Need Advice on Purchasing a Beta Lotus

[Diakonov]

Hello, all.  I've discovered a vendor which is selling a Beta Lotus for $1200.  The condition I would say is played, but not too heavily.  I know he is aware that it is low-priced, because he pointed out that he's selling it for half of what another store advertises it at.  I assume that they don't think it's fake, since I imagine it would be too much of a risk for a vendor's reputation.

What do you guys think?

[Chill79]

Leave an option that deal can be broken if it turns out to be fake,consulting people on MOTL pretty sure can verify on scan(~600DPI) if it's real or not...

[Prospero]

Hello, all.  I've discovered a vendor which is selling a Beta Lotus for $1200.  The condition I would say is played, but not too heavily.  I know he is aware that it is low-priced, because he pointed out that he's selling it for half of what another store advertises it at.  I assume that they don't think it's fake, since I imagine it would be too much of a risk for a vendor's reputation.

What do you guys think?

If I was convinced it wasn't fake I would take that deal in a heartbeat.

[TheWhiteDragon]

Take the deal immediately.  Even if it turns out to be fake, then you can sue him on the grounds of fraud - which will make him buy it back to avoid court costs and buying it back eventually anyway.

[Yare]

If it seems to good to be true...

Every time someone has offered me a card for less because he said it might be fake, it's turned out to be fake. Even if they're willing to take it back if it turns out to be fake or something like that, it's such a hassle and just runs an unnecessary risk of problems. However, if you're convinced it's real and you think the price is fair, go for it.

[boggyb]

Maybe ask him why he's selling it for less? And ask others' opinions of the trader? It just makes no sense-- he could flip it on ebay in a week for many hundreds more than that.

[Tha Gunslinga]

Take the deal immediately.  Even if it turns out to be fake, then you can sue him on the grounds of fraud - which will make him buy it back to avoid court costs and buying it back eventually anyway.

Have you ever done this?  Because I sincerely doubt it would work.

Get detailed pics or scans, and post them here.  Beta Black Lotus is probably the most commonly faked card, so it's very likely that it's not real, but you never know.

[bactgudz]

I think the beta lotus I purchased today from a dealer at PAX east is the one being discussed on this thread.

I carry a loupe, high powered pocket led flash light, and pocket black light flashlight with me to events and performed the following tests before purchasing the card:
-light test for proper translucency and looking for "glue gobs" from rebacks
-black light test
-loupe checks for proper dithering
-check consistency of wear on front/back
and the following tests after purchasing:
-comparison to other known real beta power and an unlimited lotus I own
-A slight bend test
All of these tests passed. 

I would classify the lotus as moderately played.  The negatives to the card are that it has a slight amount of inking along a moderate portion of at least two edges and that it has a slight crease mark along the bottom border.  The crease "wear" is consistent from back to front however.

I obtained documentation of the purchase, but feel that it was worth the risk after those tests to purchase it...if I later discover it to be fake I'll probably go talk to the dealer since his store is located only 20 miles from my home...but don't expect with certainty to recover anything.

I will take scans and post them when I have a chance after easter. 

Also of note: the dealer's webpage has a link on it advertising fundraising opportunities to keep it afloat stating that they are struggling with increased rent in a new location.  Perhaps April's rent just needed to be paid asap?

[warr]

Heh, I saw that Lotus too while I was walking around and it raised my eyebrows as well.  What was strange about the dealer I think was that the rest of the singles were very sparse and then BAM BETA LOTUS.

Good on you for being prepared and congrats on pulling the trigger on that find.

[Commandant]

Heh inked...

[Diakonov]

bactgudz,

That is the same lotus I was looking at.  I didn't have any of the equipment on me to perform any tests, so it's probably best that you were the one to buy it anyway.

I talked to the store owner later and he told me that he just really needed the money and didn't want to leave PAX without selling it.  I had heard a rumor that he bought it off somebody else a day or two earlier for $1000, but who knows.

Enjoy it!

[bactgudz]

Scan of Front:

Scan of Back:

[Tha Gunslinga]

Looks real to me.  The inking explains the price pretty well.

[Smmenen]

Looks real to me as well. 

[bactgudz]

Thanks for the reassurance.  I agree that the inking substantially hits the value, but it doesn't bother me much as you can't notice it in a sleeve and it's looking to be played not sold.

[BaronSengir]

Thanks for the reassurance.  I agree that the inking substantially hits the value, but it doesn't bother me much as you can't notice it in a sleeve and it's looking to be played not sold.

Yeah looks real and if your playing it the inking is meh you know? Good find bro.