Confess My Sins

[sanjosefuji]

I think most of us would agree... when it comes to our hobby... there really isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to collect cards. There are an endless number of ways for people to enjoy our hobby.

However there are certain topics that often garner very strong opinions from collectors that sometimes have them choose sides. Over the years, I've read my fair share of arguments involving the use of PWE's, the decision to get cardsgraded, and of course discuss the ethics behind the great pack searching debate.

Today's post revolves around the disdain for dealers who utilize the term, eBay 1/1 in their listings to increase the value of their product.


If you're not familiar with the term, watch the video above. The YouTuber does a great job of explaining what they are as he discusses his frustration with vendors who use them. As a fellow player collector, I totally understand his frustrations and if you read the comments on his video, you'll see that his subscribers do too.

With that being said... I'm here to confess my sins and admit to the collecting world that I have actually fell for the scam and paid a premium on two separate occasions in recent months for a pair of dreaded eBay 1/1's.

Last month, I purchased this 2015 Topps Tekautograph of Jose Altuve:

The fact that the card was serial numbered01/25 convinced me to bid a few dollars higher than I'd normally pay for this card. I had been monitoring a few copies on eBay and was looking to spend $15 to $20 (+ shipping) on it. I ended up paying $22.50 (+ $3.45shipping) for it.

A few months earlier, I paid $7 for this 2015 Panini Clear Vision Jumbo Jerseys Primecard of Derek Carr:

I normally wouldn't go out of my way to pick up a Derek Carrmemorabilia card, but this one caught my eye when I noticed it was also the first card in the run. Had this card been numbered 02/49, I probably would have paid $3, maybe $4 tops. But since it was an eBay 1/1... I paid a premium... although technically this wasn't an actual eBay purchase.

I realize that most collectors wouldn't pay a premium for these eBay 1/1's and I can totally see why. However as a guy who actually collects them, I've got to face the fact that there are going to be times when I dig a little deeper into my pocket.


Does this only encourage eBayvendors to continue the trend? Yeah. But I enjoy collecting them... and like I said at the beginning of the post... there really isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to collect cards.


Okay, it's your turn...

What are your thoughts on vendors who try to capitalize on so called, eBay 1/1's?

Have you or would you consider paying extra for a special serial numbered card?

Looking forward to reading your responses.


Happy Tuesday and sayonara!

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