If you want to talk about gatekeeping, let me tell you how bad it is being an older woman who collects comics. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been completely ignored or dismissed. God forbid I get something slightly off when asking about a book. The fact is I was collecting comics before a lot of them were born.
Right on! Agreed. AGAIN, its like my below posted . The analogy I would use here, is the woman who goes to buy a car at a dealership and is not taken seriously and is seen as prey. "Ahhh, she can't be intelligent. she will be easy..." Most women are not given respect by hucksters and convention dealers. ITS DIFFERENT among the GAMERS conventions and the computer Gamers section of conventions. The women there are getting respect and there are MANY women gamers who are leaders and dealers.
You go to a convention with your books to sell or trade: a) you didn’t pay for a table b) you better have something that is not on a bunch of dealers walls c) free market- good luck and try your best- but you better be good at making a connection with a dealer in under 5 seconds
@@murrayk.morrison9673 I just set up my comics in my truck bed in a nearby parking lot ...why pay the increasing exorbitant price for a table? Screw that
That’s me. 😂. I was just being 100% honest with little Danny Boy. Sorry I hurt his feelings so bad. The book was on consignment. Anyone else, I may would’ve reached out to the seller. You reap what you sow. I did give his dad a deal because I wasn’t gonna hold his son against him.
As a collector, I have been trying to sell off some of my more unwanted issues lately. I recently had 6 books graded by CBCS. It cost me about $250. 2 of those 6 books were Blade: Vampire Hunter 1 white cover from 1999 and the Wizard 1/2. They were graded at 9.8 and 9.2. I put them on ebay, along with the other issues of the 6 issue run. Starting bid was $250. The set sold for $284 and after fees and shipping, I got $230. That’s a win in my book. I bought those back in ‘99 for cover price. I got 4 other graded books basically for $20. Anyone who doesn’t take the money FMV or not when they have the opportunity is losing money. If you can unload inventory and make a profit, do it.
I got back into the hobby about 10 years ago and the first dealer I ran into was and old school "I Don't Believe in Grading" dealer...6 months later I got back from CGC a HoS92 I got at his booth with a dreaded Purple Label. I'd like to add that type to the list.
Soo here's the take away.. everyone's out to get you... But you should take advantage of people when possible? Also.. apparently you aren't allowed to make money in your hobby of choice.. lol I'm not saying you do drugs man.. but..lay off the drugs man..
I agree with you. this is why I rarely buy comics at big comic conventions, even though I go to some , to have fun and look. I find that these dealers ARE NOT shop owners usually, usually, that have their own LCS. they routinely go and make their "business tour circuit" of comic conventions and some of them YOU ONLY FIND at conventions. They "schtick" would never work at a local comic book shop amongst local regular fans and buyers. Never. They are pretty much like the infamous CAR SALESMEN in this comic book industry. THANK YOU for revealing this to us. Watch out who you buy from.
I don’t care what anyone says u are speaking complete facts ….great video I’ve bought and sold big books privately and I’ve been to NYCC and other major cons for over a decade ….i know a lot of the major players and dealers and i will say the gate keeper dealer u mentioned did that to me as well for a showcase 4 …..deals are never mostly to be found and some dealers are as bad as a used car salesman….best to win a book at auction….thanks for making this video
My favorite is the ones that sell random 90s books or really bad conditioned older books for 10 times the value and then have a sign that says 10% off entire booth. I skip right over those booths.
