Wall-Crawler

ACTUALLY, I have given him friendly advice (and been harsh at times) both publicly and in private PMs. I know enough to know that he really shouldn't be spending any time "dealing" and really needs to buckle down, get help and find full time employment to deal with debt and life in general so he can become an independent person. I know it is like banging my head against a wall but at this juncture in his life, I will in no shape or form, encourage him to continue to deal in collectibles of any sorts.

EXCEPT you have a nice large lot of silver age books with several semi and key books in that lot you just showed off. That's great that you found that at an estate sale and got a great deal on it. Heck, I would be too. But to show that and say "hey, buy awesome books at low prices and sell high" like it is some kind of revelation and are 'easy' to come across is not really all that helpful. Gabe should not be encouraged to be doing ANY comic buying. All this is waving something shiny in front of him that will encourage him to continue down this path. The reality is, if you can't pay your debts, you shouldn't be still looking at flipping comics as a way out. I don't care if it is a $1 book or what, every effort should be made towards finding full time employment. Gabe needs to be doubling down on getting another job and/or the equivalent of full time hours, not 'dealing' in collectibles.

So I had been researching about getting a fire resistant table cloth, looking for where to buy as shipping costs on some of them seemed out of whack. I told my wife my "dilemma". The first thing she said was "why don't you ask them if you can just rent one from them?" I emailed my contact on Thursday. Today they replied that they don't rent them but "sure we can provide you with an extra one at no charge". Sometimes the simplest solution is just asking a polite question. Or listening to your wife I must say, so far, the organizers have been very accommodating and excellent to deal with. I am really starting to look forward to the show.

Now that you said it Spidey is going to go "crotch first" into that guys face. Remove that building on the left and gold. I think it makes it a tad busy but would still have been an excellent cover and yes, it is more "Spidey" than the Kirby version but as Gator said, the Kirby rendition is so ingrained it is difficult to "replace". Still a very cool cover. Nice work with the colouring!

Attended a (relatively) local con. Was able to score a nice con sketch from Mark Bagley. He was pretty engaging with the fans, particularly the younger ones. Mark is left handed. He said "all the best artists are", which was pretty funny. When I asked for a Spidey head sketch he was relieved. He said "everyone" was asking for "Carnage, Carnage, Carnage".

Well, I received my exhibitor package from Sudbury Graphic Con. I am pretty pleased. I have been told that my booth is "open" on two sides so I can supply my own table, which is fantastic as I can bring more product. I am going to be going with an "L" shape. Displays behind me. "Traditional" I know but I think my safest bet for first show here. Now, I just need to order a fire resistant table cloth Booths are slightly smaller, they are 10 (w) x 8 (d) and they supply the one 8 ft table with black covering and drapery. Here I am...A41 (More Fun Comics)

Well, based on his "goals", roll this all back to selling comics, it DOES impact him...At least in my view...

Yes, but that was a legitimate systemic issue. Different than what is being discussed.

WHAT? Many people have been denied positions because of their online postings. A frivolous claim that they were being denied because of their ethnicity and not their idiotic posts is likely on thin ice. Political candidates have been forced to pull out due to their previous online comments. We are living in an age where more and more people are being vetted on social media. Look, let's bring it back to the purpose of this thread. Trying to make money selling comics. If some unknown (Gabe) is looking to consign AF #15's (another one of his stated 'fever dreams') or other comics for that matter or even just selling, I think many reasonable people would do a basic internet search on this guy looking to deal in high end books. If I am dealing with someone I have never dealt with before, I usually do a basic search or sometimes out of curiosity if I see a low feedback seller with some super awesome books, I do some sort of basic research/vetting. A five second search on his Facebook Page reveals he is "screwed" and having "money problems" along with a plethora of other questionable posts. As a buyer and/or seller, would YOU want to deal with him based on what you can find online? It speaks to his "brand". His reputation. Trustworthiness. Professionalism.

