If you're of a certain age you probably remember the vending machines that doled out a few trading cards for the spare change in your pocket. While those relics may now be collectors items themselves, Joe Daley is putting a 21st century spin on the automated way to purchase cards. The Bowling Green, KY man owns a growing business that specializes in state of the … [Read more...] about Trading Card Vending Machine Business Grows for Kentucky Man
sports card business
Mint Condition: Key Elements in Building a Big Hobby Business
If you take a step back, it is really interesting to think about how the hobby has evolved over the last decade, or even just the last two years. Not that long ago, eBay was the end all be all if you wanted to sell your cards quickly and safely online. Now, there are a number of reputable platforms that can facilitate transactions just as securely. Ten years ago, there … [Read more...] about Mint Condition: Key Elements in Building a Big Hobby Business
Louisville Sports Cards Fills Void With New, Old
Chris Buckler of Buckler Sports Cards has been a fixture behind the tables at some of the hobby’s major shows. He’s a regular at the National Sports Collectors Convention. He also buys and sells online through eBay and his own established website. Over the winter, though, he took on a new venture: co-owner of a card shop near his home in Louisville, … [Read more...] about Louisville Sports Cards Fills Void With New, Old
Shop Owners: How To Save A Buck… Or $2,000
When I decided to attend this year's Industry Summmit--a gathering of shop owners, distributors, card makers and others in the hobby--I approached host Kevin Isaacson about hosting a session to discuss ways to improve each of our bottom lines. While I did not leave Hawaii with a great tan or the ability to do the hula, I was able to come back with some ideas that will bolster … [Read more...] about Shop Owners: How To Save A Buck… Or $2,000
Big Card Dealer in a Small City
The third largest eBay store for sports cards and memorabilia is located in…Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Not being located in a major population center or a city that houses professional sports doesn’t matter these days, with the internet putting just about everyone on a level playing field. Owner Dennis Worden also sells on the Beckett Marketplace, but he’s not online … [Read more...] about Big Card Dealer in a Small City
Ramblings: To Deal or Not to Deal
Recently there was a terrific thread on a message board asking if it is still possible to be a part-time dealer in today's hobby. The short answer is, of course it is possible and in fact is in some ways very easy. The more nuanced answer is, what are your intentions? I have been a part-time dealer (and a full-time dealer way back in the day) and it was never that hard for me. … [Read more...] about Ramblings: To Deal or Not to Deal
Long-Running PA Shop Selling Out
One of the nation’s oldest hobby shops is closing. Shaffer’s Trading Cards in Lewisburg, PA is selling off its inventory as owner Bill Shaffer looks to spend more time with his family. Shaffer began buying and selling at area flea markets in the mid-1970s and opened his store in 1988. Sets, packs, singles, supplies, non-sport cards, autographs, memorabilia and … [Read more...] about Long-Running PA Shop Selling Out
Editor’s Blog: Recent Newspaper, Magazine, TV Coverage for the Hobby
Some decent exposure for the hobby in mainstream media and cable outlets over the last week or so and we’ve gathered them all into a little box for you. A couple of stories appeared in newspapers. In this one, which appeared in several Upper Midwest papers, a reporter spoke with collectors in Minnesota but once again compared the current industry to the explosive growth of … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Recent Newspaper, Magazine, TV Coverage for the Hobby
Ramblings: PA Shop Owner Still Going After 24 Years
Sometimes Facebook lets us reconnect with family, friends or hobby acquaintances from the past. Recently, thanks to a post on the Sports Collectors Daily Facebook page, we were able to catch up with long-time store owner Warren Wolk. I have known Warren for almost 20 years now as he was one of the first dealers to be an active poster on hobby news groups which was one of the … [Read more...] about Ramblings: PA Shop Owner Still Going After 24 Years
Retirement Vision Becomes Reality for Twin Cities Sports Cards
There are a lot of shop owners out there with interesting stories to tell. I have been trading email with Rob Hunegs of Minnesota who recently opened up a store as a retirement venture. Twin Cities Sports Cards is located in the suburb of Golden Valley. He gladly consented to answer some questions and we're always happy to have a Q&A with store owners and show dealers … [Read more...] about Retirement Vision Becomes Reality for Twin Cities Sports Cards