uchiha101

Yes, he did say that. Maybe he used the finder's fee to purchase a new one?

Yes I used some of that money to buy a new laptop

The mentor is an awesome idea. Gabe, go to the local railroad tracks and wait for someone to lie down and before the train hits them, get them up and ask them to be your mentor.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It is a great idea though.

 

We now have 35 consecutive responses from Gabe to look forward to when he checks back in!

 

Did Gabe not also say his laptop got fried? Perhaps he has to wait to use his parents or siblings computer to get online now?

 

 

My laptop did get fried so I have to use my brothers late at night.

The mentor is an awesome idea. Gabe, go to the local railroad tracks and wait for someone to lie down and before the train hits them, get them up and ask them to be your mentor.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It is a great idea though.

 

We now have 35 consecutive responses from Gabe to look forward to when he checks back in!

Not a fan of that joke but I will respond to the posts.

Stop buying before you cause real long lasting damage to your finances and credit. That's the only piece of advice you should be listening to. Sell your books and stop buying. Period!

I don't want to do that just yet and don't worry I haven't used my visa.

Sadly, nothing you say will ever stick with Gabe. He has been left to drift aimlessly by his parents, and to some degree ever teacher he has had (who knows. maybe someone did try and came to the same realization he is going to do his own thing regardless).

 

More than a job you need a mentor Gabe. It should be your parents, but I fear they themselves lack the skill set to help themselves, let alone another human being. Try to find someone who can help provide direction and structure. I am certain you lack both, and while it may be difficult at first, eventually you will develop good habits and a routine in your life. If not, I fear you will become another sad statistic.

 

 

Now that is some solid advice. I think a mentor is just the thing he needs, but it's got to be someone in person and not some well meaning internet buddies IMHO.

Still looking for a person like that.

Sadly, nothing you say will ever stick with Gabe. He has been left to drift aimlessly by his parents, and to some degree every teacher he has had (who knows. maybe someone did try and came to the same realization he is going to do his own thing regardless).

 

More than a job you need a mentor Gabe. It should be your parents, but I fear they themselves lack the skill set to help themselves, let alone another human being. Try to find someone who can help provide direction and structure. I am certain you lack both, and while it may be difficult at first, eventually you will develop good habits and a routine in your life. If not, I fear you will become another sad statistic.

My parents don't care about helping me unless there's something in it for them I even had times where my mom wouldn't drive my to the post office because she didn't feel like it I do have some people I ask for help but when I ask someone to teach me they can't because their always busy or as soon as I mention I have a learning disability they shut me down.

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

 

Not terrible advice, if he could restrain himself to 'smaller investments'. But if he's still in the 'game' of comics, he will most likely come across potential 'can't miss' deals that he won't be able to resist throwing too much money at.

 

Its like cutting back on your prostitute problem by just going to strip clubs instead.

 

 

It's absolutely terrible advice as the OP has shown ZERO inclination for having any feel for this business. He's currently $1100 in the hole and with the recent ASM 8.5 / 8.0 snafu, that hole appears like it's going to get deeper.

 

With all this great advice he's getting, he might as well get a Paypal business loan or another credit card, he can use that to pay off the first credit card.

 

 

Even somewhat hard to say weather or not the $1100 is really the full tale. We (lots of different boardies) - have written up basics of how you account for a small business - earlier - Gabe looked at it from a money spent vs money collected standpoint not considering purchased items as inventory.

 

I believe he has that fixed in his latest number - but the lack of understanding of the accounting concepts leads me to believe that the 1100 might be larger than he is stating.

 

The ASM..... have to add another one of these out there,,,,,

 

 

This illustrates exactly why you need to back off comics for a while. Once you have the REST of your life in order - go back and start small.

