Where do people sell unopened OOP Mosaic boxes these days?

[steve(thelil)]

For a couple of years I was very actively selling collectibles on Ebay. I was so active that I sort of even considered it an occupation (although I would have starved AND lost my home if I was living only off what I was making)

Anyway, I bought I think 3 or 4 almost out of print Mosaic box sets in 2007 or 2008 (I think) that I never opened because I knew that the OOP mosaics were bringing big money on Ebay, and I considered them an investment for the future. I think I have both vinyl and CD boxes. They're currently stored and I don't even recall what they are.

I've read that ebay is really not what it used to be when it comes to used items and private sellers. I really don't know since I spend practically no time there and haven't for years.

My question is, are unopened OOP Mosaic vinyl or CD boxes still highly collectible, and if so, where or how does one sell them for good money?

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologize)

Edited June 18, 2013 by steve(thelil)

[Big Beat Steve]

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologize)

In fact you do.

Just sayin ...

Maybe it would be a good idea to get your selling venture going by raising your appreciation of the music (and of what you have that is supposed to be such a good investment) by actually finding out what you have.

Not least of all because I understand there is some margin between sets that some would kill for and sets that are just nice to have.

As for where to sell them if you want to wring out the final, the very final bit of money, well, not here apparently ...

[steve(thelil)]

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologize)

In fact you do.

Just sayin ...

Maybe it would be a good idea to get your selling venture going by raising your appreciation of the music (and of what you have that is supposed to be such a good investment) by actually finding out what you have.

Not least of all because I understand there is some margin between sets that some would kill for and sets that are just nice to have.

As for where to sell them if you want to wring out the final, the very final bit of money, well, not here apparently ...

The line abut raising my appreciation for the music is way off base and totally uncalled for.A smiley doesn't make mild nastiness milder. Even 2 smilies.

The fact that I did some selling and bought 3 or 4 box sets as a small investment doesn't mean that I don't have a great appreciation for the music. For you to make that assumption and then post it as an accusation is ridiculous. I know which artists are in great demand and which I consider great artists. If you had read my post to understand it instead of merely as an excuse for condescension, you might have noticed that I wasn't asking which artists are great and/or in demand.

It's quite likely that me resume as a musician, music attendee and collector is much more impressive than yours. You suggest I develop a greater appreciation for music? I suggest you get over yourself.

And i suggest that you don't speak for everyone else here when you're appointing yourself as the voice of reason. By insulting me and then purporting to speak for everyone, you don't come across as reasonable.

Your totally uncalled for arrogance and baseless patronizing really pissed me off. I was tempted to deal with it more agressiveley than I have,, but I know this site is moderated, and it's important to demonstrate that those of us who are immigrating from JC can play nicely with others, regardless of how they play.

Edited June 18, 2013 by steve(thelil)

[steve(thelil)]

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologi

Well it depends on what set it is but I would say that over the last 3 years OOP mosaics have been fetching 50% to 60% less.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[jazzbo]

I don't they've ever been a very good investment item, and I agree with bbr, they're fetching less, perhaps a bit more than that, but less than before. It's been a recession and I've noticed that to be the case with many items, both on ebay or off. I think ebay is about as good a place as any to sell, personally. It's certainly where many customers look.

[J.A.W.]

Some OOP Mosaics still go for quite a lot, but most do indeed fetch considerably less than a few years ago. If you're looking for the highest prices the best place to sell them is still eBay, but the "golden years" seem to be gone even there. You could try selling them here, but in that case don't expect to get top dollar

Edited June 18, 2013 by J.A.W.

[steve(thelil)]

I appreciate all the tips. Thanks

[paul secor]

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologize)

In fact you do.

Just sayin ...

Maybe it would be a good idea to get your selling venture going by raising your appreciation of the music (and of what you have that is supposed to be such a good investment) by actually finding out what you have.

Not least of all because I understand there is some margin between sets that some would kill for and sets that are just nice to have.

As for where to sell them if you want to wring out the final, the very final bit of money, well, not here apparently ...

The line abut raising my appreciation for the music is way off base and totally uncalled for.A smiley doesn't make mild nastiness milder. Even 2 smilies.

The fact that I did some selling and bought 3 or 4 box sets as a small investment doesn't mean that I don't have a great appreciation for the music. For you to make that assumption and then post it as an accusation is ridiculous. I know which artists are in great demand and which I consider great artists. If you had read my post to understand it instead of merely as an excuse for condescension, you might have noticed that I wasn't asking which artists are great and/or in demand.

