Dan, who's been a long time customer of the shop, has had a really hot hand over the last week to 10 days, starting with him buying the last Upper Deck Hockey tin on our shelf. As I've said before, he's not one to leave the last pack in an open box or the last box on the shelf, which led to him opening this tin. He actually pulled the white-hot Connor Bedard Young Guns rookie … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Hot Hands, Buying Slabs, Ohtani Allegations
Shop Talk: Bedard Bonanza, Business Kabooming, Donruss Mega Box Attack
The owner was away for the last week and a half back down at the beach getting some new properties in order. It was just Felix, Tracy and me running the show. That's becoming more and more commonplace at this point, so we just keep it moving and keep the store running in the owner's absence.I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the Connor Bedard effect on the hockey … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Bedard Bonanza, Business Kabooming, Donruss Mega Box Attack
Shop Talk: Hobby Rip Night, Population Control, New Look Mini Helmets
Last week was a preparation week at the shop in anticipation of Saturday's Topps Hobby Rip Night. We opted in as one of more than 400 shops to participate around the country. We had the special Rip Night baseball packs and t-shirts to give away and some special pricing on several different Topps products. Ironically, the owner did a three box break of 2023 Topps Rip … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Hobby Rip Night, Population Control, New Look Mini Helmets
Shop Talk: Series 1 Sales, Snowy Situations, Generous Friends, Good Grades, Fun at the Mall Show
Last week at the shop started bright and early Monday with our standard heavy shipping day coming out of the weekend. There wasn't much let up after orders were filled.as we quickly received piles of non-sports related freight at our back door, including backpacks, purses, and designer dog collars. No, I'm not joking. Tuesday morning started even earlier than usual as I heard … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Series 1 Sales, Snowy Situations, Generous Friends, Good Grades, Fun at the Mall Show
Brandon Puffer Q&A: Making Time for Fans, Viral Puffer/Bong Topps Card, Road to Redemption
Born in Downey, California, Brandon Puffer was a star on the diamond at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California. The right-handed relief pitcher was drafted straight out of said high school by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft. After making his way through the minor league system for a few squads, he made his big league … [Read more...] about Brandon Puffer Q&A: Making Time for Fans, Viral Puffer/Bong Topps Card, Road to Redemption
Shop Talk: Comping Catastrophe, Flashy Reign Man Rookie, Thoughtful Customer Gifts
Last week began with the shop's owner on vacation and a pile of nearly 300 online orders greeting us upon arrival Monday morning. Our order fulfillment system works in such a great way that we knocked them all out in record time without actually feeling like we processed that many. Also greeting me on Monday was evidence of the owner's purchase of a junk wax era … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Comping Catastrophe, Flashy Reign Man Rookie, Thoughtful Customer Gifts
Card Stadium: A Colossus of Cardboard, Memorabilia and Supplies in the Capital of the Keystone State
Located in the Pennsylvania capital of Harrisburg, Card Stadium has long been a card capital for sports, gaming, memorabilia and supplies for collectors throughout the Keystone State. As a kid in the 1970s, Ken Hoffman fell in love with card collecting. He later fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening his own shop and along with much help from his brother Eric and others, they … [Read more...] about Card Stadium: A Colossus of Cardboard, Memorabilia and Supplies in the Capital of the Keystone State
Shop Talk: Teasing 2024 Topps Baseball, an Absolute Winner, Amazon Account Uncertainty, Carl Weathers
There have been a number of customers coming in asking about the upcoming 2024 Topps Series One Baseball release. After seeing all of the design work, imagery, teases and promotional materials, I'm really looking forward to ripping this year's flagship baseball when it arrives in the middle of the month. This year, it's not just because Series 1 means spring is coming. That … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Teasing 2024 Topps Baseball, an Absolute Winner, Amazon Account Uncertainty, Carl Weathers
Q&A: Kenny Stills, Sr. on First Card, Training Camp Kids, Collectors’ Confusion
Ken Stills played his college football at the University of Wisconsin. The hard-hitting safety was drafted in the 8th round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Stills suited up for the Packers for five seasons and then, after spending one in Minnesota, retired after the 1990 season. Once Stills hung up the cleats, he became a fixture on the sidelines throughout … [Read more...] about Q&A: Kenny Stills, Sr. on First Card, Training Camp Kids, Collectors’ Confusion
Shop Talk: Bulking up on Bosa, Babe Ruth Relics, Trip to Card Stadium, PSU QB Bowling Duel
Sometimes in the card slinging business, the tables turn. One of our best customers, Colin, is now becoming the seller with yours truly as one of his best customers. He scours Facebook Marketplace, sports card groups and various online platforms and has developed some regional connections in search of new inventory he can offer. He often has some very nice cardboard so … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Bulking up on Bosa, Babe Ruth Relics, Trip to Card Stadium, PSU QB Bowling Duel