Tony Reid chronicles the happenings inside Sports Zone, the Central Pennsylvania store where he works. —– With the shop's owner again traveling out of state, we were in charge of keeping the ship from heading into any potential icebergs or even choppy waters for that matter. One of the more heartwarming and sweet stories of the week was when I noticed a note one … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: Copping Cool Card Collections, ShipStation Snafus, Soccer Scams
buying sports cards
Sports Card Addiction Is Slowly Coming Out of the Shadows
The glitzier side of card collecting on social media puts a spotlight on rare and valuable cards. The hobby's big "pulls" are showcased like rare jewels anyone can own if they're lucky enough. Expensive cards are highlighted in slick videos and photographs. Instagram and Twitter become feedback loops, reinforcing the importance of costly cards and potentially lucrative … [Read more...] about Sports Card Addiction Is Slowly Coming Out of the Shadows
Shop Talk: More Buying, New Arrivals… and Soupies
The gentleman who I spoke about in previous Shop Talk installments was in again this week with boxes... and boxes... and boxes of cards he was hoping to sell to us. Like I've said many times before, I always enjoy going through anything that customers bring in but, to be completely honest, this gentleman is pushing the limits of what's fun and when it becomes work. I have it … [Read more...] about Shop Talk: More Buying, New Arrivals… and Soupies
Chasing Cardboard Film Series Highlights Big Deals and Storytelling
When most people sell their collections, it’s done anonymously. Cards with former forever homes exchange hands, and the stories behind their provenance, if they are ever told, stay between buyer and seller. Chasing Cardboard, a film series on YouTube, has been documenting the sales of everyday collections, unknown hoards and telling the stories about the people who own … [Read more...] about Chasing Cardboard Film Series Highlights Big Deals and Storytelling
Editor’s Blog: Collecting Today is a Comparative Breeze
I hauled out a big plastic tote full of sports stuff last weekend and started digging into the contents for the first time in a really long time. Sadly, I already knew there wouldn’t be any T206s, Mickey Mantle cards or even the stack of 1983 Topps grocery rack packs with stars on top that mysteriously disappeared after my move from Northern California to the Midwest back … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Collecting Today is a Comparative Breeze
Major Sports Card Buyers Stuck at Home During COVID Crisis
Gas is cheap. There are plenty of seats on airplanes. They have plenty of time—and money—at their disposal. It may sound like a perfect scenario, but this spring has been a lonely time for those who are used to buying collections of sports cards. The Coronavirus has put a damper on deals. “It’s just nearly impossible to go out of the area to buy collections,” … [Read more...] about Major Sports Card Buyers Stuck at Home During COVID Crisis
Sports Card Buying Trips Yield Inventory
"Buying trips" have been a way of life for some dealers as far back as the 1970s and 80s where shoeboxes full of sports cards were carried into conference rooms at hotels across North America. Dealers built their show inventory by advertising their presence in local newspapers and on radio. Closets and attics emptied, dealers forked over a few bucks and … [Read more...] about Sports Card Buying Trips Yield Inventory
What’s Hot: Big Deals and Hot Cardboard
I'm sitting here at Casa De Fruitman just chilling out after sadly watching the Nuggets lose to the Jazz on the road. While winter may keep us all inside a little more, that means there is often some closet-cleaning going on and more proof that card shops aren’t just about new products. It was an interesting day at the shop as I shipped off my first pallet of cards … [Read more...] about What’s Hot: Big Deals and Hot Cardboard
8 Collecting Tips To Help You Avoid Being Ripped Off
Other than losing a collection of cards or having a prized collection stolen, it may be a collector's worst nightmare. Each year, collectors are duped over and over by purchasing fake or altered cards. With improved printing capabilities and other technologies, it is easier than ever to create authentic-looking forged and altered vintage cards. While no 100% foolproof … [Read more...] about 8 Collecting Tips To Help You Avoid Being Ripped Off
Buying Sports Cards on Amazon: Finding What You Need
You might think of them as a place to buy books, music or maybe a gift for your Aunt Jane but some collectors have discovered that buying sports cards on Amazon (and other sports memorabilia) is a viable option with some benefits. Some of the biggest sports card dealers in North America have their inventory on the website, but so do thousands of other sports memorabilia … [Read more...] about Buying Sports Cards on Amazon: Finding What You Need