I know you did NOT consider the ASM #129 a scam. My point was you were scammed 3 times and then you did a big boo boo when you bought the ASM #129 off ICE that a boardie subsequently bought off you to save your skin. My point was you were scammed 3 X + the ASM #129/ICE purchase mistake. Plus all the other mistakes and bad buys, like the 1st Doctor Aphra, etc. etc. THAT was also a big part of why you were/are in the hole, not just because of those three instances. I know I brought the FB post up, not sure why you are telling me that but yeah, it speaks to a whole slew of issues. However, to keep this to the purpose of the thread, from a comic selling "business", who is going to consign with someone who advertises they have money problems? I see some "unknown seller" with an AF #15 or advertising consignment services, I am going to do some research and look them up and lo and behold, they say they have $$$ problems. Who do you think would buy/consign from you after seeing that? You want to work at a Money Mart? Work a cash register? Yes, by all means, advertise cash flow and potential problems with the government... Social media serves a variety of purposes. Using it how you are is your choice, yes, but there can be this thing called "consequences".

It is the fact that you got scammed three times. There was also the ASM #129 that you bought off of ICE that a boardie pretty much bailed you out on. As usual, you are making excuses. Always someone else's fault. Never yours. You have a caseworker. Ok. What the heck do they do? You never answered, how many jobs have you applied for in a year? Also, what does the below mean exactly? You want to sell and consign comics and you are publicly stating you have money problems? "What the government does"? What about what YOU do (or don't)? Oh and your post above that gem is even more special Remember I told you about your "digital footprint" way back when too?

Well, it is good to see that over a year has gone by and all the good advice has gone nowhere. See my post on page 53 from January 27/16 I did a follow up of sorts on page 111 from September 8/16 In reviewing these it is incredible (but not all that surprising) the amount of good advice that has been given over and over again by several boardies and in over a year, literally nothing has changed. Still losing money at comics (or getting close to breaking even), losing money on video games and now going to try cards Still living at home with mom and dad No real income to speak of (how many hours per week do you work) In a year, how many job applications have you completed? Are you still seeing a career counselor? Another professional to help with your 'issues'? Now we are talking about volunteering. Again. This time though, it is not somewhere that is likely to give you actual skills but somewhere that will actually just be a distraction from making a real living. The likelihood of you getting behind a cash register anytime soon is slim to none. I doubt you will be pricing comics. You will be lucky if they let you do basic tasks, like bag and boarding and maybe sorting through drek. The other thing is they may not even need or want help. What then? Do you see how quickly a year passes? I know I seem harsh at times but life is whizzing you by. If you look back honestly, has anything gotten any better or more stable for you?

The benefits of you volunteering (in absence of actual work) were discussed months ago were they not? With regards to the comic shop, I think what people are trying to say, is if a shop does let you help out there, don't expect to get anywhere near the cash register or high end books, at least not for a long while, until you prove yourself and to be doing very basic and potentially boring tasks. If you decide to proceed with speaking to the manager/owner, what is your "pitch" to let you volunteer there? Why would they want you there? Might want to work that out instead of just strolling in and maybe want to make sure you are dressed half decent and well groomed.

Just added a few more books and CGC slabs... Iron Fist #14 - 1st Sabretooth, CGC 9.6 + Bonus Marvel Graphic Novel #4 - 1st New Mutants, CGC 9.4 Price Variant Mighty Thor #132 - First Ego (raw) Spectacular Spider-Man #64 - First Cloak and Dagger CGC 9.4

I also like picking up odd or different Spidey related books and items when I come across them. I came across this copy of Ideals Marvel TPB: Spider-Man The Secret Story of Marvel's World-Famous Wall-Crawler. It was $10 CDN. Couldn't pass it up. Reprints AF #15 and ASM #80. Includes info on Spidey's powers, some cool pin ups on Spidey villains and friends. Also neat little section on Lee, Ditko and Romita. Just a fun book.

