"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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
How to Efficiently Process a Bulk Buy
You did it! You landed the deal of the century. After two hours of driving, meeting, looking and negotiating, you picked up a quarter of a million sports cards. Trying to keep your cool while handing over the money and loading up the cardboard into your vehicle, you head home. Between the prayers for the safe trip back and the pure wonder of what gems may be hiding in all of … [Read more...]
Buying and Selling Outlets for Sports Card Collectors
by Shane Elsberry Sports card collectors, both avid and casual, know how eBay changed the way cards and memorabilia are bought, sold, and collected. It remains the first stop for collectors looking to complete a base set, collect a particular team or player, or pick up that game used or auto item they have been trying to find. It also sets the market value for … [Read more...]