 

 

Seriously. If the book was an 8.5 - you paid pretty much FMV for it. Trying to flip for a profit? - not a lot of potential. But as an 8? --- ZERO GPA sales of this book over 1000. How exactly will you convince people to pay 10% to 20% over FMV?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My numbers for what I have I debt is exactly as you see it

how much I bought- how much I sold = my profit or debt number

How I would convince people to pay 10-20% over gpa? After I check the graders notes I'll decide what to do but even then it's very simple I will offer it as time payments with a 20% non-refundable deposit to make sure people are serious about buying it and not wasting my time.

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

 

Not terrible advice, if he could restrain himself to 'smaller investments'. But if he's still in the 'game' of comics, he will most likely come across potential 'can't miss' deals that he won't be able to resist throwing too much money at.

 

Its like cutting back on your prostitute problem by just going to strip clubs instead.

 

It's absolutely terrible advice as the OP has shown ZERO inclination for having any feel for this business. He's currently $1100 in the hole and with the recent ASM 8.5 / 8.0 snafu, that hole appears like it's going to get deeper.

 

With all this great advice he's getting, he might as well get a Paypal business loan or another credit card, he can use that to pay off the first credit card.

 

 

just loan shark it. do they have those in Canada?

 

They're probably very polite. The only problem is if he defaults on the loan they'll have to curse him out in French as well.

I hate French

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

 

Not terrible advice, if he could restrain himself to 'smaller investments'. But if he's still in the 'game' of comics, he will most likely come across potential 'can't miss' deals that he won't be able to resist throwing too much money at.

 

Its like cutting back on your prostitute problem by just going to strip clubs instead.

 

It's absolutely terrible advice as the OP has shown ZERO inclination for having any feel for this business. He's currently $1100 in the hole and with the recent ASM 8.5 / 8.0 snafu, that hole appears like it's going to get deeper.

 

With all this great advice he's getting, he might as well get a Paypal business loan or another credit card, he can use that to pay off the first credit card.

 

 

just loan shark it. do they have those in Canada?

Of course but I wouldn't do it.

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

 

Not terrible advice, if he could restrain himself to 'smaller investments'. But if he's still in the 'game' of comics, he will most likely come across potential 'can't miss' deals that he won't be able to resist throwing too much money at.

 

Its like cutting back on your prostitute problem by just going to strip clubs instead.

 

It's absolutely terrible advice as the OP has shown ZERO inclination for having any feel for this business. He's currently $1100 in the hole and with the recent ASM 8.5 / 8.0 snafu, that hole appears like it's going to get deeper.

 

With all this great advice he's getting, he might as well get a Paypal business loan or another credit card, he can use that to pay off the first credit card.

 

I have a visa I haven't activated yet but as for my snafu it's not that big a deal tbh because I would have done the same thing and spent the same amount on it the only difference is a .5

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

 

Not terrible advice, if he could restrain himself to 'smaller investments'. But if he's still in the 'game' of comics, he will most likely come across potential 'can't miss' deals that he won't be able to resist throwing too much money at.

 

Its like cutting back on your prostitute problem by just going to strip clubs instead.

Smaller investments? I do understand why you're telling me to do this and maybe I'm not thinking it through but someone gets the flippable comics before I do.

Gabe, I've been following this thread since page 20 something a while back and it has been informative and educational, if for nothing else than stimulating conversation from the forum about buy/selling.

 

I applaud you for not spending what money you have on drugs and porn. I realize you do not want to stop flipping comics so...

 

You know, buying a short box or long box can be just as fun, or more fun, than buying an expensive, hot book. A long box full of nice condition moderns with a few keys is nice, especially when you get them for $1 each. Churning through dozens or hundreds of moderns keeps your hands busy and flipping a $1 book for $25 is fulfilling.

 

I also like buying modern keys from Canadians because Americans do not often bid those up to regular prices. Get those cheaper Canadian books pressed and slabbed if you really want to press something. Then sell them for profit.

