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Swing For The Fences

When evaluating, appraising and buying collections, Just Collect will always swing for the fences.  Sometimes we will hit a home run, sometimes we strike out, but most times we get a hit somewhere in between.  On a recent buying trip to Florida, we looked at quite a few collections -- some we bought, some we didn't and on one specific collection, we were looking at a home run, but ended up with a double.  Actually, we ended up with a lot of "doubles," the doubles and the duplicates from the collection, and we're still in the game for the home run, but more on that further down the blog.

The Dynamics of a Collection

Just Collect meets with collectors to discuss their collection all of the time and there are a multitude of dynamics in play during these meetings and even sometimes after we've met.

The first and foremost dynamic is assessing the collection and determining the value based upon the condition of the cards in the collection.  This is a pretty basic task, although sometimes a very arduous and time consuming process.  The Just Collect specialist will carefully review the entire collection, identify the significant cards of value and interest and note the balance of the collection with respect to quantity and condition.  This will include single cards, complete and partial sets, commons and other accumulations of cards in the collection.

The second dynamic is researching the values and preparing the assessment based upon the condition of the cards in the collection.  While the condition is what it is and can be somewhat subjective, the valuation can sometimes become the sticking point . . . not because Just Collect or the collector has done anything incorrectly, but because many collectors want to believe that their collection is worth far more or is in far better condition.  There's an old George Carlin skit that discusses quite honestly how people view their own "stuff" versus the "stuff" of others.  Just Collect evaluates the collection based solely upon the condition and the current market values.

The final dynamic is presenting and discussing the purchase offer for the collection.  Our purchase offers are the best in the industry, so when someone is unable to sell, it is usually one of two concerns.  The usually concern is an overestimation of the value (or condition) of the collection by the collector.  This is not uncommon, and often, the overestimation is not too extreme.  But a when a collection is worth X dollars and the collector believes that it is worth 5X dollars, we're probably not going to be able to do business.  The second aspect of the this final dynamic is the emotional attachment and/or the sentimental value.  While we understand the pride of ownership and the dedication in building a collection as well as the connection to items that may have been passed down, the marketplace does not provide for a premium for these emotional values.

A Stand-up Double for the Doubles

On a recent buying trip to Florida, we met with a collector that had amassed a very large collection of complete sets dating back into the 1940s and included many of the vintage Topps and Bowman Sets through the 1950's.  He had complete sets, including the stars like Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Ted Williams and Roberto Clemente.  He also had plenty of duplicates that also featured greats like Jackie Robinson, Bob Feller, Duke Snider, and even an extra rookie card of Roger Maris.

After we completed the evaluation and presented the gentleman with an offer, the collector noted that he still had an emotional attachment to the collection and wouldn't be able to sell the complete sets at this time.  As mentioned previously, this is not uncommon when we meet with people that have invested so much time and dedication building their collection.  He concluded that he would not be able to sell his complete sets, but that his attachment to the doubles, or duplicates in his collection was not as significant and that he would consider parting with them.  So we agreed that he would sort out his "doubles" and that we would come back to review them and make an offer on the collection of his duplicates.  

The collector complete culling out his duplicates and we met again at his Florida home, reviewed the collection of duplicates and reached an agreement to purchase them.  So, while there was an amazing collection of complete sets that we would loved to have been able to purchase, we were pleased that we were able to do business and purchase the "Doubles Collection."  When the collector is able to make the separation from the attachment to his sets, we will be excited to meet with the collector again.

Our Buying Philosophy

We've run into a wide range of people and collections over the past decade. Although we are known for buying vintage sports cards and especially vintage basketball cards, we are also extremely interested in buying non-sports cards, also!

Every collection and every collector is different and we treat EVERY collection with the respect and attention that we show for our own collections. We understand that many have put their heart and soul into building their collection. So when you're ready to sell, Just Collect understands the feelings that you're going through and we will work with you to help you reach a decision that is a WIN/WIN, because if you're not happy, we're not happy.

We Are Always Buying

Just Collect is always buying vintage sports and non-sports cards from 1879 to 1979 as well as select modern cards. If you have a collection that you are considering selling, contact us today to discuss your collection and get our industry leading purchase offer. If you have a collection that you want appraised, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your collection and help you understand the real cash value of your collection in the current marketplace.

Don't hesitate to check out our Google Reviews left by many of the great people that have considered selling collections to Just Collect.

The Video of the "Doubles" Collection: