Comic Addiction & Financial Repercussions1454
 You think I'm joking, I'm not.
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earthshaker01 private msg quote post Address this user | |
| 15k in grading alone in last year an a half. Probably another 10k in purchases. | ||
| Post 26 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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Darkga private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I'm about to sell most books that are not a part of my main collection themes. Like a few of you have already said, "You can't collect everything." I would buy a book sometimes and then be like, "why did I even buy this?" and then try to immediately sell it. | ||
| Post 27 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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OrbitCityComics private msg quote post Address this user | |
| You don't even want to know what I spent. I keep a running tally, and it's frightening to look at. I do offset my spending with selling. I can't say my ledger is balanced, but it is within about 10k, which is pretty good. A few tips: 1. Buy what you actually read, unless you plan on flipping it. 2. Do not chase books out of your range. A bit of savvy looking will you get you the book you want at a price you can afford. 3. Don't chase every variant to fill a collection. I only buy variants I like, the rest just get ignored. This will take a lot of pressure off of your wallet. |
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| Post 28 • IP flag post | ||
 COLLECTOR
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Foghorn_Sam private msg quote post Address this user | |
| At least comic books have residual value so you're not flushing your money down the toilet completely like you are with other vices like say drugs, alcohol and tobacco and oh, did I mention cosmetics.? Of course that rationality can be a trap in and of itself so you have to be careful. My biggest fear is that the market will collapse but there's a doomsday scenario with everything so you just have to keep on and not worry about it. |
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| Post 29 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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BluSkyComics private msg quote post Address this user | |
| My obsession is more profit-based. The mission is finding a VF/NM KEY book, get it pressed and cleaned, signed (witnessed), graded with a 9.8, and getting a 200% plus ROI. I've invested maybe 25-30k in 18 months. But I pick what I want to keep for my grandkids. At least a short box of major keys. |
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You think I'm joking, I'm not.
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earthshaker01 private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by BluSkyComics I do the exact same thing. Press and clean myself and find old books and bring them to minty newness.  |
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| Post 31 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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ZosoRocks private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by conditionfreak I gotta agree. I'm no where near "well-off" and I can consider myself middle class, but keeping it as a hobby with future investment qualities embedded, I've done the same. I've been collecting pop culture for over 35+ years....and have amassed a small fortune in it.....roughly $35-40K worth of collectibles. I told my kids....."Oh no, there won't be any money for you to inherit, you'll have to sell what I own and EARN IT, just like I had to! :o) I think they will be utterly surprised to finally see what I have in my collection. Stuff that they are quite unaware of. |
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| Post 32 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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ZosoRocks private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Darkga I'm always looking to fill holes in my Valiant collection..... *nudge-nudge-wink-wink* |
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| Post 33 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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DarthKribs private msg quote post Address this user | |
I just got back into the comic book game. I have spent thosands on my statue collection. Comic book collecting for me is the thrill of the hunt. I like the challenge of hunting down the hard to find variant cover. But I only collect a few books. I can't stop buying star wars statues  |
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| Post 34 • IP flag post | ||
 COLLECTOR
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BigRig private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Iv only been collecting for a short time but I can see the addiction. I now spend half the day searching for a good deal. Half the time it's someones uncle, grandfather, dad or someone who has passed away and they know nothing about them. I try to buy as low as possible. I am young and I play the dumb kid who likes the cover. Not to sound to evil I'm not trying to rip people off for say. But if they list the price at 15$ when it's worth 300 why would I inform them as a buyer. I don't flip everything (hardly anything) as I like the hunting and collecting more than anything. Honestly iv spent maybe 500$ in total this year (4 months). Most of that has been moderns. I got the comic addiction as well... | ||
| Post 35 • IP flag post | ||
 COLLECTOR
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Wolverine private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I'm not obsessed on a few books. Most others im just a casual fan. I've really dailed back the spending on books that I know I'm not gonna really read past issue 1. I read about a dozen different series but there mostly mini series so I know it's not a 12 month commitment to each book. | ||
| Post 36 • IP flag post | ||
 Please continue to ignore anything I post.
