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Primers and Glossary

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The follow article will serve as a set of definitions and explanations for terms and concepts used in “The Nutt Draw” article series. It will be updated over time.

    The Demand Matrix

Purpose: The initial intent of the Demand Matrix was to apply a portable and simply calculated mathematical structure which can be applied to any set or subset of cards in order to proportionally rank a cards actual popularity.

Method: Within a given list of cards (for example, M11, Standard, Extended etc) sum the total dollars spent within a specific and defined time frame. With the largest total spend being allocated the number 100, rank all the other cards with quantifiable spends within the same time frame as a measure of their proportional totals.

Results: To date, the sorted list and accompanying Demand Index numbers have held true to being an accurate measurement of the demand/popularity of Magic cards. The Demand Index data has also proved to be useful when applied to other subsets of cards such as Buy Lists.

    The Womby List(s)

Purpose: The Womby Lists are intended to give us a list of cards who’s average sale price on eBay is lower than the price that some online stores are purchasing them for.

Method: These lists were inspired by the comment of a reader (Womby) who was explaining what he uses some of the data I have assembled for. It was a great idea and so to make it easier on him, and give everyone else similar data these lists were generated.

Results: So far the information generated by the Womby Lists has proven to be very useful. They can be used as a direct tool for selling cards, but also as a guide for trading as an indication which cards might have better margins in other markets.

    Glossary

Cost: The monetary amount an item is procured for.
Demand Index: The value assigned to a card within a subset of cards as calculated by the Demand Matrix.
EV: Estimated Value.
Price: The monetary amount an item is sold for.

Chris McNutt

Born in Seattle, Washington, Chris McNutt has been playing and collecting Magic: The Gathering since Unlimited Edition. As an active player, tournament organizer and judge he regularly scrubs out of Pro Tour Qualifiers but inexplicably cleans up at the local draft tables. When not net decking Chris is either busy working as an Information Technology Sales Rep or spending time with his family. Other non-magical pastimes include playing guitar and an unhealthy number of video games. Cursed with an undying love of generating spreadsheets purely for “fun”, he’ll be crunching the numbers each week in order to serve up delicious data burritos to the salivating, hungry readers of Quiet Speculation.

View More By Chris McNutt

Posted in Finance

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