Have we finally reached market saturation?? (3 Viewers)

[upNdown]

BC they were selling out of everything. Record sales will do that. Even with the supply shortage…you ordered a car it came in 3 months. And I’m not talking about premium units. I’m talking honda ford Subaru et . It wasn’t nearly as bad as advertised if you were just patient for a few months. And there’s always enough used cars out there to sell. 50M + annual. New is 13-18M. Just prices went up on used but cars were there.

No, I’m no expert, but I have a friend in the business - Honda dealership - and they couldn’t get shit. They laid off most of their people for a long time, like 6-9 months or more. She told me they couldn’t get new cars or used cars. So I don’t know.

But I will say that they were definitely doing some funky stuff with their unemployment. Massachusetts was paying people the full benefit ($600 per week) plus a bonus $600 per week for a long time - again, like 6-9 months. And it was pretty much a no questions asked situation. And I know people in businesses like that, that had to stay afloat, but couldn’t really, were somehow paying employees to work a little bit, while letting them collect too.
Technically that’s fraud for sure. But the commonwealth isn’t chasing anybody down. And I think it’s because the whole point was to keep people afloat and businesses alive during lean times. So they weren’t asking questions.

But yes, long story short, there were defining a buttload of people in this state collecting $1200 a week to stay at home, for 6-9 months or more. And I know guys who were buying snow mobiles and riding lawn mowers and whatever guns they could get their hands on. So probably poker chips too.

 

[Hornet]

Don’t forget about the “Deadwood” set Oscar. It posted in the middle of the night and was gone by morning.
Nice pick up @Hornet.
View attachment 1105781

I may have paid a lot, but I have zero regrets. They are amazeballs!

 

[upNdown]

Jim's upcoming chips will sell out because they're mint, leaded, and incredibly priced though. They represent what the average chipper can actually afford — and are a complete contrast to the Tigers, in that sense. It's a quadruple booyah!

The roulettes are leaded. At least some of them? And maybe they’re those partially leaded ones, who knows. But the price is right for mint THCs, regardless of content.
The cash chips will sell out because they look good and because he lowered the prices back to something more reasonable. Unlike that Jumers sale.

 

[Budha]

You must live in a very different world than I do. Everyone I know was tightening up on major purchases,

So I think you’re right, there was very a broad spread. However, for those who were able to maintain their income and work remotely, it created a windfall. In my area, the wait for pools went from 2-3 months, to 18 months. People were paying $1500 just to get on the waiting list for side x sides,

It was absolutely a time of irrational exuberance, it was silly. I shit you not, I saw brand new Ferrari’s with 90 day tags in the WalMart parking lot. Kids being dropped off in Astin Martin’s at school.

What were the drivers, IMHO:

- pent up post C19 demand (in states that opened up early) it was a boom, 100%.

- increased disposable income due to lower expenses. Remote working

- rapidly increasing home values in states that relaxed Covid restrictions (my house value more then doubled in 18 months)

- population migration from the coastal cities to mid - America. Fueled above home values and a massive boom, I lived it, I saw it, it was insane the number of people moving here and paying cash for houses. It’s still going on.

- all the above fueled increased investment, positive stock growth/value

- crypto

- and to a lesser extent, gov’t stimulus of which yes, a lot of $$ went to places it shouldn’t have and there was excessive fraud.

- a LOT of people were flush with cash, the velocity of $$ was skewed. Inventory on many desirable products was low. Creating a unique market dynamic.

Where the administration really f’d up was this illusionary notion that inflation was transitory and they could continue with the stimulus based monetary policies.

By the time they realized it wasn’t transitory, it was too late and the remaining available levers were to essentially throw a wet blanket over all of it.

And hence, here we are.