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southerncross private msg quote post Address this user | |
| married so dont spend like I use to in my bachelor days. also sold over 4000k comic books a couple years ago because I was moving to other side of the world. anyway last 24 months bought just two books. strange tales 115 and murder incorporated. and sent two books to be graded at cbcs. so spent $400 in two years. years ago and that could have been spent in a month or two |
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| Post 37 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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Themaxx35 private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I have been a little too involved in the both the reading and collecting world since I got back in. I follow a majority of DC books and some Image and independent titles. On top of that I get a little carried away on hunting for keys. I'm currently trying to cull my reading list to what I really enjoy and have time to read. As for keys, I need to set some kind of monthly eBay budget and just pick up what I've really been looking for. Just because it's for sale and I can afford doesn't mean I need it. Need to remind myself that almost any book will come back around again. | ||
| Post 38 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by BigRig Kharma? Decency? Fair play? Quote: Originally Posted by BigRig taking advantage of the ignorance of a person because of the death of a loved one IS pretty evil and it IS ripping them off. Just my opinion. |
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| Post 39 • IP flag post | ||
 Beaten by boat oars
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Studley_Dudley private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by VaComicsGuy I can see that. The main shops I frequent are very good about this. The store owners have had instances where they bought a few long boxes off of people looking to unload collections. Lo and behold, boxes that the owners think are only $1-$2 books end up having a Giant Size X-men #1, Batman #121, Hulk #181, etc in them. They end up calling the people back in the store to make sure that they compensate them fairly for the keys books. |
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| Post 40 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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huskershawn69 private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Themaxx35 Same here....I have been spending too much since getting back in but it is very addicting. I try to avoid ebay, but I can't help myself sometimes. |
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| Post 41 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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ZosoRocks private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by VaComicsGuy This happens because of various reasons, and it is not always the buyer (who knows the value), versus the seller (who may not know). a. In NEGOTIATION 101 - it is a well known tactic that "the first person to mention 'money' will normally 'lose'." This is a tactic to basically get the most of the purchase for the money being spent. - To help this technique along, IMO, the Buyer should ask politely of the Seller, "What are you asking for the book(s)?" - Let the seller determine the "fair price" he/she is willing to part with the book. That way, you know the range the seller is willing to accept. If it is too low - and you know how karma can be a biotch - be fair with the price and alert the seller that it is a bit low. - Should you offer the Seller it's top value? No, because then there is no room in the amount if you decide to sell the book. One must include the cost of the book, the man hours involved to acquire the book, and your efforts to sell the book. This is why eBAY and other auctions command some of those prices you see....and can be overpriced for one looking at wholesale prices versus resale pricing. - Let's turn it around and rethink this!!....and let the "Seller Beware" of the Buyer. To many years have passed with "Let the Buyer Beware".....and we lost. It's time to turn the tables. Remember, the Seller is out to make some money too. b. Estate sales and garage sales are where people are selling either their own belongings or possibly someone in the family who has passed. They are more than likely trying to acquire addl funds to pay for a death, bills, or who knows what financial difficulty may be in play. - Anyhow, is it the Buyer's fault for not alerting the Seller to research what they have prior to selling an item? No it isn't, but I have, although not before I am looking at a purchase. But will give the Seller some details that show I am interested, that I would like to resell it, and would like to keep my costs as low as possible, in order for them to feel comfortable in the sale as well. Honesty will go a very long way. - Let's say I am looking at a Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's" vinyl record from the 60s, and already know the value of a original Sgt. Pepper's LP issued. Average price for a VG+ record depends upon if it is Mono or Stereo. If Stereo, which was just being introduced in 1967, are quite the find, but a Mono record, as they were being phased out, is also quite a find. Do I let the Seller know these details? Maybe. Maybe not. Of course, the first question I will ask is what the price will be. If they tell me a price of $3.00, when I know the LP will sell for $20.00, am I going to say? - "Nah, let me give you $10.00 for it." I don't think so. I've just reduced my margin drastically. If they say instead "$5.00", okay, now that is a fair negotiable price, as it is also only 25% of a realistic resell value, but is it really? We know that a Buyer will only pay for something that they are willing to pay for and is worth the investment or time. I think my point is expressed, sorry for the length. Good luck out there. |
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| Post 42 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
| @ZosoRocks Agreed. I understand the art of negotiation and have no problem with negotiating a good or even great deal. If I'm buying from a shop, flea market or even a private seller, I'm totally ok with the buyer AND seller beware schools of thought. Like most of us, I've gotten my share of great deals. My issue is that he specifically stated that he is buying from sellers that got the books through the death of a family member and "know nothing about them" This isn't just a case of finding or negotiating a good deal. He is aware of the unfortunate circumstance of the seller and he's knowingly taking advantage of a vulnerable person. |
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| Post 43 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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Darkga private msg quote post Address this user | |
| One thing that I have noticed is that the more I COLLECT, the less I READ. That was one sign that helped me wake up a little. | ||