 

I realize some here won't agree with my advice, but I'm a realist. If you spend less money for more books that have profit potential, that is a step in the right direction. It's like what a probation officer I met (during a college lecture) once said, "I considered one specific case a success because I got the man to switch from huffing diesel fuel to unleaded gasoline. While still unhealthy, it was an improvement."

I see thanks I currently have a short box of comics that I bought so with my comics I'm left with it's just a bunch of dollar comics and about 10 good ones. I really hate moderns and variants unless their keys but hey I'm willing to try.

Gabe.

 

You don't have a GF/BF to spend money ON. You've got rent to pay. A 25hr work week pays for that. (If it didn't, you'd be kicked out already)

 

The situation is that you sit on your all day, playing online and video games. You can't party and do drugs because you have no way of supporting the habit

 

What you aren't getting here and what people are saying is that this type of lifestyle doesn't last. Dealing in comics won't give you the push you need to benefit from leaving home when your parents:

 

1) Get sick of you

2) Die

 

You are going to be completely unprepared for what life is really like, and you are quite fortunate that people are taking the time to even tell you this.

 

Do yourself a favor, get a full time job, learn to manage your time and make work the top priority. Then when you do have time for yourself, pursue comic flipping within your budget.

 

Anything else you do is going to be a fail. Period.

 

You cannot win with the road you are on.

 

Have a shower, get a haircut, clean yourself up and get a real job, or have your parents help you get an education for a real career. The clock is ticking and this is leading to you to be just another loser.

 

They sure are piling up these days

 

I've already showered and shaved and I've said before my parents don't care what I do that's up to my as is my education. As for comics if I find a deal and can make money I'll do it.

 

You're right, I blame your parents too.

 

Just means you have to do it yourself. If comics motivates you, then take all the great advice people have given you here and get a job that will support your fondness for flipping books.

 

Because right now, you have the ability and the budget to move dollar books successfully. Nothing more than that.

I don't see what my parents have to do with this but yeah I do like flipping comics.

There is a tear on the front cover by the top staple. Pressing this book could drop the grade if the tear expands.

 

Gabe, I do not understand why you continue to buy three figure comic books. Your video game buying and selling (as seen on YouTube) shows that you can play small ball. Big dollar books tie up your money, and one case of fraud could cripple you.

I buy comics to make a profit off them and I see lots of pressable defects and I've had instances where I thought things were a spine split or tear but turned out they didn't but before anything I'll buy graders notes.

Recent Purchases

 

Man thing 2

Marvel Premiere 1

ASM 129 CGC 8.5

 

ASM 129 Update

 

Turns out the comic is 8.0 not 8.5 so I have two plans for the comic

 

Offer it up for time payments and wait a month or two and if no one bites send it to be pressed, cleaned and regraded.

 

Wait, what do you mean "it turns out it's an 8.0 not an 8.5?"

 

You just posted a link to where you bought it, as an 8.0.

That would be correct although it's irrelevant since I would have done the same thing anyway.

ASM 129 Update

Turns out the comic is 8.0 not 8.5 so I have two plans for the comic

Offer it up for time payments and wait a month or two and if no one bites send it to be pressed, cleaned and regraded.

Can we see a scan of the ASM #129?

 

I'm curious as to why you would 'gamble' on it being able to pull in the higher end of GPA, surely more than just "it is a hot book"? You paid just under 90 Day GPA for the book, about $120 less. To sell it at $1300, that would be the second highest amount paid per GPA I believe. Risky.

 

I'm curious to see if maybe you considered it an "exceptional" copy for the grade?

 

As Iceman stated, you profit margins are pretty thin, so much so, that by the time you account for any selling fees, particularly if you sell it on eBay, you NEED to sell it at the high water mark just to make a little cheese. How long are you content to have the book sit waiting for the right buyer?

 

But hey, you could get lucky and find the right buyer to bail you out...

 

 

Not sure if you can see it but

http://www.icomicexchange.com/product/amazing-spider-man-129-2

Turns out it's a 8.0 instead of a 8.5 but I have two ways about going with this.