Marvel Masterworks for me!

This is why I am wondering if it is one of those "insurance things we have to say to cover our butts". The fire regs that were sent ahead of the package make reference to a whole whack of stuff, like corrugated cardboard...Good thing I don't have my paper wares in "cardboard" boxes Anyway, once I find out for sure on my space I can decide how I can configure and if I need to order a tablecloth...Here is a link to the fire resistant tablecloth I found and will order if I have to in case anyone else ever has to: http://www.displays2go.ca/P-2548/6ft-Deluxe-Table-Cover-Black "The table cover is durable and flame retardant and all orders are shipped with a flame retardant certificate from an independent testing laboratory."

Ok, so maybe it wasn't just me... We were supposed to get exhibitor package, floor plan and where our booths are located today...Got an email at the end of the day saying it would be delayed until next week due to a "last minute change has left us reviewing our site plan". Oh well. One more week...

Graphic Con Update I was told I a can set up my booth how I want so long as I don't extend beyond my allotted booth space (creep) or interfere with another vendor. Makes perfect sense. I also have to be able to quickly and safely enter/leave my booth space. Now the one area that is a bit surprising, is it turns out I may be able to use another table (the show supplies one 8 foot table with tablecloth) but the tablecloth I use must be "fire resistant (with a certificate proving so)" OR according to the fire regulations, pass a test that that involves cutting a piece of the fabric, holding a match under it for 12 seconds to see if it burns. If it does not burn or stops as soon as match removed or within 2 seconds, it is fire resistant. If not, no good. Now, is this just something stated for "insurance purposes"? Where the heck would you even buy such a tablecloth? Are they really going to ask me to produce a certificate? I suppose worse case scenario, I just get your typical tablecloth and if someone comes around and it doesn't "pass the test", I just don't use it? Just wondering if folks from other larger cons have encountered these kind of fire or other regulations or know where I can get a tablecloth that will meet the regulation to save me any potential hassle. This is my first show there and I don't want any "hiccups". ...Not exactly the most "exciting" post but it is related to setting up shows! Edit: Found some fire retardant tablecloths online. Looks like I will be ordering one once I know for 100% I can make use of an extra table and will add that to the 'expense' list once I do. Sorry for lame post.

Also, it is not always about "maximizing" profit. Do you want to do that? Sure. But like all things in life, it is a balance. In my (limited) experience you want to start with slowly building a good reputation. From there establish a good customer base. Offer competitive but fair prices. Your customers or new customers (through previous experience or positive feedback) will be more willing to pay on the higher end of FMV if the seller is trustworthy and fair and delivers good service. Some low feedback seller offering a "hot" item at 250 X FMV is not the way to foster your 'brand'. And sometimes a book will get a nice increase or blow up and you have to be able to roll with and adjust accordingly. But you develop those skills over time. Unless you get very lucky, there is no "get rich quick" route here or to "sell a million dollar comic".

Marvel Family #21 - Canadian Edition - 1948 I am not a Golden Age expert by any means so I would appreciate any grading comments! Nothing appears to be missing or loose. No cut outs. In fact, the interiors are a nice bright white. Really too bad about stain lower right back cover...

You should let him volunteer at your booth, teach the boy some selling skillz

The other wrinkle to the Invincible lot is Gabe thought the trailer was going to be out far sooner than it actually will be...I kept wondering why he brought it up...Now that he knows the trailer is not "imminent" he says he will adjust his strategy.

So now that I have a lovely ASM #6, time to update the personal "Top 5" to get (excluding AF #15 obviously) and grade ranges...For everything except #1, I would like to stay 6.0 and above. In order of preference: ASM #1 - 3.0 to 4.0/4.5 ASM #3 - 6.0 to 7.0 ASM #15 - 7.0 to 8.0 ASM #9 - 7.0 to 8.0 ASM #4 - 6.0 to 7.0 I have also been thinking I might like to snag an ASM Annual #1...