I honestly hate trying to buy comics at a comic convention. My preference, as weird as this is going to sound, is to try to find deals at sci-fi or horror conventions. A lot of times, you'll have someone set up thinking there's a chance to make some cash, and they'll get realistic quick when they see that most of the people are there to get autographs or look at cosplayers. The best deal you're going to get at a con is on the last day. The jerk that is trying to get top price for all of their stuff can become suddenly reasonable if they need to pay for their table or get some gas money. I'm a weird customer at a con. I'm the one that is the dealer's best friend. Without being the dealer's best friend. What I mean when I say that is, when I'm going through stuff, I retain a good memory of everything I'm seeing. So, if someone else comes looking for something, I may know more than the dealer does about what they have. It's happened a few times. Someone will ask if they have a book, they'll say "No" and I'll point out the box it's in. I do a tactic on the first day, if it's a weekend con, I'll take note of everything they've got. Put it to memory. Take my time. If I see something I've been looking for forever, just buy it, no haggling, and go on my way. Break the ice. Let them know I'll spend money. The second day, I'm their best bud. I probably won't buy anything, but I'll be their private data base by pointing other customers in the right direction. I'm not usually going to hard sell for them by saying it's a deal if it isn't or trying to talk them into buying. But I'll let them know it's there and they can make their own deals. The final day, if I'm lucky, my new best bud may like that I helped them out and make me a deal on some books I want to buy. Or not. But getting on someone's good side early can make that final transaction go smoother. As far as when I'm selling, I have my own method. First, I price my stuff BELOW fair market value. If someone wants to buy something at "store price", they'll go on Ebay to do it. When I'm at a flea market, I know people are looking for deals. The easiest way to start is to price lower than average. And if someone wants to haggle, I know what I've got in books. As long as it's a reasonable offer, I'll definitely take it into consideration. If I'm selling, I'm usually trying to make space, so getting some stuff moving is more important to me than making the big bucks. I also will make good deals with someone that is just getting into the hobby. That super score might turn them into a regular customer. But the main secret is to just sell reasonably. No one is going to a convention or flea market to pay the top price for books. Especially when that con has fifty people all selling Hulk #181 for the same price. If you're selling it for $500 less than all the snobs, guess who is going to make some money? As long as you don't cut your own throat.
I have a story and i gotta admit theres blame on me but nobody is perfect! I was at a mini convention looking for some comics. There was this dealer that had all of his keys on a stand and it wasnt behind his table it was in front of it. Im very careful when looking at books so as i try to reach out for his keys he slabs my hand and points to a sign. It says "please ask for help if you want to see these books" mind you the sign is barely visible and also why slap my hand. I know its my fault i didnt read it but the whole situation turned me off and said wow ok im not buying anything from you lol.
Yeesh. Do you take any joy whatsoever in this hobby? There are great dealers out there who will treat you right and give return customers great deals. You should at least consider that your negative experiences with so many dealers are a reflection of what you put out there.
I love comic books I read every single day. Unfortunately if I made a video named I love comic books and the hobby exactly zero people would watch. I have tried time and time again to talk about books I’ve read stories I’ve enjoyed and no one cares.
I've had great experiences with newbie dealers. Was at a show last weekend and picked up a Ms. Marvel 1 CGC 9.6 with white pages(1977) for $150 and they were asking $180 for it. They also had 3 copies of Eternals 1 CGC 9.6 with white pages for $100 each. They said it was the first show they ever did. You can get amazing deals from these guys sometimes. Well worth checking them out.
My favorite Dealer bullshit line is "I just want to see it go to a good home!" I've collected Comics since 1965 and could tell some soul sickening stories. A good rule of thumb is to trust NO ONE and regard any Seller as a thief and grifter. If you're dealing with friends, keep it on a business level.and don't let them play the friendship card. It can cost you serious cash I know Dealers who have committed felony fraud and bunco and belong in jail. Dealing Comics is a great way to make money for someone who lacks the balls to deal drugs.
Excellent video, very much needed because a lot of people get scammed. I’ve been taking advantage of a few times over the years. I decided that I will not purchase from a comic book store or from those comic cons ever again! instead I will purchase my books on eBay. Even though I like to read my comics, if I am gonna spend more money for a comic book, I will get a graded one this way I will know for sure. I’m not being taken advantage of. It’s a shame that those sleazy people destroy the hobby.
I can't speak on stickygoose or his experience but when you did the mr nice guy segment the first guy he showed was Lorne from freedom comics. he and his wife are amazing people. Yes, they are business people who own an LCS but I've seen portions of their collections and those guys are the real deal! Please understand you can want to make money and love the hobby
When you go to cons, buy from sellers you know, or have a long-standing relationship with, or who know a friend who's with you. Those are the ways you will get deals at cons. Also, buy on the last day. If the book you want isn't there, you'll find it elsewhere.
Facts. It amazes me when I propose a trade deal... my books, worth $5800 FMV collectively amongst 4-5 books and I want to trade it all for one $5,000 FMV book. Nope still not a good deal for the dealer. Highway robbery.
I generally agree that there are a lot of predators at comic conventions. Even on EBay. Take your time, be careful, be shrewd, and find those sellers with character. They're out there! That being said, this is coming from someone who is probably exiting the hobby in a few years, so FWIW.
