Marvelous Mibs Marbles Collectors Zone

Ponkochan

Well, since I've decided to keep this board open for posting.....I thought that I would start off with something that I have been wondering about lately. Wink

In watching ebay marble auctions, it seems that more "new" marbles are being sold for more than they're worth..........than was the case a few years ago. Has anyone else noticed this.............or have I just been out of the loop for too long? Laughing

I'm posting this one example because this seller consistently has buyers for these new Chinese handmades (along with other modern mibs) that apparently don't have a clue. (I have emailed her in the past but didn't get any response. I'm sure that others have also.) I feel sure that she knows..............as her listings all state, "PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SOME OF THESE MARBLES MIGHT BE NEWER I'M NOT A EXPERT." What really surprises me is how many sellers like this, still end up with 100% positive feedback. Question

Whaddya think?

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Lizzy

Alan · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Maryland

I think:

1. Money comes easier to some more than others. For some people - $30 is barely lunch money.
2. People buy what they like. "Value" is weighed and measured by some (especially collectors) - and very little by others.
3. I see people waste money and have absolutely nothing to show for it in many, many ways every day. Fast food, crazy cell phone bills..... the list is endless. At least this person ends up with a glass marble.
4. A fool and their money will always be parted. Some catch on - others not so much. Its nothing we can or should attempt to influence.

YMMV

Ponkochan · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:27 am Post subject:

I totally agree with what you said, Alan..........amongst my friends & family, I am famous for being willing to part with my money (regardless of perceived value), as long as I derived pleasure out of it. I would challenge anyone to tell me how I should spend my hard earned money! Laughing

I should have been clearer about what I was trying to find out.

It seemed that there was more activity on the boards/forums a few years ago from newer collectors/ebay buyers.............asking questions related to "marble collecting". There were lots of references to Alan B.'s website (the I.D. site that is pretty much archived now). Also when I was selling marbles on ebay, I used to get a good number of emails from new collectors asking for opinions, etc. on marbles.

I was wondering if a decline in this type activity may be partly the reason that a $2-$3 dollar marble will sell for $30.

I can see paying for "what you like" and not really caring about value, especially if the item is something that you don't see often. But these new Chinese handmades (or other modern mibs) are readily available for a couple of dollars a piece.
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Lizzy

lstmmrbls · Site Admin Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 696

I wonder if a lot of newer collectors see the prices some marbles are getting and just dive in before doing any proper research hoping they are making a killing. . More money than brains?? What really sucks is that ebay took away the ability to let people know they are way over bidding on new mass produced items. I actually believe I should do my part in educating folks about this when I can as I was schooled by some nice folks when I got into the Hobby and I greatly appreciated it. Of course I still ended up with some junk(LOL) Pay It Forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Peace,Galen

Ponkochan · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:22 am Post subject:

You know............I hadn't thought about that aspect, Galen.

Yeah, there was a formidable "Marble Po-leese" that used to be able to school the newbie buyers before they took the "big plunge". Laughing

At that time, I wondered how much, if any, doing that helped the new buyer/collector. Luckily, I lived with a knowledgeable collector (my brother), but I'm sure that if I hadn't, I would've made my share of costly mistakes. I'm sure the unscrupulous sellers/scammers are loving this new ebay rule.

Hmmmmm...........interesting to know if it's made a significant difference.

But yes, "Pay it forward" whenever you can! Very Happy

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Lizzy

mmuehlba · Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 171 Location: Lannon Wi

Well I think it is all when to look and buy , there are all sort of deals but may be some one just starting has to study more or ask . some of my finds last week , it was just a few time looking till I found value . Nice popeye's and three Charles Gibson marbles . Mike

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370394509796

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320547297014

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120583008777

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120582797660

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120582362934

This one I bought so every one would look to see and notice how bad it was and then hope fulley not look at others as I wanted the big popeye .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350363237295

when looking to buy I try and get a few from the same seller . . MIKE

Ponkochan · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 5:03 pm Post subject:

Mike, I like your strategy (bidding on the beat-up one) Laughing

.

You sure did score some deals! The big Akro here with oxblood & green looks very interesting.

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Lizzy

mmuehlba · Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 171 Location: Lannon Wi

That is a nice Popeye's a big 11/16 . the other lot with the three Popeye's was the best , almost like finding in the wild , the red and blue was to die for , there was a lot of other corks that were very vice and two Helmets , I am always liking them and they are the style I call Akro . the better color cork was the blue base with an orange cork , that is only my second one in the collection . As far as the beat up onion skin well a few years ago I took a lot of chipped up hand mades to the Badger show and was Lucky as one person came threw buying them all as they were cheep and he could put them in an auction and make a killing do not know if that happened But I now have a lot more . .

As for the new marbles I am just Lucky I could recognize who made them and with him being deceased they were a good deal , The Davis marble was what the heck why not still cheaper than at a show. and could fit in with the shipping cost ,

Ponkochan · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 10:39 pm Post subject:

Dang, I'm jealous. hehe I didn't see these until now.......because I had missed the 2nd link that you posted that went to this auction.

.............and now realizing that the big one was a Popeye.......I'm even more jealous. Laughing

Although I don't really collect Contemporaries........at the price you got those for, I would've been a buyer.
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Lizzy

Kraut · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 210

After the 1970s, the prevailing mentality was "spend, spend, SPEND," you'll get more money to replace what you spend.
That was the mentality that drove our inflated, false economy.
And it worked - until lately.
We old guys remember when you didn't spend until you had the cash to do it.
The only "credit" was a bank loan you had to apply for each time you needed (and I mean NEEDED) a sum of money for a large purchase.
We are reverting back to that type of economy, but a lot of people don't understand that yet.
They're the ones buying marbles (which have kept their value better than the vast majority of collectibles), but they're not buying the right marbles.
Not being an economist, this is just MHO.