Britboy
01-16-2003, 04:13 PM
Well, I've just had my very first video game collecting experience that left a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I've been spoiled because since I plunged back into this hobby because I've only dealt with good, knowledgeable people. That changed today when I went into a local "Cyber X-change" store looking for a dogbone controller for the NES. First off, the guy claims there is no such thing and that I must mean an NES MAX controller, and showed me one. I told him that no, that wasn't it, it was shaped like a dog bone or figure 8. He said "I've been in video games for 20 years and I've never heard of it, which means that you must be wrong because I've heard of everything." I shit you not, that's what he said. I figured it was just a lack of communication, so I actually drew him a picture and told him that it came with top loader systems. He said nope, nintendo never came out with anything like that.
Ok, so at this point I realize that the guy has his head up his ass and it's not worth arguing. Fine, I decide to just browse the other stuff in the place. He looked out front and asked if that was my Mini Cooper. I said yes, and I guess to him that meant I was loaded. Now, my name may be Mark, but that doesn't mean I am an EASY mark. The guy said that I mentioned a top loader NES, and he could get me one cheap. I was on my way out because he didn't have any NES carts for less than $10, but that made me pause and ask how much. He said $600. I told him he had to be kidding, and he said nope, thats what those great rare systems go for, and he had just sold one that morning for $1100 at auction. I asked if the person he sold it to was crazy, and he said "no, that's what they go for with the box, I sold a boxed Atari 2600 for almost two thousand at auction too." I laughed out loud and told him that was a total ripoff and I could get a toploader on Ebay for $100 MAX. I think he then realized I wasn't a mark, because he said well then you go do that. I said I would, and that I'd also tell every collector I know in the area not to shop there and walked out, with him saying "Bye!"
Man, I couldn't believe it. I guess it burned more than it should've because when i was collecting comics back in the 80's, the only comic dealer in the area was also a total ripoff asshole. I sold that prick more than my fair share of valuable comics for 1/10th the value, just because I was 16 and broke and had no other option and I wanted to buy pot.
Ah, now I feel better, having vented and being back among friends who actually know what they are talking about. That guy gets my nomination to take the award from John Edwards and become the new "Biggest Douche in the Universe!" I only wish I could follow through on my threat, but I don't know any other collectors around here! LOL
Ok, so at this point I realize that the guy has his head up his ass and it's not worth arguing. Fine, I decide to just browse the other stuff in the place. He looked out front and asked if that was my Mini Cooper. I said yes, and I guess to him that meant I was loaded. Now, my name may be Mark, but that doesn't mean I am an EASY mark. The guy said that I mentioned a top loader NES, and he could get me one cheap. I was on my way out because he didn't have any NES carts for less than $10, but that made me pause and ask how much. He said $600. I told him he had to be kidding, and he said nope, thats what those great rare systems go for, and he had just sold one that morning for $1100 at auction. I asked if the person he sold it to was crazy, and he said "no, that's what they go for with the box, I sold a boxed Atari 2600 for almost two thousand at auction too." I laughed out loud and told him that was a total ripoff and I could get a toploader on Ebay for $100 MAX. I think he then realized I wasn't a mark, because he said well then you go do that. I said I would, and that I'd also tell every collector I know in the area not to shop there and walked out, with him saying "Bye!"
Man, I couldn't believe it. I guess it burned more than it should've because when i was collecting comics back in the 80's, the only comic dealer in the area was also a total ripoff asshole. I sold that prick more than my fair share of valuable comics for 1/10th the value, just because I was 16 and broke and had no other option and I wanted to buy pot.
Ah, now I feel better, having vented and being back among friends who actually know what they are talking about. That guy gets my nomination to take the award from John Edwards and become the new "Biggest Douche in the Universe!" I only wish I could follow through on my threat, but I don't know any other collectors around here! LOL