Monday, February 9, 2015

Trading : some random thoughts




Those three cards, I received today following auctions I won with one seller in Japan.
Those who have been following my blog for a while (yup, I've been here for a while !) should notice that, even though I don't exclusively buy BLue Jays or Knicks cards, those do not seem to fit my collection.

And you, my friends, are absolutely right.

I've come to realize that at least half of the cards I buy off ebay or comc, I'll get for fellow bloggers. I remember, a few months ago when I was reading blogs trying to understand what was out there now, I came across a blog post (I'm sorry but I don't remember whose) where the writer explained that he was at a card show and got a bunch of cards for several bloggers. It seemed impossible to me at the time to imagine someone just knowing what to get others. But now, I understand. After awhile, you just get to know other bloggers. What they like, what kind of collector they are and how to make them happy, without Oreos and a glass of milk being involved.

Like many, I started this blog in order to trade and to interact with people who share the same weird interest in cardboard depicting overpayed players in uniform. And I'm starting to understand what drives me and what makes me happy. And I particularly enjoy being happy.

1/ Blind trades

just send me whatever, and I'll send you whatever. I have a want list, but I understand how tedious it can be to look at it and check each and every card in your collection. So go ahead, just blindly send me some blue jays, it's fine. Most of the time, I need half of any random stack (unless they're mainly base cards from the 90s or recent Topps base cards), as I don't collect duplicates per se. And like they say, it's the thought that counts. If the trade is really one-sided, a natural readjustment will of course occur. It's all about trust.

2/ No hassles

of course, sometimes it's best to trade for a specific card, especially when there's some value involved. But if it means going back and forth for 40 mails, it's not my thing. If I pull a card that suits best someone else's collection (well, someone I trade with regularly, that is, I'm generous, but not THAT generous), I'll just send it to him and we'll figure out the details later.

3/ Compatibility

We don't all need to be friends, but I do like to know that we like each other. I know it sounds a little stupid, but I put a lot of thought in my trade packages (ok, not always a lot, but at least, I try to ! ), so I figure it's best for a long term relationship (I've already stated that I'm all for long term) if we share the same sense of humor, or, more importantly, views about the hobby (I'm not talking about Archives vs Heritage or who's the worst between Panini Pinnacle or Panini Donruss, but just the basic enjoyment of the hobby for what it is). Then again, the vast majority of bloggers do, so what am I blabbing about ?
Julie is always fun to talk to and I know she laughs at the same things I do, same with Junior Junkie, I'm really starting to get to know Matt and I enjoy the discussions we have, Mark has some incredible stories to share (despite being a man of few words !), it's always nice to try and surprise someone like Wes or Nick, and the list goes on and on.

I know who to send Reds, Brewers, Pirates, Red Sox, Braves, Blue Jays, Yankees, catchers and Tigers cards to, and I'm always looking to expand that list, as it's been as much fun chasing those, as chasing my own cards for my own collection. Because, as cheesy as this will sound, I know it'll come back ten fold at me. And I hope that soon, most of you guys will look at Blue Jays cards and have me in mind, alongside Robert (no hard feelings !), Richard and Al.

10 comments:

  1. Kevin, definitely no hard feelings. I need your address, and I need to figure out what you need in order to get some cards over your way.

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    1. my want list is pretty much up to date, if you need some inspiration for your Blue Jays dupes ! I'll send you my address by mail, thanks !

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  2. The good thing is many people collect more than one thing. You get the Blue Jays and Robert gets the Thome's!

    I think you hit the nail on the head with this post. When I'm opening packs or searching eBay I always think about other bloggers who might like a certain card. It is really a neat thing. Blind trades are the best!

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    1. there's no room for jealousy in the blogosphere ! lets all hold hands and dance !

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  3. Nice post, Kevin! I'm still planning to send you some Jays very soon.

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    1. thanks Nick ! I'd be very curious to see the kind of cards (Blue Jays or non Blue Jays) you'd send my way !

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  4. I'm most happy we've become trading pals. You do make me chuckle - often. You can bet I'll save every game-used shorts patch I come across for YOU!

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    1. US and France, finally re-united thanks to crotch-patches !

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  5. Although we've yet to trade (the keyword there is yet). I have had a stack of cards with your name on them. I'm no stranger to trading internationally, and I'd love to add France to the countries I've traded with one day.

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  6. I'm always on the lookout for cards to trade. Try to pickup lots with many teams. There seems to be a home for everything out there

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