Wall-Crawler

On 6/26/2020 at 7:45 PM, Wall-Crawler said:

I will let you know what I decide. I am aware of what some of the lower print runts go for. With working from home, personal life, even going through this small lot and getting to it will be a bit of time.  

I have a few of them up on my eBay page...

User Id:  more_fun_comics

Picked this up courtesy of @Guardian Comics

Books remaining: AF #15, ASM #1, #2, #4, #5, #7, #8, #10, #11, #12, #16, #17, #18, #22, #23, #24, #27, #29, #30, #35, #38

21 books to go...

Update: Picked up a few books for CHEAP last week.

The Clone Wars 1 is worth something now I think?

😉 

Not a huge collection but I'll keep taking buys like this. 

6 hours ago, thehumantorch said:

Congrats on the collection.  You can't go wrong with latter issues of Spawn.

Thanks Torch!  No, apparently not!

The best part about this, I did not leg work (per se) to get this collection.  Again it speaks to the importance of making connections...A guy I became acquaintances with through the local con circuit reached out to me and asked if I was interested, I asked him what he wanted and when I heard his asking price, I didn't even negotiate. One quick Ontario Northland parcel delivery and instant Spawn collection. 

Hope you are doing well!!!

20 hours ago, spreads said:

Awesome!!

I would be interested in all the spawns in the 200s....if you're looking for a cash or cash/trade deal.  That big collection I bought had almost a full run of Spawn up until the 190s, but I already had about the first 100 issues in my collection.  

I will let you know what I decide. I am aware of what some of the lower print runts go for. With working from home, personal life, even going through this small lot and getting to it will be a bit of time.  

20 hours ago, spreads said:

HELLOOOOO ELAINE!!

I need to change my settings, since somehow this thread got buried and I missed the updates.  So I really appreciate your year in review!

I'm in a bit of a different boat, halfway through last year I made the decision that I would only do 1-2 marquee shows a year.  I found the monthly shows, despite having decent dollar sales I was selling the low hanging fruit that could be easily sold elsewhere, so I stopped doing them.  I also felt the time of a full day+ could be better spent elsewhere....this came right after I bought a collection of 10,000 comics    

Late last year I made a professional change and left my employer to move into real estate, which I'm close to being ready for.  So as I navigated through the real estate program, I expanded my sales significantly online, especially making a push on ebay where I forecasted sales would be very strong during covid, which they were.  I'm now looking at facebook sales too, as well as my kijiji lots.....I have snagged multiple deals and lots in several transactions this year, and also last year, in addition to the large purchase.  

Remember that link I sent you about the Capital convention last year?  That was the only show I've done, and probably with do, but it was fantastic for me.  We'll see if my new career in real estate permits these shows, although I can see how comic buying and selling would leverage well with this industry.  Three times in the past year I've gone to look at a collection of comics of a seller that's selling their home....pretty common I suppose, people declutter when they realize they need to move on....

Collection of 10,000 books? Nice! Store closing or what?

What is your eBay handle? Also, nice to hear from you again!

The buying drought is over!!!!!

Picked up an awesome 170+ book Spawn collection that includes many of the low print run issues.

The List:

SPAWN

173 Books Total

4x #101 (1st Jake & Katie Fitzgerald)
124
126
3x 138
3x 142
2x 143
2x 144
2x 145
4x 146
3x 147
4x 148
4x 149
2x 151
151 Variant
2x 152 (COBR 15,904)
2x 153
154
2x 155
2x 156
2x 157
2x 158
2x 159
2x 160
2x 161
162
163
2x 164
167
2x 168
171
172
2x 181
186
2x 188
2x 189
2x 190
2x 191
3x 192
2x 194
2x 196
4x 198

4x 200A McFarlane Cover
2x 200B Finch Cover
3x 200C Jim Lee Cover
3x 200D Liefeld Cover
4x 200E Silvestri Cover
4x 200F Ashley Wood Cover