| Post 44 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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dpiercy private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Darkga I am a reader, too. Have a handful of "precious" books that I covet, but I primarily want to enjoy the stories and art. |
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| Post 45 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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BigRig private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Well in all fairness if I drive 1000 miles to get a comic and the guy is wearing a 5k+ outfit and he is confident in how much it's worth and I don't correct him I don't see that as taken advantage of anyone. He as well as all of us have access to the internet and eBay or what have you to check fmv. As he posted it online for sale. Now when I do buy things like this I will always buy some more books from them not just the keys and it's always been well over any value they will ever be worth. Buying 5 $1 bin books for 25 just to compensate them without telling them how much the "good" book is worth then them back out of the deal or ask too much for it. Iv also stopped people after they leave the lcs and the shop was ripping them off at 50 a short box and have offered them quite more. | ||
| Post 46 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Why would anyone drive 1000 miles to buy a comic book, especially one that was available online? Look. I'm not trying to hijack the thread and I certainly didn't want to start an argument. This is a hobby for most of us and supposed to be fun. I was only expressing my opinion. |
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| Post 47 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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Themaxx35 private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Darkga I was once told, collect what you read. That seems like good advice. I grabbed my books from my LCS last night and realized that at least two titles I am buying, I am not even reading. I am just collecting the story arc. Had to ask myself why. Maybe on a slow weekend I'll pull out and read my TWD Whisper War arc, or I'll finally get caught up on my Moon Knight books, but more than likely they sit in a short box never to be read. Once I cull my reading list, I am going to focus on key issues for those characters. I would rather own a piece of history related to a character(s) that I really enjoy, than just a bunch of random books that are hot on the market. |
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| Post 48 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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BigRig private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by VaComicsGuy I travel a lot for work the book was only avalible for local pick up. Not trying to fuel the argument or anythinh here. I'm just not the bad guy it's seems iv been made to be. I love comics and the hunt for them and hey I like a good deal too. We all have the same access to the same info. |
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You think I'm joking, I'm not.
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earthshaker01 private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Comics are fun | ||
| Post 50 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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ZosoRocks private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by earthshaker01 ...and this is how they should be always. But some of us, including myself, will put them also into an "investment category", and I think that is what sometimes hurts the industry. IMO - a comic book, no matter when it was issued, is sort of like "one Stock certificate". To compare - and maybe this helps someone with their addiction - think of the number of books produced, and their initial shelf price. If one thinks as each book is one certificate, and it is a good story, then it has the possibility of creating a frenzy of sorts to push the price up. The same with the stock market. - But like the stock market, not every issue will produce a return. Some fall, some exceed expectations. - Is this a fair way to approach the secondary market? + I think it is, because it leaves the variables in place, but it also, like the other poster commented upon - it is still fun. Fun with trying to get a good book at a good price, keeping it for a time of investment and then pass it on, hopefully making another person happy as you have been. If one thinks like this, you can't go wrong, but it does require the participant to actually think of what is happening with the market, the books, and gets him much more involved in the hobby life, instead of thinking they have to have anything and everything, just because it was issued. Cheers! |
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You think I'm joking, I'm not.
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earthshaker01 private msg quote post Address this user | |
| For me first is the quest and then the money. It's always nice to know if you are going to break even or make a profit. We can all agree to that. However for me my quest is to fund a 70 year old book in 9.0 or above and trying to understand the wildness of how it survived in great shape. Example: I just got this back in house 30 minutes ago. Thanks Fedex guy. Highest graded by far. The most racist comic likely produced. Sorry for glare took with phone. Quest complete...next  |
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| Post 52 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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ZosoRocks private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Where in the world did you find that? Hidden in a wall? Attic? Cool find no matter. Thanks for sharing. |
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| Post 53 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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infinityG private msg quote post Address this user | |
| wow... "inspirational"... lol thats the first time Ive ever seen a comic of such "content". nonetheless, an historical footnote. |
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| Post 54 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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Darkga private msg quote post Address this user | |
| @earthshaker01 Wow! Yeah some comics were "interesting" back then. One of the themes I collect is "Important Comics in African-American History." Here are a few from my collection: Jungle Tales #1 (1954) - 1st non-stereotypical African recurring lead character in a comic  Lobo #1 (1965) - 1st African-American lead titled comic  Martin Luther King y La Historia De Montgomery (1959) - Spanish version of a scarce MLK comic; supposedly only single digits exist  |
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