ROOKIE looking for enlightenment..

Hi this is my first post ever. I love the site and the forums. I have a question or two and am hoping one of you veterans can help me out with an answer:

I've noticed that here--as on Ebay--people sell cards for considerably less than they are listed at. I realize I can't expect to get HI book values for my listings, but I find this curious on two levels:

EXAMPLE 1: If you are selling an Adrian Peterson JSY RC from Bowman Sterling for $45--listed at $60--considering a pack costs $50, aren't you losing money (or if nothing else selling yourself short--literally)?

EXAMPLE 2: Even if a mass-produced card like a Barry Sanders Fleer Ultra '91 doesnt have the same scarcity of an older card or a newer relic auto, how is it worthwhile to sell it for 20 cents when you factor in shipping and time spent?

Thanks for your time,
Ben

I am not looking to get rich off of cards, but I'd like to make room for cards I want by selling the ones I don't.

I can't speak for everyone but i can tell you that typically I buy collections or go to the shows to purchase specific cards , and by doing that i really lower the costs of single cards as most dealers at shows sell for 50% off or more and when I buy collections it is usually at the 15 - 20% book which allows me to sell the cards well below book and still turn a profit . Welcome to the site I hope you enjoy it.

Good luck

Mark Stoddard

Dear NEW Rookie,

There is no right or wrong answer to how you sell your cards or price them. You need to find a model that works for you. AP cards sell quite well and many factors can help you determine the price

1) how many others are selling the card on here, do you have competition ???
2) what do you have invested in the card.
3) do you need the money now or can you wait to realize the price you want
etc ...... many more to think about

The best thing you can do is to pack the card properly and ship quicky and build your inventory up. The more cards you have posted the bigger exposure you get for your store.

SIGNED OLD ROOKIE!

GREAT replies guys! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
-Ben