For me, it doesn't happen too much. I think part of the reason is I'm not flaunting my traders on multiple hobby boards, my blog, a separate website and on ebay with ridiculously high BIN prices. OK, I do have a separate site for my traders list, but it is soooooooooooo out of date.
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from someone out of the blue expressing interest for a card that I recently pulled. He simply asked if we could work out a trade.
Instantly, I said "Sure!" Always glad to help someone out (especially when the card in question is one I really have no desire for).
So he sends me a link to his traders list. I take a look at it. And I take a look at it again. A third time and even a fourth.
Nothing. There was absolutely nothing that stuck out at me. And I wasn't even looking for a card I needed. I was just looking for a card that I'd be happy putting in my traders box.
And this is where the dilemma came in....
Do I make a trade just for the heck of it? Just so the other person can get the card they want? So I'm stuck with a card I don't really want?
Or do I say "Pass."? Nothing of yours interests me.
It's a tough one. On one hand, I have no real use for the card I have that he wants, but it's the same the other way.
Is it a wash? Or am I out something? Did I gain?
Anyways, I finally settled on a card and we proceeded with the trade.
It arrived in the mail recently.....and ever since, I can't get the thought out of my head that "I just really don't want this card".
2009/10 UD MVP
Super Script
#50 Joe Thornton /25
Super Script
#50 Joe Thornton /25
It's not a terrible card or anything, it just has no impact on my collection (even if it's just going straight into my traders).
I'm happy that I helped out someone else, but I just feel 'blah' about this card.
For the record, this guy had about a bazillion Joe Thornton cards for trade. If you're a Joe collector, he's a guy that has got a ton. For me though, Joe is not overly exciting.
I don't feel ripped off or anything and I feel that everything about the trade was on the up-and-up.
I just don't really need this card.
Has this ever happened to you? What do you do?
Sometimes hockey teams do a three-way trade.
ReplyDeleteYou have contacts in the hobby - could you have directed a colleague to his site and worked out a three-way deal?
Interesting thought.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of bringing someone into the mix to potentially take on the role of 'guy who's getting a card they don't really need'.
Now, if I knew a Thornton collector....that might be a different story.
I would have asked him what he needs and then go that route. In fact, I've done stuff like that in the past. I don't mind picking up cards that I know I can pass along down the road.
Thanks for the comment.
No this has never happened to me but that's mostly because I just got back into collecting after a long hiatus and haven't made any trades yet.
ReplyDeleteBut maybe in the future you could tell the person whatever cards you collect or what you need and you would put the card they want away for a little while until they get one that you would be interested in trading for.
Just an idea :)
haha, well, i'll trade for that thornton!
ReplyDeleteit happens every damn trade night.
ReplyDeletePersonally I have a hard time trading for cards I'm not interested in. If I'm gonna pay for postage and go through the trouble of going to the post office, I like to think I'm gonna get something I want in return or something I know I can trade very easily... unless I'm feeling really generous!
ReplyDeleteGreat question... for me it depends on the situation.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a cheap card that I don't care about and the person doesn't mind a simple PWE trade (I know I'll receive some hate for this), I'm okay with it (to help a collector out). I just don't want to waste $2(shipping) plus a padded envelope for an insert that books for $5, but sells for $.50 on COMC.
However... in general, I'd usually pass (unless it's an amazing trade bait upgrade)... because it's not worth the time to package, ship, and update the bucket/tradelists.
I guess you're a better "trader" than I am ;-)
I don't know if I'd go that far. :)
ReplyDelete