1) Offer it for time payments

2) Get it pressed, Dry cleaned and re-graded

Because it has a dirt on the pages and creases which can be pressed out, how I usually sell comics is I go by last sale unless it has barely and data then I use the 90 day average. 1200 is what I'd aim for and I wouldn't say it's very nice but it does look pretty good except for the corner blunting and those are pressable too. I willing to wait for the right buyer for about 1-2 months but that's not really likely to happen imo.

+1 to everything Metal said, and all the other good advice that seems to bounce right off you.

 

You say you spend a lot of your free time looking for a better job, how many positions have you actually applied for in the last 6 months? What does your C.V./ resume look like? Has your case worker helped you with it?

 

Maybe with your lack of work experience and education, your free time would be better spent volunteering for a reputable organization. This would serve a few purposes. It would be a networking opportunity to meet people that may be able to employ you in a paid role, show potential employers that you are motivated and will look great on your C.V. Not to mention it may be personally satisfying and make you feel a sense of accomplishment.

 

Also, I know this is a chat board and you may write more casually than normal, and I'm also aware you have a learning disability, but you should work on your writing and grammar. For example, the difference between "then" and "than" and "maybe" vs "may be."

 

I'm not trying to be harsh, but these things could be the difference between getting hired or not if you were to write them on a job application.

I know that's one of the things on my to do list and I don't have a cover letter. I've applied to over 300 positions in the last 6 months.

Gabe.

 

You don't have a GF/BF to spend money ON. You've got rent to pay. A 25hr work week pays for that. (If it didn't, you'd be kicked out already)

 

The situation is that you sit on your all day, playing online and video games. You can't party and do drugs because you have no way of supporting the habit

 

What you aren't getting here and what people are saying is that this type of lifestyle doesn't last. Dealing in comics won't give you the push you need to benefit from leaving home when your parents:

 

1) Get sick of you

2) Die

 

You are going to be completely unprepared for what life is really like, and you are quite fortunate that people are taking the time to even tell you this.

 

Do yourself a favor, get a full time job, learn to manage your time and make work the top priority. Then when you do have time for yourself, pursue comic flipping within your budget.

 

Anything else you do is going to be a fail. Period.

 

You cannot win with the road you are on.

 

Have a shower, get a haircut, clean yourself up and get a real job, or have your parents help you get an education for a real career. The clock is ticking and this is leading to you to be just another loser.

 

They sure are piling up these days

I've already showered and shaved and I've said before my parents don't care what I do that's up to my as is my education. As for comics if I find a deal and can make money I'll do it.

 

I myself am consistently surprised at the deals Gabe uncovers. Whether or not he should pursue any or all of those deals is another matter entirely but he seems to be a real bloodhound when it comes to finding comics.

 

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while

 

...Especially when they only work 20-25 hours a week and LOTS of free time to troll the internet because they don't have any real responsibility or motivation to get out on their own...

 

Not to mention that he's $1100 in the hole after doing this for 3 years.

 

People should continue to encourage him...just not to buy and sell comic books.

 

If he has a passion for it and it's not dangerous, illegal or immoral, why not follow your passion?

 

HOWEVER.... it should be done with a reasonable budget, like maybe the $2-$20 books for a few years so he can learn the business without putting so much of his wealth at risk in big 4-figure high-$$$ "deals". Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $10 books is a learning experience. Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $1,000 books can (and clearly HAS) taken years to get past.

 

If he can't restrain himself to a few small-dollar, under-$20 books at a time for a couple years while he builds his savings, increases his job/people-skills and becomes fully self-supporting - he should NOT be even thinking about books that cost more than he makes even in a single day of work, let alone over a month's rent. THAT'S where I think he is right now - it's like an obsession or addiction to get that "big win". He has to quit that cold-turkey.

