This year's National Sports Collectors Convention (a.k.a., the National) isn't until later this fall. The event will be held at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Oh. from August 1-5. We're still a few months away but that doesn't mean you should be sitting on your hands. Do you need to be making arrangements for what you're going to wear? That might be going a little overboard. … [Read more...] about Headed to the National? Here Are 5 Things You Should Already Be Doing
tips
Tips for Successful Selling at Local Sports Card Shows
Once upon a time, you were all but guaranteed to make a profit if you set up at a local or regional sports card show. Before eBay came along in the mid-1990s, you could probably find one within driving distance. Make sure you had enough hot product or a nice stock of vintage cards and you would likely come away with money in your pocket. It was a … [Read more...] about Tips for Successful Selling at Local Sports Card Shows
Pre-War Card Collecting Tips
While most collectors gravitate towards newer cards or vintage cards from the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s, the pre-war card market is alive and well. With cards generally a bit more scarce, collecting pre-war cards can be a little different from collecting other issues. If you're interested in giving pre-war cards a chance, here are some tips that might be helpful. 1. Don't be … [Read more...] about Pre-War Card Collecting Tips
Creative Ways to Sell Modern Era Cards
A few months ago, I went to a painting class for a friend's birthday. There were about 20 of us lined up with paint and a canvas. The mission: To paint the perfect tree. I'm creative enough of a guy and have all the tools everyone else does, so I figured I'd bang out the greatest painting in all the land. I was wrong. I ended up painting my … [Read more...] about Creative Ways to Sell Modern Era Cards
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...] about How to Efficiently Process a Bulk Buy
Identifying Precious Metals: Gold, Silver and Platinum
As precious metals can have high monetary value, this is an area where getting an educated second opinion can be a good idea for a beginner. A jeweler or avid collector can identify and grade the metal for you. However, the avid collector can make a fair judgment about type and quality of previous metal. There are both scientific tests and more informal ways of identifying … [Read more...] about Identifying Precious Metals: Gold, Silver and Platinum
10 Ways to Make More Money with eBay Listings
Whether you’re offering a 19th century Old Judge card or a LeBron James autographed jersey, selling online can be rewarding. Smart sellers know much has changed on eBay over the last five years or so, though, and if you’re still using the same old methods or cutting corners to save time so you can list as many items as you can, you might be leaving money on the table. Not … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Make More Money with eBay Listings
Essential Tips for Beginning Collectors of Most Anything
While experienced collectors may already know most of the following tips, I get many inquiries from total beginners, including many who have gotten burned by buying fakes and who find my columns via internet searches. Considering this, I think it's a good thing to post my age old “Essential Tips for Beginning Collectors of Most Anything.” I've used this list, and variations … [Read more...] about Essential Tips for Beginning Collectors of Most Anything
Ramblings: Preparation is a Positive
After I thought the DFW area would avoid any winter weather this year, we finally got hit several days ago. While if the same amount of icy precipitation had hit the New York area where I grew up, we'd have considered it a mere inconvenience, this type of event can shut down the entire Metroplex area. My wife works at a local school, which announced a ‘snow day’ the evening … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Preparation is a Positive
Ramblings: Things to Think About Before You Open a Shop
We recently received an email from Dave Henry who wrote: I want to start selling cards. I'm thinking about a store here in Rochester NY as we really don't have a true hobby shop anymore. Do you have some advice for an inexperienced seller/dealer? Dave, first of all I want to thank you for writing us and I’m glad you value my opinion. A few ideas are below but it’s far … [Read more...] about Ramblings: Things to Think About Before You Open a Shop