I’m at the point where I’d like to just bite the bullet and make a larger purchase (to me anyways) looking at something in the range of a PSA 9 first edition charizard. I have the cash, but I’ve yet to make a buy over $1000 for a single card. I am wondering how you all handle a purchase that is higher than the norm.
Would buying from a trusted eBay seller and having it shipped be acceptable or should I try to line up a face to face purchase at an event like worlds?
It depends what you are aiming for. Are you looking for cheaper prices, better customer service, a specific card, etc.?
There are many expensive cards, but the supply and demand varies greatly, and with that makes your purchasing options go from varied to limited.
If you are looking for let’s say a PSA 9 First Edition Charizard, you can either:
Make a buying thread on E4, give out a reasonable price and let a trusted E4 member contact you to do a transaction. Send via Paypal and unless they are very reputable sellers, don’t go “gift or FvF”.
Buy on ebay, you have buyer’s protection and just make sure it is from a reputable seller. If you want further confirmation, post your deal on E4 and members would happily assist you and checking if the post is a fraud. Reverse google image search can help you sniff out some sellers who stole images from the community so you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting your money back. However, buying on ebay is no different in prices and typically nothing bad really happens, just that higher demand cards results in more scammers but this can be pretty easily circumvented. If the deal is way too good to be true on a popular card, most likely it’s a scam.
You can purchase a card at an event at worlds, but typically prices would be pricier and they may not have what you are looking for. Don’t forget you have to add the expenses of actually going to worlds too, and I believe it is actually a bannable (I think they kick you out?) offense to be swapping cards for money (I’ll edit this if I am wrong).
These are the basics of buying any card, and typically prices don’t affect this to a certain extent, especially since it has been verified already by PSA. It’s only when cards are in the five digits or more, and the middleman costs are becoming really expensive where it may be actually more beneficial to do the extra legwork. You then may have to contact the seller for more verification, find an impartial trusted middleman, and you may do outside transactions because the fees for using online services are starting to become really pricey.
Edit: Of course, this changes dramatically depending on the demand and supply of a card. Rarer cards require more research, and more effort to get, and it becomes less of a money thing but more of you being restricted on how the seller wants payment. Some cards may only be listed as an auction on ebay, some require private messaging through instagram, some require yahoo auctions…just remember if you do not know the person very well, NEVER send through wire-transfers, paypal gift/friends and family, or any transaction with no buyer’s protection and where you are unable to get your money back through a charge-back.
If you buy via eBay and PayPal or PayPal goods and services you should be completely fine. The system is setup to protect buyers so you shouldn’t have a problem.
I guess it depends on the amount and how much that amount means to you. For me, if it’s under 10k I’d use some of the suggestions above. For a large amount in country (or what is large for me) I’ll arrange a face to face. About a week ago I flew a thousand miles to complete a deal cause it was for an amount outside my comfort zone.
Just buy the item. Use a service that protects you if you don’t have established trust with the person, eBay/PayPal/credit cards. Worry about issue if they happen not before.
Most cases the only items I’ve had issues with on large purchases is the item not arriving or the item not being authentic, all times I’ve gotten my money back. These cases vary rarely happen with established sellers.
Thanks guys for leveling my head out, I know I’m just thinking to deeply into it.
It’s good to know what level of protection you have before committing to the purchase. If you’re buying internationally, you should also be aware of any customs fees you may be required to pay.