 

He should follow his comic passion - but he must FIRST learn how to budget and START and STAY SMALL (no more that $20/week deals) for a few years while he learns the business and starts focusing FAR more of his time on fully supporting himself on his own.

 

 

 

 

Because he's obviously bad at it and cannot support himself. I appreciate what you're saying but he needs to stay away from what is LOSING him money right now and focus on EARNING money.

 

Many mistakes have cost and I don't make enough to support myself with it but I enjoy doing this.

People enjoy a lot of things that aren't good for them in their present circumstance.

 

What about getting a second job? Very serious question.

 

Most people have about over 100 waking hours per week. You said earlier that you work 20-25 hours per week, so what do you do with the rest of your 80 waking hours per week?

 

Since you started working have you made a weekly and monthly budget for yourself based on your average income and your regular expenses (rent, savings, food, transportation, etc.)? Have you made an actual budget written on paper for the rest of the year?

 

 

 

 

A second job? I have thought about that and what I do with the rest of my hours is sleep, look for a better job and look for deals. I made a monthly budget yes and I keep track of everything not on paper but on a word doc. I have a good idea of what everything will cost me in a years time so yes.

 

I myself am consistently surprised at the deals Gabe uncovers. Whether or not he should pursue any or all of those deals is another matter entirely but he seems to be a real bloodhound when it comes to finding comics.

 

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while

 

...Especially when they only work 20-25 hours a week and LOTS of free time to troll the internet because they don't have any real responsibility or motivation to get out on their own...

 

Not to mention that he's $1100 in the hole after doing this for 3 years.

 

People should continue to encourage him...just not to buy and sell comic books.

 

If he has a passion for it and it's not dangerous, illegal or immoral, why not follow your passion?

 

HOWEVER.... it should be done with a reasonable budget, like maybe the $2-$20 books for a few years so he can learn the business without putting so much of his wealth at risk in big 4-figure high-$$$ "deals". Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $10 books is a learning experience. Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $1,000 books can (and clearly HAS) taken years to get past.

 

If he can't restrain himself to a few small-dollar, under-$20 books at a time for a couple years while he builds his savings, increases his job/people-skills and becomes fully self-supporting - he should NOT be even thinking about books that cost more than he makes even in a single day of work, let alone over a month's rent. THAT'S where I think he is right now - it's like an obsession or addiction to get that "big win". He has to quit that cold-turkey.

 

He should follow his comic passion - but he must FIRST learn how to budget and START and STAY SMALL (no more that $20/week deals) for a few years while he learns the business and starts focusing FAR more of his time on fully supporting himself on his own.

 

 

 

 

Because he's obviously bad at it and cannot support himself. I appreciate what you're saying but he needs to stay away from what is LOSING him money right now and focus on EARNING money.

 

Many mistakes have cost and I don't make enough to support myself with it but I enjoy doing this.

 

That's because you're in a position where you can be $1100 in the hole and not have to worry about your next meal or a roof over your head.

 

I know that anything I say is going in one ear and out the other, nobody here can motivate you. It will either happen or it won't, you'll either figure it out or end up being 40+ still in the same situation. It's up to you.

The first part is true but if I don't make rent I get kicked out it's a simple as that so it's not a safe heaven like you think it may be I still need to watch my spending.

Gabe have you ever looked at the numbers...and I mean all of the numbers. You have a distinct disadvantage against many sellers for 2 reasons.

 

Currency changes - You bought the ASM at a dollar rate of 1.313 or 1255.23 CDN (+ likely a few more points for the exchange if/when you convert it back to CDN...So it likely cost you around $1280 CDN. That means for you to break even if you sold the book today you must sell it for already almost 4% higher than you paid, + the 3.9% paypal fee + shipping just as a ballpark figure in order for you to make anything you must sell the book for $1063. Now you have to add a few bucks for packing, gas and time. So do you think you can sell the book for $1100 and be content making $30 after all the time you've invested??? Of course its possible to sell it for $1100 but that ISN"T the point I'm making.

