Buy/Sell/Trade Forum

Is it kosher to reach out to people who have cards on their wantlist that are on your for sale list? I'm trying to clear out the mountain of cards that I have in inventory. I know people like to do trades but I basically buy what I want so there's nothing that I'd trade for, and I like to keep my business separate from my own collection. 

I'd say absolutely, yes. I get messages occasionally asking if I'd like to purchase cards. Totally reasonable.

I don't like getting messages asking if I want to buy. My feeling is posting in the forum you are trying to sell is what I would consider preferred. The last thing I want is my want list mainly for trading leading to a glut of private messages about people selling. I can go to the for sale/trade list if I'm looking to buy. I feel it's a slippery slope that can lead to a boatload of unwanted private messages by sellers. 

People wanting to sell should read the potential buyer's profile.  I specifically say in my profile I trade cards only but every week I get a few sales offers. Ugh.

I'm fine with people messaging me asking me to buy cards. But I'll also never buy from someone messaging me asking me to buy cards. So maybe fine with it is a stretch, but it doesn't offend me. 

If the offer is one I can't refuse, I'd accept an offer to buy (or sell for that matter). If you are looking for top dollar for those late-80s/early-90s cards I have on my wantlist, I will decline. But I don't think there is anything wrong with asking. I would suggest asking the person first if they'd be willing to entertain an offer before going through the trouble of setting up stuff in the transaction manager. Also, have a ballpark price in mind, so that price can be discussed openly and not be an obstacle. As a seller, you should know what you want to get for your cards, don't play games. :) I would be willing to pay slightly more with a seller who is open from the start than dealing with someone who can't tell me up front what they want for "x" cards.

BSwagger, I Totally agree. No buying messages. If i offer a trade and they respond wanting to sell? great. no problem.. We don't need soliciting in our messages. Go to the Buy/Sell forum.. Thats why it's there. Good luck on the Pile.

I've reached out to those who have a for sale/for trade list asking if they're interested in buying. Several have said not interested. A few have said depending on pricing. I have a list of those I've contacted that absolutely don't buy. When I receive a notice of a potential match and I know that person doesn't buy I ignore it. I've completed about 15 transactions that way. I offer a fair and reasonable price and sometimes free shipping. So if you're intested in buying check out my for sale/for trade list.. As a former brick and mortar owner I have 1000's of cards to sell. At this time I don't trade as I might have the card I'm looking for somewhere in the vast amount of cards I have.

Happy collecting

Over the last year or more I have sent out messages to members about selling cards to them.  What I have seen:

1. only less than 10% get back and buy cards  Most do not reply even if they say they are willing to buy in their profile.

2. I have better luck (30% )  if I see in their postings or profile they are willing to buy.  Like Dan said if the price is right he will buy.

3.  I do a posting about selling from time to time.  I get a few offers each time.

I agree and disagree a little on what Dan said about seller giving the price.  

1.  Do not play games it turns buyer and sellers off.

2.  If you are wanting top dollar, this site is not for you.   That is what I have find out.

3. Where I disagree at less for me is who starts giving the prices.   I did a posting about the way I think.  Forum | Trading Card Database (tcdb.com)    I think that posting says it all.

It would help if Edit Profile had more options for the member's buying,selling,trading preferences.  The transaction on/off preference is inadequate.