 

[Taghkanic]

So I think you’re right, there was very a broad spread. However, for those who were able to maintain their income and work remotely, it was created a windfall. In my area, the wait for pools went from 2-3 months, to 18 months. People were paying $1500 just to get on the waiting list for side x sides,

It was absolutely a time of irrational exuberance, it was silly. I shit you not, I saw brand new Ferrari’s with 90 day tags in the WalMart parking lot. Kids being dropped off in Astin Martin’s at school.

What were the drivers, IMHO:

- pent up post C19 demand (in states that opened up early) it was a boom, 100%.

- increased disposable income due to lower expenses. Remote working

- rapidly increasing home values in states that relaxed Covid restrictions (my house value more then doubled in 18 months)

- population migration from the coastal cities to mid - America. Fueled above home values and a massive boom, I lived it, I saw it, it was insane the number of people moving here and paying cash for houses. It’s still going on.

- all the above fueled increased investment, positive stock growth/value

- crypto

- and to a lesser extent, gov’t stimulus of which yes, a lot of $$ went to places it shouldn’t have and there was excessive fraud.

- a LOT of people were flush with cash, the velocity of $$ was skewed. Inventory on many desirable products was low. Creating a unique market dynamic.

Where the administration really f’d up was this illusionary notion that inflation was transitory and they could continue with the stimulus based monetary policies.

By the time they realized it wasn’t transitory, it was too late and the remaining available levers were to essentially throw a wet blanket over all of it.

And hence, here we are.

People who normally shop at Wal-Mart got so flush during the pandemic that they could afford Ferraris… But continued to shop at Wal-Mart?

OK, if you say so.

If true, this may be a good time to buy a used Ferrari.

 

[ssanel54]

Hey man, I love the content that you post and think you are a great resource, but curious what you think in the age of social media how much this site and videos like yours can influence opinions of new chippers, and ultimately values of collections?

I’m not a noob to collecting chips, but I can’t make heads or tails of the weight discussion….ie leaded chips are better because they can weigh anywhere from 8-11g which is also the same range that almost all other clay chips will weigh as well. But then, you need to consider more weight is only better when talking about clay chips, but doesn’t apply to CIC or anything slugged, because those are too heavy and there’s no such thing as “official casino weight”‍

Furthermore, to categorize subjective traits like feel and sound and smell, I think is complicated. Is there a reason that the clack, clack, clack of a TRK actually sounds better than a click clack click of a Paulson, other than the fact that that’s what all the TRK owners are telling us with an *If you have to ask, you don’t know what your talking about”Im assuming that mantra doesn’t hurt the value of their collections.

If enough RHC owners start amplifying the message that their chips actually sound better, do you think mass opinion can start to influence new chippers tastes?

Please don’t take any of this as a personal attack, youre the only guy who I have seen putting out this type of content, so I am curious of your thoughts?

 

[Lil Tuna]

Jim's upcoming chips will sell out because they're mint, leaded, and incredibly priced though. They represent what the average chipper can actually afford — and are a complete contrast to the Tigers, in that sense. It's a quadruple booyah!

 

[upNdown]

Hey man, I love the content that you post and think you are a great resource, but curious what you think in the age of social media how much this site and videos like yours can influence opinions of new chippers, and ultimately values of collections?

I’m not a noob to collecting chips, but I can’t make heads or tails of the weight discussion….ie leaded chips are better because they can weigh anywhere from 8-11g which is also the same range that almost all other clay chips will weigh as well. But then, you need to consider more weight is only better when talking about clay chips, but doesn’t apply to CIC or anything slugged, because those are too heavy and there’s no such thing as “official casino weight”‍

Furthermore, to categorize subjective traits like feel and sound and smell, I think is complicated. Is there a reason that the clack, clack, clack of a TRK actually sounds better than a click clack click of a Paulson, other than the fact that that’s what all the TRK owners are telling us with an *If you have to ask, you don’t know what your talking about”Im assuming that mantra doesn’t hurt the value of their collections.

If enough RHC owners start amplifying the message that their chips actually sound better, do you think mass opinion can start to influence new chippers tastes?

