General Forum

As I have now completed a good number of trades, I was wondering if anyone else had ever thought about this? Every trade seems to follow the "equal value" rule no matter the quantity vs. quality. I, as I'm sure thousands of others have, have made 40 for 2, 50 for 3, etc. trades. With the 2 or 3 costing the price of a stamp while the 40 or 50 costing $5, $10, and up depending on the destination. 

I have had many trades declined following this pattern because I added a card or two on their end to offset the shipping discrepency.

Am I alone on the island or have others dealt with this?

There is no set rule so it comes down to both parties agreeing. I understand your view but I will offer the other side of things, the side getting the fewer cards is also getting the higher value (more desireable) cards so they should be willing to eat the shipping cost on their mostly commons which are relatively worthless in today's hobby landscape.

In the end it just comes down to two sides agreeing on what is fair but I can see it from both sides.

I'm not really sure I follow without considering two things:

1. Why such a discrepancy in numbers? Is it modern for vintage?
2. If so, then who's initiating this deal?

I'm not saying they're unfair, but as Brent stated, communication may be most important if seeking a trade like that, and to me that would have to come beforehand.

I've made trades this way, and would definitely again.  But this is why its much easier to make trades with in similar eras.  When its roughly the same on both sides (base vs. insert, new vs. vintage, etc.) its just easier to feel like its fair.

After competing nearly 300 trades over the past two years or so I would say so long as both parties are satisfied with the trade proposal that would be the #1 thing. Also factors such as quantity/quality/postage etc. taken together are likely what most would deem relevant.

I have only done a couple of trades here but can honestly say I have never looked at the $ "value" of the cards. I can not tell you exact $ values for any of my cards. (I have an approximate idea that this card is "worth" $10 and this one 10c but nothing specific).

I litteraly view it as I am getting rid of cards I do not want for cards I do.

I would question things if I felt the trade partner was being rediculous in their requests but so far have not felt that.

As to postage, well I live in New Zealand so both sides are getting screwed in that regard!  

I am new to the site, so feel free to evaluate my opinion accordingly. I agree that you shouldn't be completely eating the costs of postage if the costs are way out of balance, especially if you are making multiple trades. However, from  my perspective, I would be much more likely to suggest evening the balance though a $5 PayPal payment or me including a book of stamps in with my envelope than me giving up one or two cards with a much higher average value than the cards I am receiving. That card or two might bring me into another deal later and I would not give up that opportunity lightly.

Patrick

I don't care about what some nobody says a card is "worth". I like to trade an equal number of cards, or fairly close to an equal number. I don't mind sending more than I recieve, and I don't even mind sending a card along for future considerations (although no one has EVER taken me up on that...which is actually kind of frustrating. My local shops don't stock cards very well and I would like to be able to call in a favor of picking me up a pack I can't get locally).

Since I only trade duplicates, I'm happy to send them off to somebody who wants them. Far better than just sitting in my duplicates box for decades, as some have literally been in my posession for more than 25 years. I think I've done 100 cards for 60 cards on more than one occasion, but I really have no idea. I don't track what I send out, only what I take in. 

When I do trades, I tell the other person to send me what they feel is fair to them. As long as the other person is happy. It works out. Postage might be a deal breaker to some. To me it's just part of doing bussiness. Postage to and from Canada, I would hesitate on those trades.

I send out a proposal accept it or counter it 

Its that easy dont make it harder then what it is