 

Canadian seller = higher shipping, less eyes/buyers as they don't want to buy from an international seller if possible.

 

I bought it at 956 usd and I want to sell it for 1200-1300. I do know about the exchange rate and the advantage that I have and I use it when I see a deal. The point you're making is using the exchange rate to my advantage and calculating if what I buy is worth the time and effort.

Gabe have you ever looked at the numbers...and I mean all of the numbers. You have a distinct disadvantage against many sellers for 2 reasons.

 

Currency changes - You bought the ASM at a dollar rate of 1.313 or 1255.23 CDN (+ likely a few more points for the exchange if/when you convert it back to CDN...So it likely cost you around $1280 CDN. That means for you to break even if you sold the book today you must sell it for already almost 4% higher than you paid, + the 3.9% paypal fee + shipping just as a ballpark figure in order for you to make anything you must sell the book for $1063. Now you have to add a few bucks for packing, gas and time. So do you think you can sell the book for $1100 and be content making $30 after all the time you've invested??? Of course its possible to sell it for $1100 but that ISN"T the point I'm making.

 

Canadian seller = higher shipping, less eyes/buyers as they don't want to buy from an international seller if possible.

 

 

I've brought this up before

 

More thAn once. It made about as much impact as you would expect

 

I remember but what people are doing is making it equal the same amount it would be in usd

 

I myself am consistently surprised at the deals Gabe uncovers. Whether or not he should pursue any or all of those deals is another matter entirely but he seems to be a real bloodhound when it comes to finding comics.

 

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while

 

...Especially when they only work 20-25 hours a week and LOTS of free time to troll the internet because they don't have any real responsibility or motivation to get out on their own...

 

You make it sound like I try to people off but anyway I do have free time and it's better to look for deals and sleep then party and do drugs.

 

 

Would it not be better to spend your time actively doing something to better yourself, find more stable employment and figure your mess out than "looking for deals and sleeping"?

 

How much sleeping do you do? Did you just seriously cite "sleeping" as a positive?

 

Man, this thread makes me and at the same time...

5-8 hours of sleep a day and yes I cited it as a positive because compared to partying and drugs it is better.

 

I myself am consistently surprised at the deals Gabe uncovers. Whether or not he should pursue any or all of those deals is another matter entirely but he seems to be a real bloodhound when it comes to finding comics.

 

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while

 

...Especially when they only work 20-25 hours a week and LOTS of free time to troll the internet because they don't have any real responsibility or motivation to get out on their own...

 

Not to mention that he's $1100 in the hole after doing this for 3 years.

 

People should continue to encourage him...just not to buy and sell comic books.

 

If he has a passion for it and it's not dangerous, illegal or immoral, why not follow your passion?

 

HOWEVER.... it should be done with a reasonable budget, like maybe the $2-$20 books for a few years so he can learn the business without putting so much of his wealth at risk in big 4-figure high-$$$ "deals". Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $10 books is a learning experience. Getting scammed or taking a hit on a couple $1,000 books can (and clearly HAS) taken years to get past.

 

If he can't restrain himself to a few small-dollar, under-$20 books at a time for a couple years while he builds his savings, increases his job/people-skills and becomes fully self-supporting - he should NOT be even thinking about books that cost more than he makes even in a single day of work, let alone over a month's rent. THAT'S where I think he is right now - it's like an obsession or addiction to get that "big win". He has to quit that cold-turkey.

 

He should follow his comic passion - but he must FIRST learn how to budget and START and STAY SMALL (no more that $20/week deals) for a few years while he learns the business and starts focusing FAR more of his time on fully supporting himself on his own.

 

 

 

 

Because he's obviously bad at it and cannot support himself. I appreciate what you're saying but he needs to stay away from what is LOSING him money right now and focus on EARNING money.

Many mistakes have cost and I don't make enough to support myself with it but I enjoy doing this.