Is Topps' Pricing a Problem? Probstein Back on eBay
Mike and Jesse dive into the biggest market movers and the hottest debates—starting with whether Topps' pricing strategy a problem for collectors?
They break down the shocking $3,300 starting price and $1,625 final price for the Topps Chrome Basketball Jumbo First Day Issue in a rapid-fire Dutch Auction. They also discuss how these massive price discrepancies impact the hobby and whether it's sustainable.
The guys are joined by Tory from DCSports87 to preview a massive 2-night eBay Live event featuring a high-profile lineup of cards, including a Luka Doncic NTRPA and the MJ 1984 Star Rookie card. They also look at comps on the MJ card as well as other highly desired cards like Kobe autos, which will be featured in the live. Be sure to check that out here!
In today's mailbag listeners wrote in asking about the current state of 'Whatnot' enforcement, key buying trends and the economics of card grading strategies to maximize profits.
Let us know in the comments: Do you think Topps' pricing model is a problem?
Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense
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1:09:38
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1:09:38
Beginner's Guide to The Hobby l TOUGH Questions & Answers with Upper Deck President Jason Masherah
Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson open the show with a beginner-friendly guide to entering the sports card hobby. They cover how to approach breaks, what research actually matters, and where the line really is between cleaning a card and altering it.
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah then joins the show for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the hobby. He dives into card pricing, how wealthy collectors influence spending, and why manipulation goes far beyond shill bidding. Jason also explains the tension between serving collectors and answering to shareholders, why Upper Deck doesn’t sell hobby boxes direct on its site, the realities behind products like The Cup, and the realities of breaking scams.
He sticks around for mailbag questions covering Scotty Scheffler card possibilities, how ePack actually works, and why certain products are designed specifically for hobby-first buyers.
After Jason signs off, Mike and Jesse tackle more mailbag questions on anonymous eBay sales, what could spark the hobby’s next downturn, and the long-term impact of high-end releases.
Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense
Be sure to use code: NONSENSE #Harryspod #Sponsored
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1:13:15
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1:13:15
Arguing with a Controversial Hobby Figure, More Scandal Talk
Mike Gioseffi is joined by the controversial yet insightful guest, Nick Andrews, also known as the Boston Card Hunter for today's episode of Sports Cards Nonsense. The conversation explores the current state of the market, the impact of auction houses, and the evolving landscape of card grading. Nick shares his candid thoughts on the recent hobby scandals and his strategic decisions in the hobby, offering a unique perspective on navigating the highs and lows of collecting.
From Probstein and Snype to liquidity events and the impact of repacks, plus the most dangerous part of the sports card hobby, this episode has it all. Mike also ends with a mailbag covering some new releases and the cause of GOAT card spikes.
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53:52
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53:52
Have You Been Probstein'ed? Massive Hobby Scandal + Interview with The National
Buckle up for a jam-packed, scandal-filled episode of Sports Cards Nonsense as Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson dive into the latest controversies and updates in the hobby.
We start with a discussion on the recent security issues and allegations surrounding Probstein. From a massing shilling scandal to a data breech, it only sounds like bad news when it comes to this story.
Topps Chrome Basketball dropped this week and Mike has mixed reactions on the prices.
We also talk with the management team of The National Sports Collectors Convention about upcoming changes, vendor expansions, and new features like Pokémon TCG. Thanks to Jim Ryan, Joe Drelich and Brian Coppola for joining us!
Later, the guys discuss Geoff Wilson's interview with Dr. Beckett and claims that shill bidding isn't self bidding. *Insert your eye rolls here.*
We finish with a Mike vs Jesse Arena Club slab battle giveaway.
Tune in to see who wins, hear from The National team and get the latest on the hobby scandals.
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1:11:14
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1:11:14
Are We in Another Hobby Bubble? Topps Town Hall Update
In today's episode, Mike and Jesse discuss the end of the wax drought and the continued explosion of the grails market, highlighting significant sales and the potential for future investments.
The episode also features talk on the MLB MVP buyback program, analyzing the impact of recent pricing changes on card values. Mike and Jesse discuss the intricacies of the buyback process and offer insights into maximizing returns on specific card types.
Additionally, they engage in a lively discussion about the latest updates from the Topps townhall meeting, including upcoming product releases and strategic shifts in the collectibles market. Plus, Fanatics Fest prices are out with tickets now available. Are they WAY too expensive?
The episode ends with listener questions in the mailbag segment, offering perspectives on everything from saving spots in line at GameStop to the future of eBay's PWE service, and women's basketball's new leagues.
Plus, Tory from DCSports87 has an awesome update on their payout rates.
Don't forget to vote for SCN for Best Media Platform in the Hobby Awards!
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A podcast featuring Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson that’s about sports, the Sports card market, and how to make money with this hobby. Who you should be buying and selling - along with the occasional fantasy football advice.