It's quite likely that me resume as a musician, music attendee and collector is much more impressive than yours. You suggest I develop a greater appreciation for music? I suggest you get over yourself.

And i suggest that you don't speak for everyone else here when you're appointing yourself as the voice of reason. By insulting me and then purporting to speak for everyone, you don't come across as reasonable.

Your totally uncalled for arrogance and baseless patronizing really pissed me off. I was tempted to deal with it more agressiveley than I have,, but I know this site is moderated, and it's important to demonstrate that those of us who are immigrating from JC can play nicely with others, regardless of how they play.

I thought that Steve's (Big Beat variety) response was pretty low key, given that it was you who who first used the term "materialistic". And I didn't have any sense that he appointed himself as "the voice of reason." I read your reaction as an overreaction. Just speaking for myself here.

[jazzbo]

I share your opinion that it was an overreaction as well, to be honest.

Anyway, best of luck, and list them here if you do auction them anywhere.

[Jim R]

I understand (but don't necessarily agree with) the idea that it's unfortunate that Mosaic sets have often been treated strictly as investments, but let's not forget that many of us have bought Mosaic sets which contained music that we were already well familiar with or even already had in some form. I don't know if that applies in this case, but I side with steve(thelil) here, and completely understand his displeasure with the presumptuous and rather rude reply he received.

[Big Beat Steve]

OK, I had meant to let this rest (despite the fact that the reply to my post seems to have undergone several mutations ) but so I will weigh in one last time (thanks, Paul and jazzbo, for your comments, BTW - you got me right) in an attempt to clarify this:

1) About that "appreciation": Assuming that pointed reactions do occur and just might have to be reckoned with in certain cases, what reaction is there to be expected to a post that reads like it is all about box sets that are all out to be sold for good money (a point that is stressed several times in the post) but the owner/seller doesn't even remember what they are? So what I said about "appreciation" purely and simply and exclusively referred to the way the appreciation OF THOSE PARTICULAR SETS (and hence of the music contained therein) COULD have been conveyed in such a post as a matter of course by stating offhand which ones it is all about. Not least of all, one should think that this information might have been useful so as to yield more specific replies as to what is likely to be a particularly well-selling item. Nothing more.

2) I just speak for myself. Never pretended (nor aspired to) anything else, and never would. Cannot see where I ever hinted at anything else. So any insinuation in that direction is what is really off base.

Nuff said ...

(And, Jim R, I certainly did not intend to be rude or condescending but yes, I do speak my mind - including on the subject of "investments for investments' sake". )

Edited June 18, 2013 by Big Beat Steve

[Jim R]

Thanks for elaborating, Big Beat Steve. I didn't mean to imply that you were being rude intentionally. Anyway, I still think the "raising your appreciation of the music" comment comes across as rather presumptuous and insulting (or at least leaves the door open for that interpretation and reaction). I'm just saying I think it was an unfortunate comment (even not having been made maliciously), and I understood steve's reaction.

The idea of Mosaic boxes as investments for investments' sake seems perfectly reasonable, predictable, and natural to me. That is, I completely understand it. I never approached them that way myself, but never looked down on anyone who did. I don't see any crime being committed by those people (although there certainly were some reported criminal acts involving Mosaic sets). It's nothing new, and it's the same phenomenon that has long been going on with original jazz LP pressings (and countless other items that become desirable and collectable). The practice may cause the music to become more expensive and more difficult for some to acquire, but... well, there you go. Is life ever "fair"?

I don't see it as anyone's obligation to share my appreciation for specific recordings (or even give them a chance), and when someone profits from the sale of these boxes, I think we can still feel confident that the buyer (or the person that the buyer sells them to ) or someone down the line will appreciate the music they contain.

[jlhoots]

For a couple of years I was very actively selling collectibles on Ebay. I was so active that I sort of even considered it an occupation (although I would have starved AND lost my home if I was living only off what I was making)

Anyway, I bought I think 3 or 4 almost out of print Mosaic box sets in 2007 or 2008 (I think) that I never opened because I knew that the OOP mosaics were bringing big money on Ebay, and I considered them an investment for the future. I think I have both vinyl and CD boxes. They're currently stored and I don't even recall what they are.

I've read that ebay is really not what it used to be when it comes to used items and private sellers. I really don't know since I spend practically no time there and haven't for years.

