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Foils.
Either love them or hate them, they are a part of the Magic Universe. Most people have chosen to express a large amount of disdain for what I feel isĀ the single most under appreciated vehicle for financiers. Where would we be if there wasn't that irreverent lust for that whichĀ must beĀ PIMPED!Ā
Over the course, some have viewed foils as an unnecessary distraction. A spanner in the works. A higher cost, higher probability of stagnation, higher chance of price gouging, and just an overall bad practice. These are all the reasons you should be also focusing on these incredible diamonds in the rough. Let us not confuse this. There's a certainĀ je n'est ce qui when it comes to foils. People lose their minds for them, or couldĀ not care less! I'll give you a prime example of the absurdity of foils. I can sum it up for you in one profound statement: Ā Take a look at TCGplayer. How often is there a listing with a reasonableĀ expectation to have a foil for sale, but DOES NOT?
Think about this for a minute. One of the leading price suppliers in the industry does not have a consistent supply of sellers listing foil copies. ThisĀ alone makes the process of correctly pricing a card incredibly hard. How do we gauge the price on this? Simple. I'll offer you an amount IĀ am comfortable with.
What just happened here? If the key hasn't been turned in the lock, let me break it down for you. The crutch that TCGplayer, Star City, et al. provide for your every day pricing needs - it's a fallacy. The truth is that many financiers don't or should not pay attention to daily pricing of what a card is worthĀ NOW.Ā If I am discussing a card with you, and I am asking about a value, I guarantee that no where in my mind are your values the same as mine. I have three values: Buy Price, Max Buy In Price, & Expected Future Retail Value. The only one that can comeĀ close to that same value is whateverĀ yourĀ expectation of value is. For you are about to trade sell me.
Foiled Again
I cannot recall how many times someone believed I was either lying or "pulling the wool over" them when I would get shot down on a price, and then immediately ask what they want. Typically, if I get shot down on a card - we both want that card for similar reasons. The difference is, I'm willing to deal on the basis of a future value. So, with that in mind - I'll find out what your number is. What is the number you are willing toĀ really let that card go at? What is the offer you can't refuse? It's worth $50 and let's say your number is $60. Ok. I agree and do the transaction. You feel you've just made a great trade, and in actualityĀ you have. Here's the difference: That item might not leave my possession until it's worth $100. Did you still make a great trade? ABSOLUTELY. This is creating a win/win situation while thinking 4th dimensionally.
Now, to bring this full circle. Look at it a different way: Let's say we are talking about a Foil ______________. The information available is spotty, and prices range for current market price being $40-$65. From the get go, I've made sure you understand that I am investing in this card because at some point I will resell it. I'm COMFORTABLE investing in this card at the $35 range - mainly because of having to properly account for market fluctuations, where the cards real value could stabilize at, etc. etc. There's a number of factors that will determine my asking price, but for this scenario - it's below current market. Ā If I'm striking at the right time on this card, the future will be entirely murky. (That's why it's called speculation, remember.) Now the ball is completely in your court if that number works for you.
This is really where the bias of the market comes into play. You could not care less for this Foil ________________. It fell into your lap when you last drafted in pack 1 pick 1. It does not matter the reason. The importance of it is just is there for you, plus - you don't trade often enough for it to do much more than just sit in your binder. You're not going to strike while the iron is hot, and you might not even list it on eBay.
How many times have you seen this situation? For those that are constantly on the trade floors this is where you can really create a win/win situation. Think about it though. The reason why the foil market is such a circulating nimbus of smoke and mirrors is because it requires moreĀ work.Ā A healthy percentage could care less, other's LOVE them. This disparity relies on oneĀ huge factor. You. The time you put in. The work you put in. Are you going to be able to find that person that is looking for that Foil ________________? If you can't reasonably answer that question - either because you aren't trading often, you aren't selling often or you are just not actively buylisting weekly, then YES avoid foils. Or, focus on the long term advantage of what foils can do for you.
In all actuality though, Foils are a market ripe for change. It is a market ridden with untapped potential and now that the global marketplace and infrastructure really is in place, there is no reason to avoid that cross section of players. I, myself, have invested a great amount of time and effort into a foiled Modern deck. Why? Because it will appreciate faster, I put in the time already without any extra demand on me, and the staples involved will hold their value longer - allowing me to set this aside as a reasonable savings plan. When I am ready to sell, it will be a great amount towards my sons tuition for a year of college. This is just but one possibility. Find yours.
-Till Next Time.
“The crutch that TCGplayer, Star City, et al. provide for your every day pricing needs ā itās a fallacy.”
I have been telling people this for months now, but no one seems to want to listen.
I find it wonderful that we are on the same page here. Thank you. š
the actual french expression is “un je ne sais quoi”.
Good article nonetheless :p
I was actually trying to use je ne sais quoi or “I do not know what” vs the “I know not what” you suggested. Thanks. I just misspelled it is all. š
I just figured you were intentionally saying, “I don’t know who,” in the sense that foils mean different things to different people.
I have been a foil whore for a very long time and when I go to cash out it’s going to make me a mint. Foils are more of a long term investment then an overnight cash grab. Great article.
Here is the problem with foils- They have a natural curvature to them. Recently, at a tournament, I was deck checked. They tagged me due to the fact that one of my Chandra’s Phoenix cards was a foil. The judge claimed it had a bend in it. I examined the card, and replied that “All foils have a natural bend to them” The claim is that a foil card in a deck of non-foils (keep in mind all of my land was foil) was easier to find. I had to search for a replacement card before being allowed to participate. The foil in question had no abnormalities to it, beyond it’s natural foilishness. Does this ocurr in larger events? And if it does, how is it handled? This event has made me question the use of foils in tourney decks. Why invest in foils if they are going to be a problem?
From a tournament playing stand point – yes, foils present a problem that you have to consciously or proactively avoid the consequences of. My current foil deck is 97% foil, and double sleeved. Double sleeving does a LOT to prevent the problem you speak of to be very evident. It still is, to a degree, but not nearly if it was single sleeved.
On top of that, having one foil card in a deck is something I would never advise on. You want multiples, of various card types. Not just “all lands” or “all creatures”. Judges always look for patterns or discernible cards. That’s all they care about. Can you pick out the same card in your deck, RELIABLY, time after time? Can you just look at the side, and know WITHOUT DOUBT that the card “sticking out a little” or “curved a little” is XYZ card? That’s when it becomes an issue.
Typically – it’s up to the head judge, just like anything – but giving it less chance that you know what the card is will absolutely put you in a better postion
foils are illiquid that means much more opportunity to buy low, and having patience rewarded. most judges would not DQ a player for foils although they ARE thicker and can curve. they do not have a “natural” curve, but most of the FTV Jaces i’ve seen do curve badly. these were printed to help alleviate demand for the card in more than just a casual setting. alpha cards used to be restricted for tourney play and as demand for cards increased the set increased Wizards made them legal.
ps: reforge the soul.