Someone mentioned to me the other day that they did not like seeing exceptionally expensive items at comic book conventions. He said that dealers should know that people are not going to have “thousands of dollars to bring to a show to drop on an item that costs more than the average person makes in a month.” Ahh, but there are reasons why dealers bring exceptionally expensive items to conventions.
What are Exceptionally Expensive Items?
I am not going to be talking about items which are a few hundred dollars in this article. Instead, I am going to be talking about items such as a high graded copy of Avengers #4, pre-#100 issues of Batman, or some of the rarest in toy collectibles.
Exceptionally Expensive Items Create a Buzz
Typically, dealers will bring these items in just to grab attention. These items are sometimes called “honey pots” as they will bring people in like bees. In many cases, it will be the first or only time a collector might see a prized item and is a reminded that big prizes and finds are always out there. The more people around a particular booth, the higher the chance of making a sale.
Exceptionally Expensive Items Intimidate
Sometimes, dealers like to intimidate each other. They like to brag about what items they have found and the deals they were able to take advantage of. If I was a dealer sitting across from one with a key expensive issue on display, I might be a little jealous. Every little chance to knock the competition off should be taken.
Exceptionally Expensive Items Sometimes Sell
I have been at many conventions where I have heard about items selling for in the four to five figure range. While these are rare, a dealer with an expensive item has every chance while dealers who keep the expensive items back don’t have any chance. Maybe…today will be the day that…
