Hey there --
** If you're patient, Bruce H. has a fine to near mint rolled DS "Goodfellas"
with the correct measurements (27 x 40 1/2") that he's gonna put up for sale
soon. I know cuz I recently sent it to him; so far I've only used Bruce when
I'm thinning out my collection; his consignment rates are fair, people know him
and he pays promptly. If I sold it myself I wouldn't get a fair price and I
can't risk starting the bidding at 99 cents.
** I've tried selling my stuff to retailers in the past and while I don't
begrudge their efforts to get a bargain (we all need to put bread on the
table), most offers are 50-80% below what they plan to re-sell after mark-ups.
And most want me to "go first" in stating a price. I want retailers to be up
front, but they rarely offer what I consider even a fair WHOLESALE price. Some
are pretty blatant at making you feel your stuff is worthless. It's why most
collectors prefer selling to fellow collectors. Or they deal with Bruce. If I
learn a retailer wants something for his or her personal collection (vs. for
resale use), he or she is gonna to pay me retail. I'm sure that stinks on ice
to most people but it's the way I feel.
** I recall long ago offering a DS 1-sheet to Julia Robert's break-out hit,
"Pretty Woman" in near mint condition for I think around $120-150. She was
still a popular actress at the time. Between $70-140, I thought, would be a
fair retail price for a collector, esp. because there are many reprints out
there and this title is hard to find DS and rolled in full 27x41 (not 27x40)
size with full NSS numbers. But a retailer from whom I've purchased in the
past with no complaints (I can't remember who) -- countered by saying he could
easily get my poster for less than "$50 or so." Weeks later he listed this
title at eBay (actually he had several copies) for $400-500. Hey, if he can
get it, fine. Why not?
** But what stood out was this -- even though he may not have meant it, he made
me feel like my asking price was ridiculously greedy, a rip-off. That's part
of the game. Obviously, my guilt went away fast when I saw his own retail
pricing, which I felt was over-the-top. His pricing made me feel like the
Wal-Mart or Costco part of the equation.
** Dealers with stuff locked in inventory are in a bind, waiting
weeks/months/years for a buyer. I sympathize. That's why the Hershenson model
works better for buyers and sellers and is difficult to replicate unless you've
enough capital to cover yourself for the long haul, moreover, to transform your
name into a BRAND. As others have noted, Bruce has worked hard to get where he
is and the result is he has virtually NO inventory, has less risk and does
everything he can to protect his name and brand and all of their associations
to quality. Most of his expenses cover his "machine" of efficient workers,
supplies and storage. Moreover, my experiences with his company as a buyer --
still work for me as a seller. I trust Bruce's grading, his quality of
packaging and no-hassle return policies for customers. This isn't being a
kiss-ass, it's just the way I see things after watching him for so many years.
** I understand the necessity of auction premiums to cover overheads for
"showroom sales" and catalogs, and most buyers prefer not paying them but will
continue to do so; but I think the day will come when consignors won't get hit
with "seller's premiums," which have enabled the houses to get a take from BOTH
ENDS for too long. I will always prefer the results- and performance-based
consignment schedule Bruce has. If he sells your poster for "x," then you'll
get "y." If he sells your poster for more, you'll get more and he'll take less
on a percentage basis. In my view, that's putting your reputation on the line,
big time. His company is compensated based on its performance as a consignor.
Flat rate percentages by auction houses are supposed to work the same way,
e.g., you sell more, you get more -- but Bruce never takes more than 20% on ONE
END (the consignor's) for things which sell for more than $1,000. Not paying a
premium as a buyer is great, hence for me, when I consign (which is rare), even
though he takes a cut, things more than even out historically (I still feel I'm
ahead) -- yet his compensation is still based on his actual performance to
customers (closing nearly all of his sales vs. dealing with many deadbeats,
returns or sales that "aren't real," etc.).
** And unlike other consignors, even though he hates it, he takes most
everything you give him so long you're fair, e.g., don't send him 100 crappy
items with just 1 or 2 that will only bring him $30 each. How he's able to
work the system so that both consignors AND customers feel like they're getting
a fair shake is a minor miracle.
-d. in san diego
=====
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 23:07:29 +0000From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: WTB: Goodfellas
Rolled DS 1S, Fast Times Ridgement InsertTo: [email protected]
Please let me know. Thanks
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