Sorry you’re such an amateur that you haven’t found any good comic dealers. Yes there are all these types of dealers, but there are legit strait up dealers as well.
@@Stickygoose it’s a noun meaning a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity. Maybe if you had included a good comic dealer in your list You would come off more legitimate.
I have stopped buying books at large Comic Cons for these exact reasons. I like the smaller cons more. Those seem to have less of the “Fast Freddy” type dealers. It’s too bad a lot of dealers are like that because it destroys the hobby and just makes new collectors think the hobby is just full of assholes.
Since Covid the larger Cons are actually seeing declining attendance. Infinitely more ways to shop.than existed in 1975 and for the most part they've been relegated to hanging out events. I prefer smaller shows that arent dominated by global corporations or millionaire Dealers (they exist!) and at least some of the human element still exists.
You forgot the GREASY dealer! They all are terrible . Just a bunch of used car salesmen!! Its all about money, buyer beware!be wise, keep a level head.sam from🇨🇦
I love your channel and feel that you provide great advise. Of course the dealers want to get the most they can, but doesn't anyone who sells something?
Haven’t done a con since Covid. Still sell at the Antique Mall. I would like to think I did/do not fit in your definition. I sell to make a profit but usually don’t. I buy from others to make me happy. I trade to make me happy. I think I sell and trade fairly. I make people happy. At least they tell me that. The dealers would always buy from me on setup day. Always mentioned condition issues on tags and would refund if not satisfied. So yeah not a newbie. I’m just me. Jess
I start off any Buy or Trade by telling you what percentages of FMV I'll pay/value your trade. If that works for you, I'll do comps and show you the comps (I'll even show you how to find the FMV of your books if you don't know how). That process weeds out the people expecting to sell to a dealer for 100% (or often more) of FMV and makes the whole transaction fully transparent. Not everybody wants to sell or trade at numbers that make financial sense to me and that's OK. I'd rather have you come back and sell/trade again or walk away without wasting your time than feature me in your social media rant about how shitty dealers are.
not even a min in and whining about not getting full fmv for a book you're trying to trade/sell to a dealer......well no shit they are there to make money and are not going to buy at X price and then sell at X price and make 0, you want full price get a table and sell. if you're buying to sell would you pay full asking price? now i can kinda agree on trading it should be equal values but it's hardly ever that
I picked up a Daredevil #1 at a small convention. I gave up some good books like a ASM50, Batman 182, Golden Age Wonder Woman and another slab plus cash. When I got to the car I realize the book was incomplete. Dealer never mentioned that nor did I notice it on the slab as it was a blue label. I tried to go back and get my books back but dealer claimed he already sold 2 of my books. I asked if I could get some money back since he was asking for full FMV and more for an incomplete copy but he was claiming he was too busy to refund any money and was asking me to come back tomorrow or reach out through his website. I refused as I didn’t think he would honor his word and he reluctantly after sometime refunded me $200 but still lost out on that trade big time. Lesson learned but there are a couple some good dealers that I trust at these conventions.
I have a lot of the modern books from the last 8-10 years in my boxes. I've read each one and I determine they are just pieces of paper with nice pictures and words on them. To me, nothing is ever worth thousands of dollars. Which is why people like me, I sell most everything at $1 or $2 depending on cover price. You got a $20 key for $1? Good for you! I'll take your dollar and you can go enjoy that book either to read, grade, or sell.
it was weird that i accidentally re-watched this video a second time around as background music when i heard about a dealer you thought poorly of,......stopping to repeat and re watch, i must admit it appears to be a dealer i dealt w before, wow. ,.....no names, but my solution is and will be ,... 1-spend the money with the people that treat you right,....at that show theres always someone else w cool books, 2- but, if ya' gotta bite the bullet and pay the price for that one book dealer x has, you dont like, that you really really want, thennnn ..... you gotta be the judge,.......? been there, done that. i love that show,.....glad you and your dad went,.. thats whats the most important,....i think. ,
Gotta say, I sell comics in a local shop and use some of the tactics you discuss, but I've never ripped anyone off. Hopefully your frustration is focused on these sleazy con dealers and not ALL who endeavor to make a living in the world of comic books, as many of us share your passion for the hobby and the artform! I don't go to cons and try to warn my customers of what to expect without seeming like I'm biased.
listining to the end (and other parts) you sound very resentful towards dealers who yes see it as a bussiness which it is and are trying to get the max they can. are you not like that when you sell books? or are you saying you'll sell that $100 book for $40 bc "you're a collector & not a dealer" or whatever, oh and you've just said you're fine finding the noob and ripping him off...........agree with the overhead thing or "hard to replace the book", that's not my problem
100%. Hate the sticker guys. Be up front with your pricing! Treat the customer with respect, even if it’s a kid buying their first comic! Spread the love of this great hobby!