2x 201
3x 202
2x 203  (COBR 15,572)
3x 204  (COBR 15,591)
2x 205  (COBR 15,320)
206
4x 208  (COBR 14,468)
209  (COBR 13,964)
2x 210  (COBR 14,100)
3x 213  (COBR 13,369)
4x 215  (COBR 12,794)
4x 225 Romney Wins Cover
2x 225 Obama Wins Cover
230 (VF+)
2x 232
4x 233  (COBR 15,701) (Origin of Spawn’s Costume)
3x 234
3x 235  (COBR 15,081) (Origin of Blood the Vampire)
2x 236  (COBR 13,368)
237  (COBR 14,411)
2x 238  (COBR 12,459) (Origin of Dead Zone)
2x 239  (COBR 12,369)

2x 240 
Tied Third lowest quantity of copies ordered by retailers in series  
(COBR 11,827)

2x 242 
Tied Third lowest quantity of copies ordered by retailers in series  
(COBR 11,827)

244  (COBR 11,837)
2x 247  (COBR 12,023)
251
253
254  (COBR 15,421)
255  (COBR 15,717)

Spawn Resurrection #1
2x Cover A
2x Cover B

I have not looked at all of them yet but here are some sample pics...From out of back of my car 😂

Anyone still out here?

How are fellow small time dealers/hobby flippers doing while the pandemic is going on?

Personally, things are going rather slow but I have not exactly been "actively" selling either...A few eBay sales here and there but I am not posting new stuff often either.  Recently unloaded two long boxes of stock I would likely never get to to a fellow flipper, but that is about it...More important things going on but still wish I was selling more and will likely ramp up a bit when this is over again. All of the local shows are cancelled (obviously) until Ontario is "open for business".

It will be interesting to see what arises when this thing clears, particularly with the bigger shows, how long it will be before things get back to "normal" or what the long term implications for conventions of all sizes may be.

Been awhile since I posted but I was able to pick this up relatively "local" at a very fair price...I know it is is not a big key from the run but it is one of my FAVOURITE Ditko Spidey covers. I think it is all the colours (SPIDEY STRIKES BACK!), Spidey swinging straight at the reader...Anyway, nice presenting for the grade, fair price, fair shipping. Decided to snag it.

Books remaining: AF #15, ASM #1, #2, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #16, #17, #18, #22, #23, #24, #27, #29, #30, #35, #38

22 issues to complete the run...

Darn, was hoping for news on the cosmically powered girlfriend...Or if they ever did do their "meet and greet"...

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything but life has been hectic but in a good way. I thought I would take a bit of time to do a bit of an overview of my year - For those who still follow

New Acquisitions

This year was slow, but decent. Early on in the year I picked up a nice little collection of modern books, some of which were CGC worthy and made some good profit on and some art prints (not really my thing) but have paid dividends. I still have more of the art prints left than I thought I would but I'm ok with that.

A contact of mine was looking to downsize his collection so I managed to do two deals with him and pick up some nice CGC slabs and keys at a fair price to both of us.  Books ranging from Amazing Spider-Man #129 CGC 7.0 to Detective #259 CGC 4.0 to GSX #1 CGC 6.0 and a handful of others.

Definitely slower in volume than other years, but I think an uptick in quality. I also did some trades for books + keys where I was able to get some decent raw books, like ASM #252 or CGC books like Thor #165 CGC 6.5 - Again, nothing major but solid.  No junk this year to deal with or process.

Shows

I only did two shows this year, and I am happy with that.  Partially due to personal schedule, other shows simply not happening/falling off and one not being totally happy with the location and other issues with one (poor accessibility, placement in the show and it is a two day commitment for a small show). Most I could have done were four but two are out of town.

Both of the shows I did were rather decent sized for my area and as I don't frequently get an opportunity to replenish stock, this may help to "stay fresh" and keep interest up when I attend, mind you, I am still processing old stock (when I have time) so I do show up with "new stuff". 

I think two shows going forward will be the goal. One in my city and one in Sudbury (hour and half away).

Downside

I submitted two CGC Golden Age Canadian editions did awful on the Comic Link auction I had them in.  I had good luck with Clink the past few times I used them, but this one hurt. Bad. Wish I could have those back, but hey, that's the game. I am not blaming Clink, might just not have had right buyers at the right time, etc.

