Love of the Game Auctions, a new Internet-based sports auction house catering to the passionate collector of memorabilia and cards, launched operations this week and now is accepting consignments. Founded by long-time hobbyist and marketing professional Al Crisafulli, Love of the Game will host its inaugural auction in October.
“I’ve been buying collectibles from auction houses for years,” Crisafulli said. “I love the experience. Each auction is an event, and the more of them there are, the more I enjoy them. Running one has always seemed like an incredibly fun thing to do – handling these historically important pieces of art documenting America’s past, and helping collectors obtain those special pieces for which they’ve been searching.”
Crisafulli is a former advertising agency owner and marketing executive. In that capacity, he combined his business acumen with his lifelong interest in sports cards and memorabilia to enlist several hobby-related companies as clients. In that capacity he provided marketing strategy, business consultation and overall strategic direction to auction houses, grading and authentication companies, and card dealers. Crisafulli also has been a vocal and frequent contributor to many hobby message boards, and for more than five years was editor and publisher of the informational hobby publication Collector Magazine. He has authored many hobby-related articles and was a keynote speaker at the PCCE 2008 hobby seminar.
According to Crisafulli, Love of the Game’s auction policies are designed to help restore transparency and trust to the hobby. “Over the years, I’ve built relationships with other collectors, and I’ve also become fortunate enough to work with a variety of reputable people and businesses in the sports hobby,” he noted. “I’ve come to recognize the many different types of hobbyists, the many things they collect, and the many different approaches they take to build their collections. Each collector is different, but we all want to be treated professionally and dealt with in an honest way.
“My experience has been that if a collector is confident in what they’re getting, they’re ready to become a loyal customer – and consignor,” he added. “That’s the environment I am aiming to establish with Love of the Game.”
Love of the Game will be accepting consignments at The National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore from August 1-4. Information about the company will be located at Booth 803, and the company will be offering commission discounts for new customers’ first consignments. “We’ve already got some special items, including rare 19th and early 20th century type cards, complete sets, and high-grade postwar HOFers,” Crisafulli said. “We also have a nice collection of complete and starter football sets, and some great memorabilia. It’s exciting to see the first lots for our October auction coming together.”
For more information on Love of the Game and how to become a consignor or bidder for the October 2012 and future auctions, visit the company’s website at loveofthegameauctions.com or e-mail Al Crisafulli at info@loveofthegameauctions.com.
We offer consignors:
* The greatest possible exposure to bidders and buyers, through online and offline marketing
* Exceptional writing and attention to detail, so your items are presented accurately
* Multiple auctions annually, ensuring that your rare and valuable collectibles get the attention and visibility they deserve
* Flexible payment methods that put money into your pocket faster
We offer bidders:
* Trustworthy auctions with no hidden reserves
* No bidding against house or employee accounts
* No alteration of cards or undisclosed restoration of memorabilia
* No consignors bidding on their own material
* Fair bid increments
* Lower buyer’s premiums
