An era is really over (3 Viewers)

[Labrat]

I’m not. But in the early 90s, a crappy z would cost you like $180.
I have no idea how far back you have to go to get to $15

Oh my mistake. I misread your OP.

Got it.

 

[Taghkanic]

If the prices of quality clay chips truly just keep going up, then there is zero risk in buying them.

Say you buy a set from TCR for $1.75K, use it a few dozen times for a few years, then sell it for $3K.

You just got paid to borrow a set of Paulsons for a few years.

The real issue then is not actually the prices per se but the barrier to entry to those who can’t float the initial price for a few years.

 

[BPTDirector]

I’m not. But in the early 90s, a crappy z would cost you like $180.
I have no idea how far back you have to go to get to $15

I graduated in 1974, 50 years ago.

 

[DirtyTIVA]

If the prices of quality clay chips truly just keep going up, then there is zero risk in buying them.

Say you buy a set from TCR for $1.75K, use it a few dozen times for a few years, then sell it for $3K.

You just got paid to borrow a set of Paulsons for a few years.

The real issue then is not actually the prices per se but the barrier to entry to those who can’t float the initial price for a few years.

Thought exercise: what TCR sets fall under that category and how many years ago did the last example happen?

Off the top of my head I can only think of

PCA secondary
Aztar secondary

Some denoms for EJ sec
Jack Detroit and HSI have held their values for sure but I don’t see a doubling
Some Jack Cinci denoms

Everything else I think has either gone nowhere (not bad really), or down- especially the extensively played chips.

I would say for any newer members don’t expect your holdings to go up in value. Just buy the chips to enjoy them. Same logic for buying a car or luxury timepiece. If you care about the value, buy Tinas.

 

[ekricket]

I’m not. But in the early 90s, a crappy z would cost you like $180.
I have no idea how far back you have to go to get to $15

1979

Mid shelf is currently around $75 oz out the door here. It’s been under $100 for about a year now. Crazy.

 

[quintooo]

I have no idea how far back you have to go to get to $15

couple hundred miles back south to Mexico will get you there

 

[DirtyTIVA]

couple hundred miles back south to Mexico will get you there

If you make it back or if they find your body ever again.

 

[Bluegrass Poker]

couple hundred miles back south to Mexico will get you there

You just may not make it back. LOL

 

[Johnblue]

Okay, hold on, I thought this dude was complaining about the auctions that just took place, but now I just saw Jim is having an Oldschool chiproom sale for some AMAZING HOTSTAMPS.

Now I literally have no idea what was he even complaining about? The price? looks fair to me… cheaper than the NAGB chips and in my opinion way more collectable…

OK boomer.

See you on the 7th… I’ll be clicking for those 1k single chips.

 

[allforcharity]

"The good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems"

 

[FreeBop59]

"The good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems"

 

[BamaT8ter]

“Things aren’t the same as they used to be.”

I always enjoy this thread when someone posts it. And I get to enjoy it about 5 times a year.

 

[Johnblue]

Thanks for the perspective "Bro", but I've been around a bit longer than that.

In regards to these specific chips - I have less than zero interest. I remember when the GOAT hot stamped THC hit the market...and I didn't want any of them either!

Again, I don't care about pricing, what people sell their chips for, what a few wealthy people will pay, or do I have any regrets about chipsets sold.

I'm talking about the end of an era.

I remember when we could buy from ASM, BCC and TRK. I remember having conversations with Jim B. (and Sallie), Mike Endy, as well as Dennis from TRK.

When we could no longer buy from them, it was the end of an era.

I remember the sense of community when the hobby could still be a community. People helping each other out, sending chips for free, swapping as needed.

As the group got bigger, that died and it was the end of an era.

I remember buying my first hot stamp machine and stamping anything I could. I'd make custom addons for peoples sets and surprise them. I'd make tourney sets (no T1) for gifts. I made some classic sets that older members still cherish.

When I sold the machine, it was the end of an era for me.

I remember TCR sales with no limits and no restrictions. Sales that would take weeks, even months to sell out with ever declining prices. I remember buying PCA $1's for $0.49/chip.

When the flippers came and broke the system, it was the end of an era.

I remember all the different ways that Jim tried to figure out a fair system for chips to get to everyone. Each one was defeated and broken by the flippers.
Every sale was closer to market value, and that is fine. The person doing the work should get the reward.

It's still the end of an era though.

That's what I was trying to say. That we've likely seen the end of an era, and are heading to something new.

On the bright side, if there is more money to be made on the "wholesale" level, there will likely be more competition, and more competition means more people looking, and that may result in more sets getting to market.

No disrespect intended, sir.

Remember how long those empress chips stayed up there? Like 29c a chip… haha. I am still kicking myself for not buying those back then. I was studying the market then, watching the sales. I finally pulled the trigger on grand Vic’s.