Leads

I had one solid lead (most were busts this year), an older gentleman with some oddball stuff, a few silver age and some neat Golden Age Canadian editions and a few other things. I did a free appraisal for him, he appreciated it but he thinks they are worth more. However, just before Christmas he messaged me and said he would be in contact in the New Year when back from Florida.  We shall see what happens but it is a nice collection of older books and not too huge with a few oddities. The trick will be how emotionally attached he is and what he thinks they are worth, etc...The same dilemma for every dealer basically. But still, fingers crossed.

eBay/Other Sales

I have had some solid sales on eBay, in person and other venues, my challenge is as it has constantly been...Access and Time.  With a regular job, not having my stock on hand and other interests, getting product in the public eye would definitely help speed along sales and revenue, but I have been operating in a very positive revenue point for awhile, so I will "expand" all in good time I suppose.

Goal for 2020

Develop a new wall display for shows. Something a little bigger and easier to cart around.

Get more organized and process and post more stock to my store and have more readily available for sale.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to everyone who keeps reading the odd time I post something. I hope everyone had a safe 2020 and as always, look forward to feedback and others sharing their stories from the front lines! Cheers!

On 11/3/2019 at 5:39 AM, n2wdw said:

prefer to buy CGC books on eBay or Clink (as I find them less expensive that way).  The only times I buy at cons are when they are heavily discounted.  So instead I focus on raw books at cons.  I guess I'm saying, it probably makes sense not to make the effort to bring CGC books to cons.

Yes, most of the shows I do are small and local. People look at some of them (usually the response is "its THAT much?!?!), but I rarely sell them at these type of shows but I have sold a few. 

On 11/3/2019 at 5:39 AM, n2wdw said:

From solely the perspective of a comic buyer (I've never been a seller at a con), I do think it would be useful for you to make better use of the wall behind you.  Getting your $20 and over books on the wall would help your sales, I think.  I always scan a dealer's wall books as I move from booth to booth, and often that's part of my decision as to whether or not to dig into the long boxes.  Sometimes when I do, I'm making an offer in my head for books I'm interested in from the wall. In other words, if I see interesting wall books, I'll try to find a few others from the long boxes to put together a volume offer.

I agree, 100%. That is the one area that I think I can improve upon. I would like to revamp is my wall display. I have received a few good tips on building a new wall from some members and I have seen a few styles that I also really like. Job for next con season maybe and yes, put up raws and those who know I have CGC books, will probably ask, so I can them on the floor or something behind the table.

On 11/3/2019 at 5:39 AM, n2wdw said:

Your set up is impressive, and will definitely attract certain buyers, like those trying to complete runs (that used to be me 15 years ago).  At this stage of my collecting life, though, I'm more interested in keys and covers.  Having a more extensive wall display would help attract buyers like me.

Thank You!!!! I do think having an attractive display helps.  I sometimes wonder "how much" when I see other set ups that are...Less appealing than mine though.   In my area, people like value and they like to still read. Sets do pretty well for me but there are a few key collectors here. Again, for sure a bigger, better wall display would help catch more eyes especially if running from the $20 and up range. Definitely something I would like to do.

On 11/3/2019 at 5:39 AM, n2wdw said:

As for the threat of thief, I always try to keep my pile in plain sight so the dealer doesn't think I'm doing anything shady.  I've never really thought about what a dealer has to do to prevent thief, which is one of the reasons I very much enjoy your journal (to see things from a dealer's point of view).  One thing about wall books, you have to be careful with people stealing things from behind the curtain.  I remember at a Chicago con a few years ago, an AF15 was stolen from a dealer's wall that way.  Of course, this is not a concern if you have a wall behind you (instead of a curtain).

Fortunately, I have also had my "back" to a wall and/or arena wall, so for someone to slip behind without me noticing would be difficult but something definitely to keep in mind. I read about a "trick" that some would do about sliding a book through a gap at the front of a long box but I fixed that. The "ends" of all my boxes are taped with white duct tape.  I find it a challenge "scanning" back and forth, back and forth.  I have guys who will flip through one end, go away, come back and flip through another end, go away and come back multiple times. Those are the guys I watch for. Now, they may just be very discerning buyers, but those guys raise my spidey sense. 

Recent CGC Slab Sales:

• Amazing Spider-Man #100 CGC 8.0 (my under copy)
• New Teen Titans #2 CGC 9.4 SS George Perez to local collector
• Vampirella #38 CGC 9.8 Parrillo variant - That one lasted like a day on eBay...
• Vengeance of Bane #1 CGC 9.6

Thinking of putting up all of my Adam Warlock stuff. BUT do I try to wait to see if he actually does show up in GOG 3 or go now?

