General Forum

How many base cards would it take to part with an insert or rookie card? It's a question I've been wondering as I fill out my want list, knowing that I don't have many high end cards I'd want to part with. I've thought that I'd be willing to pile on a lot of base or junk wax if it was something the other party was looking for. You know, a literal "how much would it take to tip the scale?"

Case in point, I found a member who had 5 UD Young Guns (hockey) cards that are of my favorite team. I didn't think they were of exceptional value, pretty standard for what they are. Turns out that I had 35 based cards of a set he was looking for, so I made an offer. I figured a 7 to 1 ratio could be a good starting point, with room to negotiate. Turns out I was wrong, instant "no deal".

I get it, each collector is allowed to hold their stuff to their personal value. It just reminded me about the question I wondered about "How much base would it take..."

I'm sure you are well aware there is no "right" answer to this question. it'll all be dependent upon the trader, the product being asked about, the product being offered, etc.

For myself, though, I have no issue trading out inserts or vintage in return for modern base cards. I know what I paid for those cards so I know what I should be valuing the return at. When I trade, soon again, I just look for fair value in the end even if I'm trading away a bunch for a few or a few for a bunch. In the end, if we both get to fill holes in our collections then it's all good.

Right now !! I'm contemplating a trade for 100 + cards that they want , VS.  2 or 3 cards I want..

I would also wonder if you found the cards you wanted in their collection or in their For Sale/Trade list.  If it was only in their collection, I could see why it would be an instant no deal.  I'd say 95% of the cards in my collections wouldn't be for sale/trade.  A 35 to 5 trade sounds good, but for me I'd turn it down too if it meant giving up cards I would have to turn around and find again even if it did net me a bunch in return.

Then again, if I was offered a crazy amount of money for my entire collection, I would probably take it.

I'm easy. I don't really care that much about the 'value' at all. I would trade straight up 1 for 1. What does it matter to me - they are doubles i am trying to move. As long as I get a card in return that I want for my collection I don't care.

I've done boatload-for-one on both sides of trading. Just traded a '79 Topps Earl Campbell RC for about 100 cards. I traded a Kirby Puckett RC for more than 50 cards (I haven't received them, though). I've also traded for a Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris RC using a similar method.

You just have to find the right trade partner, offer what they want, even give them an opportunity to either counter or initiate what it'd take, and the planets must line up.

Don't give up.

I think the answer is totally different regarding young guns hockey vs rookie cards in other sports

mark

Some people treat the Young Guns and insert cards as untouchable when many are very cheap in value.

Know those cards values and look on eBay..You can find some amazing deals on eBay provided the shipping isn't crazy..

A former (or maybe current) member here was selling his entire collection on eBay (a bit at a time) this Summer and I was scoring amazing deals at really reasonable shipping rates by winning multiple auctions and saving on shipping.

I know eBay can be sketchy but there are deals to be had.

On a deal like that I would have sent a message before making an offer.  Just to see if he is into doing that type of a trade.    There are members that just trade auto for autos,  jerseys for jerseys and SNed for Sned.

I do not mind trading a more expensive card for some common base if it gets me some more Saints cards I do not have.  I think that I am well rounded in what I have on my trade list, and I am constantly adding.  It's all a matter of someone being interested in what I have.