Comps are a data point—not the destination. We dig into context-sensitive pricing: how eye appeal and scarcity challenge the “last sale,” why off-record deals distort the public picture, and when Buy-It-Now patience outperforms auctions. We also hit scan-to-comp tools, the role of auction-house marketing in setting records, and the buyer psychology behind paying “next year’s price” to land true keepers. A brief Pokémon retail dust-up kicks things off, then it’s all cards.

Highlights

Context over copy-paste: eye appeal premiums/discounts and non-fungible grades

The “invisible comps” problem: shows, LCS, and private sales that never hit databases

BIN vs. auction: patience premium, missing bidders, vacations, and timing risk

Tech on the table: scan your slab to pull sales history and comparable results

Marketing matters: how better storytelling/presentation can lift auction outcomes

Buyer psychology: paying ahead for rare pieces, shifting tastes, and triangulating value

Practical takeaways: use comps as guidance, track your own private sales, and price to sell

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