12 hours ago, comics4all said:

How much did you buy the raw BA 12 for?

Let's just say I got it for a price that I think we were both happy with.

14 hours ago, piper said:

Is the BA 12 for sale?

Trying to decide that...I have no problem moving/selling most stuff but I still have a bit of that "collector mentality" vs "seller mentality" when it comes to graded keys...Sometimes it works out, other times, not so much.  

...If I change my mind, will shoot you a PM to see if still interested.

Recent subs and pick ups for resale...

57 minutes ago, thehumantorch said:

Score, nice copy

Yeah...I could not believe he didn't have it on his wall or behind the table. NOPE. Just randomly thrown in with some other DC books. Crazy. Either it was luck it didn't get bent up and/or he didn't have many people flipping through his books.

From this past summer's Sudbury Graphic Con:

Forgot to mention did a bit of buying. Pulled this out of another sellers long box (raw) literally mixed with other raw junk. I looked it up and down. Looked sharp. Negotiated price. Sent to CGC. WIN 

...I still can't believe he had it a box right out front and not in the back or on a wall...Just in plain old bag and backing board too 

New books...The Thor was a pick up for around $30 a few years ago at a sale at a Toronto-based comic book store. The other two Marvel books I had from stock - The first Moondragon is a bit of spec on my part.  The two graded copies of New Teen Titans were obtained this week from a local collector. Note: The second NTT #2 is a Voldy 9.6 so can't show it.

NOSTALGIACON 2019 REPORT

Overview

Well my first and only show of the fall and it was a success, at least by my standards.

This was the first time this particular show happened in my area. Actually, in a small town just outside of North Bay in Callander, Ontario.  The organizers run the successful Northern Game Expo in Sudbury and this was their first show, to try to bring what they do in Sudbury to North Bay and area.

I will say that these guys do know what they are doing. They had signs all over the city and they had radio spots and sponsors.  The venue was very nice (Callander Community Centre) and was super easy to load in and out and was nice and big and bright.

While final attendance was only reported at 330 people coming through the doors, I think a focused customer base helped with sales, plus, as usual, I do my own self promotion - Which again, was key as one of my customers had no clue about the show and ended up spending nearly $300. 

Sales

At first, I will admit that I was nervous as the numbers seemed low but things eventually picked up. 

I did sell a mix of run books but I also sold a few raw keys and semi key books.  Off the top of my head, I sold Devil Dinosaur #1, DC Presents #47 (first He-Man) for example but nothing "major", like several $20+ "premium" books. Sets, again did very well. Some of the bigger sets included nice runs of Battlestar Galactica (1st series), Dazzler (#1- #30), Wolverine (Enemy of the State storyline), some smaller Star Wars sets, a big Witchblade and a complete set of the Death of Superman arc to name a few.  Zenescope sets and a few variants also did well.

I did end up bringing some CGC books, but my intention was to just have them in the back in case anyone asked and use my wall for $20 and up raw books, well, that didn't happen. My dad, who was helping me, placed most of the CGC books on the wall and I didn't have the heart to tell him that is not what I wanted to do so up they stayed! It worked out alright as I did sell an ASM CGC variant and had a very strong offer on my Marvel Spotlight #5 CGC 6.5 that I am considering with a local/regular.

Given that this was a video game and other nerdy things type of show, I also brought some other pop culture collectibles and some art prints.  I sold a Masters of the Universe lunch box and thermos set, a Star Wars record, a Transformers TV tray and a J.Scott Campbell signed art print.

My booth cost was $120 for two 8 foot tables and I was able to use a four foot table I brought on the end.  I did about $1,496.00 in sales.  My wife said had I not given such generous discounts to some of my regulars i would have easily broken the $1,500 mark, but these guys are my bread and butter, so it is a balance.  Again most of what sold is from stock that has long since paid for itself with a few minor exceptions. 

For a first show, with those attendance numbers and being outside of town, and still some of my big spenders not showing, pretty pleased with the result and will be signing up again next year.