My question is, are unopened OOP Mosaic vinyl or CD boxes still highly collectible, and if so, where or how does one sell them for good money?

(If I sound too materialistic about this, I apologize)

Get 'em out of "storage" & see what they are.

[steve(thelil)]

I respectfully disagree with the comments about me overreacting

Think about how'd you'd react if you posted something 1) on the appropriate board, 2) that said absolutely nothing that suggested a lack of appreciation for music, 3)that was not in the slightest bit argumentative and 4) even acknowledged and apologized for the one thing that might have bothered someone (OMG, I admitted I was looking to profit from sellling music). .

And then some guy who doesn't know you one bit suggests -clearly condescendingly - that you should develop more of an appreciation for music. I think you'd be pissed too. For someone who was unprovokedly insulted, felt my response was appropriately measured.

Edited June 18, 2013 by steve(thelil)

[jazzbo]

Well, I've been on this board long enough to a) develop a thicker skin and only continuous baiters really get to me and b) not interpret this quite as you did.

Whatever.

Big Beat Steve is one of the most valuable posters here imo, and one with as big or bigger an experience and history of appreciating music, supporting live events, and educating. I support you both and wish you the best in your sale of this material.

[steve(thelil)]

Hey, if you say so, then Big Beat Steve is probably a great guy (I mean, his name IS Steve), great poster and great appreciator of music. And if so, I hope we become buddies.

But I don't think that made it appropriate for him to suggest I needed to develop an appreciation for music, or change the fact that someone told this for no good reason is likely to become annoyed. And if I caused anybody some undue stress with my reaction, I didn't mean to.

Edited June 18, 2013 by steve(thelil)

[jazzbo]

Okay, your skin just seemed more translucent than usual today.

Peace, out.

[steve(thelil)]

I hear you and appreciate your comments, Jazzbo. But sometimes it's fun to not rely solely on the thickness of one's skin - especially when you're a recovering lawyer...................(as I am.....I didn't admit this on Jazz boards for over a decade!!!!.).................... But I don't want to be overly confrontational either. Points taken.

Edited June 18, 2013 by steve(thelil)

[Big Beat Steve]

Big Beat Steve is one of the most valuable posters here imo, and one with as big or bigger an experience and history of appreciating music, supporting live events, and educating. I support you both and wish you the best in your sale of this material.

Thanks for your kind words, jazzbo. But may I humbly point out that I have no track record at all in educating (not in the literal sense of the word anyway and I am in no position to "educate" others here either . So I cannot take any credit in that field. And I am the first to admit that the more I read on this board the more I realize there is more and more I am not familiar with yet, even in my favorite fields of the music.

As for the rest, I've tried to clarify my point so I rest my case. Let's just say THAT page is turned now for me, so "to each his own" (courtesy of Livingston/Evans ).

Edited June 18, 2013 by Big Beat Steve

[papsrus]

Makes sense to list them on eBay and amazon, where people generally go first when looking for something specific.

And don't forget to post a link here, cause curious minds want to know ...

Paps

[clifford_thornton]

^

Exactly. What're you holding???

[jazzbo]

Big Beat Steve is one of the most valuable posters here imo, and one with as big or bigger an experience and history of appreciating music, supporting live events, and educating. I support you both and wish you the best in your sale of this material.

Thanks for your kind words, jazzbo. But may I humbly point out that I have no track record at all in educating (not in the literal sense of the word anyway and I am in no position to "educate" others here either . So I cannot take any credit in that field. And I am the first to admit that the more I read on this board the more I realize there is more and more I am not familiar with yet, even in my favorite fields of the music.

As for the rest, I've tried to clarify my point so I rest my case. Let's just say THAT page is turned now for me, so "to each his own" (courtesy of Livingston/Evans ).

Sorry, I could have sworn that I read that you gave some lessons. None-the-less your value is not diminished. Carry on!

[JSngry]

What's on the table here? How much, for what?

Commence commercein'.

[Hot Ptah]

I think the best way to make a lot of money from out of print Mosaics is to own Half Price Books. Then you can instruct the staffers at your stores to buy them for about $5.00 and put them for sale in the music section for $500.00.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I think the best way to make a lot of money from out of print Mosaics is to own Half Price Books. Then you can instruct the staffers at your stores to buy them for about $5.00 and put them for sale in the music section for $500.00.

Moral - don't buy or sell records in KC.

MG