How much would you pay?

[jaeldubyoo]

Supposed somebody who knew nothing about comics offered to sell you a box of very valuable comics for a tiny fraction of what they’re worth?

Would you just pay what he/she asks for? After all, this is what they ask for and you’re more than happy to buy them for the amount. Do you take advantage of the situation? Or would you point out the value of those comics and offer more?

Of course, there is the on-going debate about the Edgar Church Collection (Mile High). Some feel Church’s heirs were fleeced by Chuck Rozakis. Others feel it was his good fortune. And what about all those stories of comic shops offering very, very little for collections worth many times more.

I’m an avid viewer of Antiques Roadshow on PBS. There are always people who buy items for a few dollars, but are actually worth thousands. Granted, some have no inkling of what they’re worth. But there are savvy collectors who do know. You never hear the appraisers say those people “ripped off” the sellers, but they always compliment the buyers on getting a great buy.

So if you were offered some very valuable comics, how much would you pay?

[rowand]

Didn't P.T.Barnum have some advice on this issue? He was wrong! I have been burned both ways. I have been paid the proverbial pennies on the dollar and been emotionally attacked by those I was trying to help when things didn't go pristeenly.

"The guide says that a MINT copy should sell for $40 so my GOOD copy should have gotten $39.99 plus a free tictac."

"Uh, this comic is really POOR and $2 was a reasonable return for it. You were going to sell it for 8c in bulk. I spent my time (glad to) and got you 10 to 20 times that return. They and the money went away MAD!

No good deed goes unpunished!"

[marvelguy]

Actually, the families of Edgar Church wanted to throw away the books. They had a chance to throw away the books when the owners of the house Ed used to live in wanted to "clean it up" of his printed materials. I think he did the right thing, they wanted to get rid of it in a hurry no matter what it cost. They had already threw away his printed ads and drawings from the 30's, 40's and up. The comics that Church had were neatly stacked on top of each other in closets, walls, etc.. That's why they lack oxygen to age the books. I've read about the deals that he done over at Mile High site.

[marvelguy]

I have no idea what to pay. If I see a Marvel Comics #1 or a Action #1, I'd get a panic attack. :?

[SatansProdigy]

Wow! Great question jae! Truthfully? No, I wouldn't offer more than what they asked for it. That would be like me walking into a department store and paying more for an item because I thought it was too cheap! You can think me an ass if you'd like, but I believe if you are going to sell something, at least take a couple moments to familiarize yourself with whatever it is your selling. You don't need to be an expert, but an hour of research can do wonders!

I've had dealings with a few folks here on the boards and I haven't had any complaints (well none that I know about! LOL). I pay what I'm comfortable with for an item I want. I'm not out to get "steals", but sometimes it happens.

To see where I'm coming from, here's an example:

I sell postage stamps (well I sell a bit of everything, but that's what is making money right now). I know a bit about them, by no means an expert. I list as best I can all faults, descriptions, etc...... I took the time to find out a little about stamps and stamp collecting before I started selling, for the benefit of myself and my customers. After only a few hours of research, I had a basic idea of conditions, watermarks, hinges, and perforations. If I can do it, anyone should be able to do it!

[btdhome]

Isn't that most of what eBay is anyway?
I know I've seen some auctions that went for very little and immediately turned for a handsome profit by someone who took the time to research.
Done it myself a time or two.
So far, I've never felt the need to offer the seller more money.

Policy at my store was...
If the come in with a price they want we'll work from there.
If they they ask "How Much for these?" then I would work up a fair offer based on their resale value.
Never felt I could do the "I'll give you pennies for the lot" if I saw way more value there.
Saw it done quite a few times at conventions though. Always felt bad for the seller.

[Greg]

It would really depend on the person for me. If it was a little old lady I would probably inform her that if she were patient she could probably get a lot more, but I would be more than happy to give her the money now. If it were someone young I would who would easily have access to information pertaining to the vaulue I would just give the asking price. If it were someone rude or otherwise dislikeable, I would lowball them.

[rowand]

Don't forget the whole, "Stolen Goods" angle to this!

[disneyteddies]

Whatever they ask..you pay if you feel it's worth it. If you feel guilty about what you paid go back and give them a bit more AFTER you have purchased them and have them in your possesion. There's fair and square but you also have to look after yourself. Me, I don't rip people off but I still want an affordable deal once in a while. If they don't do their homework am I supposed to do it for them? Sorry to sound like a prick but I've had some bad ebay experiences lately with jerks and I don't really feel sorry for some people right now. :evil:

[disneyteddies]

Most times I can't afford what they want anyway... :?

[Evil Parsnip]

You pay .10-.35 cents on the dollar depending on the books and how fast you can turn them around. It's the only way to make a living as a dealer.

[malaprop]

I think it depends on whether you're a dealer or not, or at least enough of a dealer to have a significant advantage. A dealer should but for a percentage of real value, not the lowest they can get. IMHO.

[disneyteddies]

Are you guys still talking about the little old lady comics or comics just in general??

[jaeldubyoo]

Are you guys still talking about the little old lady comics or comics just in general??

I was talking about comics in general. But it seems others feel it depends on the situation (like the little old lady). I was just asking a question see how others feel about it.

Personally, I'd pay what the seller wants if I thought it was a good price regardless of the value. My feeling is if the seller is happy to get what he/she is asking for and I pay an amount I am willing to pay, it's a win/win situation. However, if it was a little old widow who was selling her late husband's collection to make ends meet...

[Gallinator]

It is absolutely context-dependent. I'm kind of with Greg on this one: If someone is trying to rip me off or is hateful/disagreeable, I'll get the best deal I can and walk away with a clean conscience. If the heirs of a deceased collector don't want to take the time to get a fair dollar for a known quantity or just want to throw it away, I'll hire a few trucks to take the collection off of their hands.

But if that proverbial little old lady brings me that 'Tec 27 in Fine that she's had for 50 years and asks $100 for it, I am MORALLY OBLIGATED to let her know the approximate value and THEN we can talk about how I can help her get paid (with an appropriate cut for me, of course). If she insists I take it for $100, then I'll do it. If I sell it later, I'll figure I owe her at least half, minus storage and selling costs. If I never sell it, then I'll always have fond thoughts of the generous little old lady!

[yarmak]

some ppl just do not care what stuff is worth you realise?
they are hapy to take what they are asking.I have a couple of times told ppl what comics / books are worth when they ask how long it took and what i had to do to get the $$ (advertising etc) they just cannot be bothered.
Id look on the exercise as your good fortune
Dave