The thrill of the hunt is gone. In the early days of online marketplaces, I reveled in the excitement of bidding wars and last-minute snipes. But now, it seems like everyone wants instant gratification, and the art of the auction has given way to “Buy it Now” listings.
As a seasoned seller, I’ve noticed that fees have continued to rise, eating into my profits and forcing me to explore alternative platforms. These days, I find myself listing items on local classifieds and social media marketplaces, where I can avoid the hefty fees and connect with buyers in person.
It’s not all bad, though. I’ve had some great experiences selling items to people who truly appreciate them. Like the vintage baseball gloves I recently parted with – each one went to a new home where it would be cherished. I sold a mint condition Tony Conigliaro autograph model to a collector who was willing to pay top dollar, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
But the reality is that buyers are often looking for a steal, making lowball offers and waiting for prices to drop. I’ve been guilty of it myself, so I can’t blame them. As a seller, it’s a delicate balance between pricing items competitively and ensuring you’re not giving them away.
I’ve had some interesting encounters with buyers, like the tough-looking guy from Rhode Island who bought a Carl Yastrzemski “Triple Crown Model” from me. We chatted for 40 minutes in my driveway, bonding over our shared love of baseball. Or the guy who bought a vintage Whitey Ford glove, only to realize it was the wrong hand – I was able to salvage the sale by pulling out a Nellie Fox glove from my collection.
As I continue to sell off my collections, I’m reminded that it’s not just about making a profit – it’s about finding new homes for these treasures where they’ll be appreciated. And who knows, maybe I’ll even find a new home for Roberta, my trusty mannequin, who’s been with me through thick and thin.
Leave a Reply