Comps

I frequently have conversations with people and the word “comp” is thrown around way too often.

These conversations are go something like this: 

“I looked at comps…,” “the most recent comps…,” “This comp was at…”

Comp… comp… comp… and more comp.

Although I am, by nature, a guy who finds comfort in stats and numbers when it comes to the hobby, I’ve had about enough with comps being the end-all-be-all in the sports cards market.

Trust is, a card is worth what someone is willing to pay for it… period. 

I once bought a Lanny McDonald auto from the Cup and paid, what I’m sure of over comps for.

Does this make me stupid? 

Does this make me a terrible business person?

No.

It makes me someone who collects Lanny McDonald cards, did not have that card, was searching for that card, and finally found it. 

If you think for one minute I was going to haggle over 10% or bother to scroll through 130point.com to make sure I wasn’t getting ripped off… You’re crazy. 

I needed that card. I wanted that card. I wasn’t going to lose that card because it was priced a few dollars over the most recent comp.

It works the other way, too. 

In fact, this is what every dealer on the planet sets out to do with every purchase… disregard the comps and pay below it. 

So seriously, I ask you… why do we pay so much attention to these numbers? 

Look, I agree that they are a great guidepost for market value. 

That said, I paid 40% less for a Cade Cunningham rookie auto when I bought it at a card show in Indiana, than I would have paid for the exact same card up here in Detroit, where Cunningham plays. 

Should different locations have different comps? 

Maybe.

Either way, comps are not the final say in any deal, people. 

The card is worth what someone is willing to pay for it… period. 

So please, stop beating yourself up if you fall short of the “current comp,” on a deal. It’s okay.