Please don’t take any of this as a personal attack, youre the only guy who I have seen putting out this type of content, so I am curious of your thoughts?

And please don’t take this as a personal attack, but your “allure” thread appeared to be a question initially. But it seems like it would be better titled “I don’t think leaded chips are anything special, try to convince me otherwise.”
And to be clear, I’m all for an anti-anything campaign. I happen to love lead, but if you don’t, I’m all for the anti-lead campaign. Have at it! But it got frustrating after pages of trying to explain the glories of lead to you, to come to the realization that you probably weren’t really asking a question.

 

[Budha]

People who normally shop at Wal-Mart got so flush during the pandemic that they could afford Ferraris… But continued to shop at Wal-Mart?

OK, if you say so.

If true, this may be a good time to buy a used Ferrari.

100%, I’ll see if I can find the picture I took of it.

Secondly, not all WalMarts are created equal. The Walmart in my area is nice as shit. I can go there when I need a bottle of Windex, or drive 30 min in the other direction.

Dude, maybe get a broader perspective. I shop at Walmart, and no, I absolutely do not need too. Dac Prescott does too, I’ve seen him there!

 

[DirtyTIVA]

People who normally shop at Wal-Mart got so flush during the pandemic that they could afford Ferraris… But continued to shop at Wal-Mart?

OK, if you say so.

If true, this may be a good time to buy a used Ferrari.

Nope. Not a real one.

 

[Taghkanic]

Yeah, I shop at Wal-Mart sometimes… because they have successfully undercut all the locally-owned alternatives and put them out of business. So there are no other nearby places to get many items.

Really nice Walmarts? IDGI. Every Wal-Mart I’ve ever been to was the same. Are there Wal-Marts which carry Comme des Garçons dresses in Beverly Hills?

Anyway, if I could own a Ferrari I would also hire someone to go to Wal-Mart to shop for me.

 

[LotsOfChips]

Can’t find good help? You’re probably trying to underpay people. Take just a little less profit and provide your employees a good living, and you’ll never be short of workers.

That sounds like communizm talk!

 

[jja412]

At this point the question is, "Have we finally reached this thread's saturation point?"

Yep.

 

[Budha]

Nope. Not a real one.

yup - fake

 

[Lil Tuna]

Yeah, I shop at Wal-Mart sometimes… because they have successfully undercut all the locally-owned alternatives and put them out of business. So there are no other nearby places to get many items.

Really nice Walmarts? IDGI. Every Wal-Mart I’ve ever been to was the same. Are there Wal-Marts which carry Comme des Garçons dresses in Beverly Hills?

Anyway, if I could own a Ferrari I would also hire someone to go to Wal-Mart to shop for me.

My buddy Mike owns a Ferrari and I know his Cheap Ass shops at Walmart.

 

[doublebooyah85]

No, I’m no expert, but I have a friend in the business - Honda dealership - and they couldn’t get shit. They laid off most of their people for a long time, like 6-9 months or more. She told me they couldn’t get new cars or used cars. So I don’t know.

But I will say that they were definitely doing some funky stuff with their unemployment. Massachusetts was paying people the full benefit ($600 per week) plus a bonus $600 per week for a long time - again, like 6-9 months. And it was pretty much a no questions asked situation. And I know people in businesses like that, that had to stay afloat, but couldn’t really, were somehow paying employees to work a little bit, while letting them collect too.
Technically that’s fraud for sure. But the commonwealth isn’t chasing anybody down. And I think it’s because the whole point was to keep people afloat and businesses alive during lean times. So they weren’t asking questions.

But yes, long story short, there were defining a buttload of people in this state collecting $1200 a week to stay at home, for 6-9 months or more. And I know guys who were buying snow mobiles and riding lawn mowers and whatever guns they could get their hands on. So probably poker chips too.

I am/was a Honda dealer. 2020-2022 was our best years ever. New cars sold at sticker. Volume was comparative to previous years. And used cars numbers were the highest ever. Of all the Asian brands Honda did struggle the most but still did fine.

