Poster dealers are, uh...weird.*

[wonka]

*with exceptions, of course...you know who you are.

Up front I am not trying to be disrespectful, but in my 8 or so odd years of collecting have found that more times than not, I have found that 'dealers' are an odd bunch collectively.

Cinevent is a great place to test this theory. Have met several nice, respectful, and engaging folks who seem to be well versed in all things social mores there. However, this is the exception more than the rule. Many times I would be at a booth when the boss man would hawk down and begin to annoy, be rude, or downright lie. No matter how much I want a poster I turn around and leave on principle when it gets to that point.

Yesterday I was at this huge antique type show, tons of pop culture stuff there, my wife and I have bought a bunch cool pieces for our house in the past. They were filming American Pickers and a new show there yesterday as well. Long story short, I come across a really cool PanAm travel poster from the 60s. About C6-7 condition, has water damage albeit not in the main picture area, a few rips, and so on. I let the dealer tell me what he thinks it is and what he thinks it is worth ('hundreds and hundreds') but is willing to take less. He tells me what he wants, I tell him I won't pay that much but will be back (quick phone research, haha). He follows me and says 'whats your price? why are you leaving, you got me out of my chair to talk about it, let's go!". I'm like...uh, good luck with the tattered poster and chair. Peace.

Had a guy at Cinevent tell me I didn't know what I was talking about when I asked him why his Return of the Jedi B (folded) was $350. Guess I don't then. Guess I will keep on moving too.

Endless more examples, but you get the point. Is it the stacks and rolls of endless paper substituting for actual human beings in terms of interaction on a daily basis that hurt things in the interpersonal area?

Thierry alluded to this in his Comic Con thread, and generally I agree with him. Dealers can really be a downer. Thank goodness for the internets and mouse clicks that bring posters to your doorstep without the weirdness, but also thank goodness for dealers that give their ilk a good name. Somewhat.

Thoughts?

[jayn_j]

I suspect the dislike is somewhat mutual.  I would never want to make my living at this because collectors are also an odd lot.  They are generally educated on condition and prices.  They also compete in the wholesale market for the very same posters.  It seems like every time I am bidding with Bruce or Rich, I find myself up against posteratati, gtposters or cinemasterpieces.  Who knows how many other dealers are hiding their identity?  When I lose to one of them, I go look and the item is quickly listed for three times the auction price.  Finally, collectors love to talk and argue endlessly.

Dealers have to make money.  Most don't sell much on a daily basis, so profits have to be fairly high to cover overhead.  Face it, we are not their market.

Now, what I don't understand is why dealers will take semi-common items to shows.  The people there are the faithful.  They know what stuff is worth, so the likelihood of selling for big profit is low.  I think the biggest benefit for the dealers is the ability to socialize and to trade stock so they have fresh items back home.  I doubt it is worthwhile to sell to you or me.

[CSM]

Sort of along the same lines...

When I occasionally sell things on eBay I sometimes get requests to "pickup in person".

I flat out deny this option due to the similar "Buyer Weirdness Factor"

[bondposters.com]

I can empathise with Ben.
There have been numerous times I have attended shows and been spoken to in a condescending manner; as if I know not a thing.

What I find disgusting as well is the terrible looks some dealers give you.
I've witnessed several do it when I've helped my mate out with his stall (he doesn't sell posters), and have been unfortunate enough to experience it myself - I don't take too kindly to that sort of thing, especially when they have no idea who I am.

There are, as intimated, exceptions.
One is Quadbod (Terry & Sue).
They smile at all times, and if you're not interested in making a purchase they will still talk to you, and importantly, they will not pursue you.

With posters, I find the hard sell is the wrong way to go about it.
I'd rather buy from happy, friendly dealers for a higher price than buy from ignorant, pushy, unsociable dealers.

When I sell from MovieMemories.com, eBay or now eBid, I always give the option of "Collection in Person".
Granted, you do meet some interesting, eccentric characters, but isn't that the fun of it!?
I also find it amazing what people actually own! And sometimes you just wouldn't think it!

[joneyyy]

iv only ever come across 2 dealers who are very nice to deal & talk with... the rest just want your money or preach... or lie.

[eatbrie]

I used to be an in-n-out kinda guy.  I see something I like, I make an offer, they don't want it, I'm out, no questions asked.  The least time I spend in their general vicinity, the better I feel.  Now, I avoid them altogether and shop on line.  Don't care for their outrageous prices, don't care for their service or what they have to say.  A few times, I got genuinely scared by their physical appearance.  I understand that handling paper is not always glamorous, but some of them looked like Michael Myers without the mask.  So no more for me.

And BTW, I have met Rich and he is not one of them.  So that we're all on the same page, here.  The people I'm talking about probably don't even know how to use a computer, or maybe just for porn sites.

T

[Chop-Top]

I have to agree with you Wonka. I've been collecting sports memorabilia since the late '80s. While there are some quirky sports dealers out there, there is definitely a higher PERCENTAGE of quirky movie paper dealers. I've named a few of them already in the dealers to avoid topic.

[paul waines]

Being a tight Yorkshireman, I buy very little from dealers. The one's I have bought from, their odd ways don't bother me, I'm there for a poster, full stop. The one dealer, or dealers I have bought most from is Quadbod (Terry & Sue), they are like old friends, who just happen to have some posters for sale. So I will spend some time talking films, and posters with them, Great people. Other sellers (not dealers) just annoy me so I'm in and out.  Mind that said, I have met a few first rate people who collect posters.

[wonka]

Yeah, it is always a breath of fresh air when you meet a dealer that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable within the first few seconds.

A couple times I would even go as far as saying that I felt unsafe. A stretch perhaps, but at the time I remember feeling like this guy was going to fight me if I didn't buy something, and one guy in particular gave me vibes like he was going to follow me to my car.

I never understood the 'I know everything, you know nothing' rude approach some dealers encompass. It's crazy, really, and a wonder they make any money at all. I guess they are thankful for the internets as well...

[Harry Caul]

So it sounds like what we need to do is tell dealers that we are also dealers (which in a way we are... research prices, knowledgeable about rarity/countries/conditions, buy wholesale, etc...).  I'm sure that will cut through the vast majority of the bull-shit games and holier-than-thou attitudes. 

Basically, maybe they'll drop the act and joke with us as to why they are charging suckers triple what you can buy them for online instead of trying to convince us they are worth it.

[MoviePosterBid.com]

the only real comment I have to make is that unless you've taken the time to hang out with someone for more than the 3 minutes you're asking about the items on display (unless you're getting involved into a deal that takes longer) then all you're really getting is a small snapshot of that person. That's why they brew beer.
 

[MoviePosterBid.com]

And BTW, I have met Rich and he is not one of them. 

and Thierry's lyin' 

[bondposters.com]

iv only ever come across 2 dealers who are very nice to deal & talk with... the rest just want your money or preach... or lie.

Who are these nice dealers, Jonny?
Would be good for everyone to know