How do you trade? BV or SV?

[vikingsfan4life]

Hey guys,

Like I posted earlier, I am just getting back into the hobby. I have a question and want honest thoughts and opinions.
Before i ask the question, i understand its everyone's right to trade what they want when they want, but when it comes down to it what do you think?
I have had multiple people say I don't trade by SV or I don't trade by BV. I honestly think my opinion is a combination of both, dont you? On the Lower end stuff i honestly don't think it matters much, but when it comes to $30-$40 difference in SV, that is a big difference in card value, as it seems Cards are not worth nearly what they were 15 years ago when the market for cards was awesome.

For example, I have a Russell Wilson GU card /99 and the BV is probably i would guess around $30-50. (2012 Topps Strata Russell Wilson GU /99)
I have had people ask me what I want for it. Is it ethical to turn down trades for cards that are of the same or higher BV when the cards they offer are selling at $4-$5?

What are your thoughts?

 

[valediction]

My general rule of thumb is sell hot stuff, trade steady stuff. It's up to you to decide what works, but when a prospect is hot, BV doesn't keep up, so it's always easier for me to take the money and buy similar BV, lower cash price items and keep the rest

 

[Jeffo65]

You can turn down any trade that you want. No one says you have to make a trade.

I trade by book value as sale value varies widely based on location.

 

[vikingsfan4life]

Makes sense. I dont really want to sell though. I honestly think it kind of takes the fun out of the trading game.
On the same note, i cant justify trading a card that BV's at $100 and sells at $60 for a card that BV's at $100 and sells for $5, you know what i mean?

 

[rotorob]

Typically BV, but will check SV on rarer or hotter stuff. I wouldn't make sense to trade a BV $15 card that is selling for at or over the BV for a $15 BV card that can be bought for $3 or so. Trades always work best when both traders are happy with the deal regardless of BV\SV.

 

[vikingsfan4life]

Good input guys.

Thanks!

 

[brewerfan34]

Makes sense. I dont really want to sell though. I honestly think it kind of takes the fun out of the trading game.
On the same note, i cant justify trading a card that BV's at $100 and sells at $60 for a card that BV's at $100 and sells for $5, you know what i mean?

I agree on your logic...however if you have no intention on keeping the $100 card that is selling for $60, I would try to sell it for $60 soon. It is a pretty safe bet that MOST cards will trend to the $5 instead of stay at $60.

 

[valediction]

Generally people tend to find what works best for them. As you mentioned, a person with a $100 BV card that sells near or over that is likely not going to be too interested in trading for a $100 BV card that sells for $30. Likewise, I know I'm not too interested in trading $100 worth of sell value stuff for a currently hot card that will likely be selling for $30 or less in 6 months or a couple years. I've been burned enough by 'hot' cards that I don't pick them up as a rule unless it's pulled from a pack or I'm in it so low I don't need to think about what the future holds. I'd rather wait a year or a few years and pick them up once their careers are on a more stable path

 

[Dilferules]

Is it ethical to turn down trades for cards that are of the same or higher BV when the cards they offer are selling at $4-$5?

It's ethical and smart. Beckett is only a guide, not a Bible or the final word. I think it's UNethical to try to take advantage of somebody and offer then a $5 SV card for their $50 SV card just because they "book" the same, trying to get one over on them. Those people are one of the really annoying parts of this hobby. (I'm not accusing anybody in this thread of this, it's a rarity on this site that I only occasionally see from certain people)

It works both ways, when I have a card that is clearly overvalued by Beckett I will say so and will offer extra in trade to make up for that. There are a lot of cards like this, where they just never changed the price after a prospect tanked and various other reasons. When I'm offered a card like that, I say so and give my reasons and what I am willing to trade for it. Often times people understand, sometimes people make thinking about trades simpler by only sticking to BV (which is fine, there's nothing wrong with that if they're also willing to do the same type of trade in reverse), and some people move on because they just wanted to get one over on me.

I'm like you, I normally trade by BV under a certain amount, but if the card is hotter or higher-dollar I trade by SV. It's also a similar thing with "trading down", like trading one $15 card for fifteen $1 cards. Some people never do it, some people are fine with it. For me personally it depends on the cards involved.

Richard

 

[Clemson2012]

I would say BV is the best way to stick with because SV can fluctuate to much. For instance you could be doing a PC of a pitcher then he goes out and throws a perfect game. Great except people rush to buy his RC's/Autos/Etc. to try and turn around and make a quick profit. I most of the time dont pay much attention on BV or SV though. I look at it as if Im happy with the cards Im getting and the other trader is happy Im fine with the trade. Im also like you and dont like to sell cards alot of times. I enjoy trading to much and would rather just trade it. Its mainly about how happy you are with the card(s) your getting. Every trader is different.

 

[scc76]

I use BV. I am with you when it comes to selling. It takes the fun out of it for me.

 

[jflan702]

I don't use either SV or BV. I don't trust Beckett as they are just a "guide". I trade and sell for what makes the parties happy. If it doesn't seem right, then pass and move on to your next deal.

JMO.

 

[vikingsfan4life]

Good input fellas. I think i will stick to trading closer to SV, as it is a little more accurate of what the card is worth, but on pwe type stuff i think it would just be smart to do the bv thing. Thanks again for the input guys.

 

[sinocc]

First, welcome back to the hobby. It is what you make of it. Second, nice selection on your NFL team! I bleed Vikes' purple since they were born same year as me and in same state too! Third, I always trade BV for BV. If I don't want to trade say, a $150 gu for 30 $5 cards, I don't. That simple. If it isn't worth it to you to trade that $60 card that is selling for $40 for a $60 card that sells for $5, don't do it. Go by what you want, feel, believe and decide; nobody can make you do a trade if you don't want to. Be upfront, honest and open with other traders about your feelings and how you value a trade, card or anything. It seems to work for me!

Good luck!