Ethics among collectors

[modessitt]

Here's an easy rule of thumb:

When you tell someone you just got something, and they soon offer you X amount for it, multiply that number by 5 and see if they're willing to pay it. If so, don't sell it, and go look it up. If not, go look it up. It doesn't matter who it is.



When I got my working Joust cocktail for free (my first game), I didn't know much about collectible games, etc. A friend who does saw it and offered me $100 on the spot. When I said no, it became $300. That told me right there it wasn't a common game. I still have it, too....

 

[bradd]

What if he wants it forever? If so he got himself a good deal. So far he has had it for 4 to 5 years. Why should I not at least get out of it what I put into it, can not loan it to him forever and he may want it forever. At least I know he will take care of it and if I want to play it I know where it is. Was a awsume deal for both of us.

shardian not going to happen. He is one of my best friends. If something craps out on it he is responsible for it. He can fix it ? He fixes allot of my stuff for me because he has a degree in electronics and worked as a laser tech. If his place burns down I think I would wory more aobut his other losses over a video game. Stuff happens but I am not woried. If he wants it forever that is fine, it was not a loan. The only thing is if he wants to get rid of it I can buy it back for what he paid, if I do not want it he can sell it.

Dave

common practice among musicians as well. i am glad to help out someone who needs something as long as they arent planning to sell it. i also have some nice vintage gear i bought with that stipulation. keep it in the family, so to speak. its probably more important to musicians that their vintage gear ends up with someone who will use it and appreciate it than with some rich college kid who will get sick of it and probably break it or keep it in his closet forever.

 

[shardian]

I disagree with Shardian's comment about not doing business among family and frien. There are many people whose main income deals heavily with word of mouth, selling items (insurance, homes, cars, etc.), and they manage not to alienate their friends and family.

I've also bought and sold among a lot of game collectors (most of my buys/sells, actually), and bought/sold games among real friends, and never had a problem. There's really no reason for it to be a problem. Don't screw anyone over, and don't give anyone a slamming deal that you might regret (esp if they decide to flip it), and you'll be fine. Just be fair.

Wade

You know enough about our family to know where I'm coming from. It all depends on the friends and family in question.

Would I deal with the local collectors? Sure. Would I deal with some of my friends? Sure. Would I deal with 'family'? No effing way.

In my 'family', this policy holds true on both sides:

Family: They're there when they need you.