I could be wrong but my thought is they are looking to haul less out of the convention floor than they hauled in? Probably not a hard and fast rule but it has to play a part in their willingness to take on your trades/sales. They paid big money to set up there, they’re looking for cash as their main goal? Edit: I hate crowds and will never go to a con. I just had a fun experience at a Denver store because they were running a huge sale in conjunction with the big fan expo downtown that I knew nothing about. Y’all can pay convention fees, I’ll just go to the LCS during the con and get 50% off! On purpose next time…
I'm still that guy, older punk with no 😭 money 🤑. Who cares, If I want it I'll buy it. Just move on and talk to different venders. Buy from the people who treat you right.😅
Great video, but they aren't gonna get one over on me cause if I cannot get a book for a deal then I will walk away and besides that the only book I want is TMNT#1 then I am done collecting cause X-Men#1 1963 and Batman#1 1940 will never happen.
i don't go to comic cons or conventions to get a deal. i go to look at the books in person and judge for myself the condition of the book. paying fair market value +/- 5 or 10% would be an ideal goal. unfortunately over the it is getting harder and harder to find those books at fair prices. making most conventions not even worth the price of admission not to mention the cost of gas food and the time spent to get there. i never go looking for that deal unless fmv is not considered "a deal"
❤❤ thanks for your advice ISO Comics but only for a dollar each in my yard sale no keys no nothing big just reprints and issues I can find in the dollar bin I would never do anything to make somebody feel small or be mean awesome t-shirt by the way
If I have to hear again the overhead spiel, i'll probably explode. No where else in retail do they boo hoo and cry about oh my overhead.. my rent, my utilities, insurance. Hey listen, thats not my problem. If it costs too much overhead to run a booth or a store, find another avenue of revenue. The value of a comic book is the value. It has no connection to your costs. I understand wheeling and dealing but omg i dont care about your kid's college fund.
@@Jdubb3001 Mostly I'm talking about selling to them. When I'm buying I don't even give them an issue about negotiations. In any case no one wants to hear their problems. When I shop at the local vegetable stand they don't tell me the cost of their rent, insurance, wife's car. It's not my problem. The fair market value is the price. If a 5.5 cgc X-Men GS 1 is 1,500 that's what I expect. It's a commodity.
Good stuff man! Dealers should not be in the business of making money! Power to the comic book geeks! Buy from the newbies, they're easiest to rip off!
I totally agree with you on all this BUT we all know the deal. These guys got tons of overhead just to get those books on that table. The nice thing though is we don’t have to carry around an overstreet price guide with us to haggle with these guys anymore. I’ve got an up to date app right in my pocket that tells me what that book is going for this minute. Knowledge is power. I don’t mind those guys making a little money for their time and trouble but I have the right to just walk away.
I know I had an experience with getting Captain America #107 cgc 8.0 for $200.00 then gave me raw copy instead of cgc captain America agreed, wouldn’t take it back. Bought it from Detroit dealer only worth $50.00.
Yep comic book dealers will screw you over so make sure you always buy books you really want and don't buy books because someone tells you too cause you will regret it in the future.
It’s a convenient for comic books and other nerd type shit. How the hell you supposed to dress up like? I’d show up in Wolverine tank and shorts lol. Either sell me what I’m trying to buy or else I’ll take my business elsewhere. That simple. Trying to give you money but if you don’t want it locally, eBay or Mercari will have what I’m looking for 👋🏽
HEY! I saw awhile back you might be interested in a san Diego comic con #2 first appearance of Hellboy and and next men #21. i have a 9.2 comic con and a 9.0 next men #21. i will be set up in a show in Frederick, Md on the 21st. i think you live in West Va. not sure how far away you are, just thought i would let you know. your friendly, wheeler-dealer, nice guy dealer. BTW, i sell both sports stuff and comics. a lot of my sales at sports card shows are to other dealers. and there does appear to more trading at sports card shows, for whatever the reason, favorite player, year, spec or whatever.