 

[doublebooyah85]

I am/was a Honda dealer. 2020-2022 was our best years ever. New cars sold at sticker. Volume was comparative to previous years. And used cars numbers were the highest ever. Of all the Asian brands Honda did struggle the most but still did fine.

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View attachment 1105869

43 million used cars sold! At insane prices w no negotiating! It was nuts! And new car sales were pretty much flat at full blown msrp sticker! Never seen anything like it. Cash everywhere.

Bringing it back to the OP. That’s an example of a saturated market now.

 

[Lil Tuna]

43 million used cars sold! At insane prices w no negotiating! It was nuts! And new car sales were pretty much flat at full blown msrp sticker! Never seen anything like it. Cash everywhere.

Bringing it back to the OP. That’s an example of a saturated market now.

Lovin these “Boo Yah” gifs!

 

[doublebooyah85]

View attachment 1105882
Lovin these “Boo Yah” gifs!

 

[Okku]

what you think in the age of social media how much this site and videos like yours can influence opinions of new chippers, and ultimately values of collections?

I've thought about this quite a bit and I have a feeling there's been some influence, but ultimately depends on who wants to buy what chips. If someone sees them in the videos and then wants to go find them, pay a premium to have them and the price increases then it happens. I can't control anything at that point.

Is there a possibility that TRK prices went higher because I love them? IDK maybe, I'm not entirely sure.

do you think mass opinion can start to influence new chippers tastes?

This can happen all over the world in many types of hobbies and happens in life in general. You can look all around and see new "trends" or people finding out about the newest hot thing. Next thing you know, everyone wants them! Sounds a little bit like Tiger chips doesn't it? I'd say so. Don't get me wrong, the Tiger chips are very cool, but am I interested in them? Nope! A sample set? I'd like, but I don't need a whole set of them.

I think everyone on here knows that I primarily only collect TRKs exclusively. I buy Paulsons and other molds/manufacturers chips here and there, but not often. It has to be something that's rare or something that is flashy. For example, a Starlite $1000. I searched for one of those for months after seeing one on here. Interesting California singles that I've never seen or bright colors attract my eyes too. I'm sure the same can be said by many on this forum.

 

[Lil Tuna]

I've thought about this quite a bit and I have a feeling there's been some influence, but ultimately depends on who wants to buy what chips. If someone sees them in the videos and then wants to go find them, pay a premium to have them and the price increases then it happens. I can't control anything at that point.

Is there a possibility that TRK prices went higher because I love them? IDK maybe, I'm not entirely sure.

This can happen all over the world in many types of hobbies and happens in life in general. You can look all around and see new "trends" or people finding out about the newest hot thing. Next thing you know, everyone wants them! Sounds a little bit like Tiger chips doesn't it? I'd say so. Don't get me wrong, the Tiger chips are very cool, but am I interested in them? Nope! A sample set? I'd like, but I don't need a whole set of them.

I think everyone on here knows that I primarily only collect TRKs exclusively. I buy Paulsons and other molds/manufacturers chips here and there, but not often. It has to be something that's rare or something that is flashy. For example, a Starlite $1000. I searched for one of those for months after seeing one on here. Interesting California singles that I've never seen or bright colors attract my eyes too. I'm sure the same can be said by many on this forum.

 

[DirtyTIVA]

yup - fake

View attachment 1105861
View attachment 1105863

It’s only a Portofino. Take the badges off and it looks like a Mazda from the front. I stand behind my statement.

 

[upNdown]

It’s only a Portofino. Take the badges off and it looks like a Mazda from the front. I stand behind my statement.

It's an actual ferrari, just not a very good one? So it's what, like an RHC?
BOOM

 

[aggie]

People who normally shop at Wal-Mart got so flush during the pandemic that they could afford Ferraris… But continued to shop at Wal-Mart?

OK, if you say so.

If true, this may be a good time to buy a used Ferrari.

