Meaning the flavor of the month. I seen many GRAIL items being sold or traded shortly after the collector bought it, because the next shiny new apple appeared in his scoop, which is great for the hobby, keeps things moving around.
The art of hunting, make sure what you’re hunting for actual exists before you make it your #1 want, because lots of things from the 80s and before just don’t exist anymore. There are jerseys I have never seen and some that I have not seen for 40+ years. But this does not stop you from wanting and searching and missing out on all the fun of the hunt.
One of the issues I have with buying or trading in today’s world is the items that have already been offered. So, everyone knows about it because the items I am receiving have already been marketed at a price that is lower than I think is the retail so I take a stab at it. Thus, sometimes stabbing myself in the foot, but kind of use to that, lol.
This is what is killing the art of the deal. I posted a nice item only to find it had been offered by another collector months ago and was just floating from collector to collector.
Granted my inventory is just the same as a collector floating around a jersey from traded or sale. But I am a dealer, that’s what I do to make a living is post my inventory.
Another topic is I love how you guys’ screw over unknowing people, I don’t call that the are of the deal, I call it a SCREW JOB. Guy offers a Gil Perreault jersey from Buffalo and has now seen on in 30 yrs that is a tie down and someone runs in and pays $1000. Guy has 15 other vintage Sabres, but when he finds out he got screwed, the 15 stay in the closest because he got a bad taste in his mouth from the screw job. Like Larry said I will not name names, but there sure are a bunch from that club I could name. Then they brag to others about the good deal they got, I always think, oh great you screwed up another collector. BUT GOD FORBID someone tries to low ball something they are selling, they are quick to call this collector a scum bag for low balling him.