Observation

The "Premium Books" did ok (anything over $20 was placed in here with in a mylite and 56 pt backing board). I still think the better display factor and perceived improved "collectible value" may have helped or it could just be they were easier to find. Who knows? Regardless, I went with three boxes this time that included some high end sets (that didn't sell) but will continue $20 and books to be sold like this.

I'm back keeping the shelving units for "other stuff". I think I just have to find more low cost items to fill it and make it display nice as I sold 3 items thanks to the shelves and the bottom shelves make for a nice place to set customers stuff while they browse. 

Thoughts Moving Forward 

While the venue IS very nice, it is still outside of North Bay, and, well, people are lazy.  I wonder if had it been right in North Bay, easier for students to get to, etc., if their attendance numbers would have been up. They said they are going to re-evaluate and are looking for feedback for vendors, so that is good. Not sure how others did, but I am happy with my result.

I still want to develop a new wall display/rack. This may be a winter project.

I am not doing the other local antique show that takes place in a October, hence why this show is my last of the year. This is the one where I have had issues with location and take downs. Plus, most of my customers will have just seen what I have to offer and, well, the fact that it is two days is a drag. I did just as well in 5 or so hours, that I do at that show all weekend, so passing on the fall show.

...As 2019 goes, I have done some trades, bought some key books for fair prices for to hold and flip, but no single big collection score.  I think I am ok with that as I still have enough run books and cheapies (and I have more to process that I already have) but just kind of missing the thrill of snagging a bigger collection. Oh well. First world problems but it would be nice to wrap up the year with at least one more score, even if just a small one.

If anything remotely interesting happens, I'll post and thanks for reading!

10 hours ago, thehumantorch said:

Nearby, low cost shows with decent attendance are gravy.  If I pay $100 for a table at a local show and make $1000 or more in sales it's a healthy win.

Exactly! And sorry, I messed up, it was $60 per 8 foot table so $120 in booth cost. 

I'm not sure what to set my "goal" at but I would be super pleased if I did $1,000 for this show. I think I'd be satisfied at $700.  Have to remember, I usually do not sell a lot of CGC books at local shows and they are usually more for "eye candy" so instead I am thinking of leaving them at home and just putting $20 to $100 raw books up on the wall (well, I may bring a few CGC's but keep them on the floor).

One of the shows I set up (Northern Game Expo) at is branching out to my hometown..

North Bay NostalgiaCon

...The event though is actually being held in a smaller township at the local community center about 15 - 20 minutes outside of town, so that will be interesting to see how it goes from a location perspective. It will run from 10 AM to 4 PM.  I have two 8 foot tables for $80 bucks. The organizers have done well with the Sudbury show and costs were minimal and it is right in my backyard so how could I not set up?

I'm a little behind on my self promotion. Will likely "pick it up" after the labour day long weekend.

1 hour ago, uchiha101 said:

So you think it's a bad idea? 

Upon reconsideration, don't do that - Don't have them come here.

HOWEVER, if you insist on this "relationship", please webcam or Facetime or Skype or whatever with them over a safe distance several times first before blindly travelling to meet someone and be as sure as you can be that they are who and what they say they are.

Love is blind, but don't be a dumb azzz. Stay safe.

2 minutes ago, Red84 said:

Gabe, do NOT do this. This will in no way help you and will possibly hurt the relationship that you have. Having her say anything on the boards would not prove anything to anyone.

 

To EVERYONE POSTING here, please think about what you are saying and suggesting before you write it. Think about the possible ramifications of what you are saying and whether you are being helpful or hurtful.

How much more hurtful can it get?

I kind of get what you are saying/your intention, but if he finds out the relationship is a sham, he would be hurt. However, I would argue that would be less hurtful for him to find out now rather than after he finally gets his passport and bus ticket or whatever to go see god knows who and gets stuck there, or worse.  As much as people are giving him a hard time, most people here trying to tell him that this "relationship" is not real (this is her picture but not her picture/super powers, really?) so he does not get hurt or taken advantage of. 

6 hours ago, uchiha101 said:

Thanks I appreciate that. I don't intend to leave her hanging. I will be seeing Sam and yes, she's one of the best things to ever happen to me. 

How about this...How about you invite "Sam" and her "sister" to join the boards and vouch for your "relationship" here? I mean, if you are "married" or whatever, that shouldn't be a problem for her right?