Dude maybe just learn to say "good points" instead of mocking every experience counter to your own.

 

[DirtyTIVA]

It's an actual ferrari, just not a very good one? So it's what, like an RHC?
BOOM

Beat me to it more or less. Anyway this isn’t the car forum so I’ll briefly say it’s ok but nothing special. Will be forgotten in history. It’s the continuation of the California which was a thing thrown together with random parts that was supposed to wear a Maserati badge. Just discontinued last week with the release of the Roma Spyder. To a purist it’s not a real Ferrari no. Like to a watch purist a tourbillon is not a real complication.

 

[Lil Tuna]

It's an actual ferrari, just not a very good one? So it's what, like an RHC?
BOOM

I’d drive it but I’ve got to admit I’ve done a little “slumming” in my life.

 

[upNdown]

I’d drive it but I’ve got to admit I’ve done a little “slumming” in my life.

Ha, they start at $230K. So not only is it worth more than any car I've ever owned, it's actually worth more than EVERY car I've ever owned, put together. And I'm 49.
Edit: Escort, Probe, F150, Grand Caravan, Sebring, Altima, Altima, Outback.

 

[DMack]

BC they were selling out of everything. Record sales will do that. Even with the supply shortage…you ordered a car it came in 3 months. And I’m not talking about premium units. I’m talking honda ford Subaru et . It wasn’t nearly as bad as advertised if you were just patient for a few months. And there’s always enough used cars out there to sell. 50M + annual. New is 13-18M. Just prices went up on used but cars were there.

And reason why sales were up? Cash was being printed and expenses were down.

Just like chip. But since this hobby never had a hike in costs, Covid + WW did it. My thoughts. Dude bought every premium set every NAGB ever fantasy he touched them all.

I live in the Midwest, and this is EXACTLY what was going on in my state and every state that bordered us. A couple of my good friends are in the car business, and they said they never even came close to the sales that happened during that time. They also remarked they had no clue where all the money was coming from.

I work in a field where we deal with a lot of the freeloaders. Perfectly capable of working, but would rather leech. These people that hadn’t worked a job in their entire life were getting their “benefits” doubled and tripled. The few that actually did “work” a little ended up quitting because why work when you get a massive pay raise to sit on your ass all day??

I e of my best friends is in the restaurant business. He took out a legitimate PPP loan thinking he would need it for his employees. Well, he couldn’t get anyone to show up for work anymore, he adapted his business and ended up almost doubling his best ever years. Did he have to repay the loan? Nope, just keep it. He was shocked.

I truly would love to be able to live in an oblivious state where you either don’t have to witness this nonsense, or where it makes yourself feel better to willfully turn a blind eye to it.

 

[Budha]

Beat me to it more or less. Anyway this isn’t the car forum so I’ll briefly say it’s ok but nothing special. Will be forgotten in history. It’s the continuation of the California which was a thing thrown together with random parts that was supposed to wear a Maserati badge. Just discontinued last week with the release of the Roma Spyder. To a purist it’s not a real Ferrari no. Like to a watch purist a tourbillon is not a real complication.

I’ll be sure and leave a note the next time I see one.

 

[ssanel54]

And please don’t take this as a personal attack, but your “allure” thread appeared to be a question initially. But it seems like it would be better titled “I don’t think leaded chips are anything special, try to convince me otherwise.”
And to be clear, I’m all for an anti-anything campaign. I happen to love lead, but if you don’t, I’m all for the anti-lead campaign. Have at it! But it got frustrating after pages of trying to explain the glories of lead to you, to come to the realization that you probably weren’t really asking a question.

Nah, I’m not anti lead. I think most of my sets are leaded, but that had nothing to do with why I bought them. I get the shaped and textured inlay appeal, but I’m sure I would love them on new paulsons as well.
I also think there are lots of heavy chips out there that don’t have lead, but Nobody is saying they love heavy chips in general…it just seems to be about leaded chips and the fact that they are sometimes heavier