Condition/Value Question

[Deleted]

Hey all!
So I mentioned in my very first thread that I was considering starting a US MOC collection (thanks to this awesome forum and all of your amazing collections)

So...I've been checkin' out Ebay the past couple of days...
Now keep in mind I am a virgin with all of this...but how do you really know if you are getting a good deal or not?
I've collected other sorts of things over the years and realize that sometimes a particular item might be worth more to someone else but with that said...
I really would not like to have to overpay for something considering this will be an expensive collection to complete.
I saw a Bret Hart red series which in my opinion looks to be in excellent condition. Seller is asking $100
Is $100 too much/too little/just right? And how much does the condition really effect the value?
A lot of MOC's that I see have some slight bending on the card but how much is too much, ya know?
Do any of you have MOC's that have slightly imperfect cards?
Sorry for all the questions! Thanks guys!

[Ry_D]

Condition definitely affects value. That Bret is pretty awesome. In poorer shape they can go for less. I have seen them go for slightly more as well.
What you'll find is in collecting things are quite cyclical. I would advise that you don't plunge head on in first. Sit back and see what things go for first to avoid over paying on a lot of things. I think most of us probably wish we had done that to start with.

[Deleted]

RY, I appreciate your reply. I will most certainly take into consideration what you have said.

If you don't mind me asking...have you ever made a purchase that you knew was way too much?
Just wondering if that's a point I might come to down the road in order to obtain certain pieces.

Or was it more a matter of just not knowing at the time that a price was too high?

[Kasper.ca]

I've made hundreds of purchases since I started collecting. I only regret (overpaid) two of them.

The best thing you can do is research stuff before you buy. Look around on the buy/sell sites like craiglist, etc... to see what personal ads are listed for. Go to Ebay and look at COMPLETED listings (sold) to see what has been sold and unsold for what prices.

Go from there.

[Mr. Mojo Risin]

And if all else fails, use fire...lol sorry, you are always welcome to send me a pm and I'd be happy to guide you along, I've literally been collecting hasbros, ljns, rancid and gallons for over 20 years and I am happy to help, welcome to a larger world