Penny Pincher's Guide to Collecting Baseball Cards

If you love collecting baseball cards, you are certainly not alone. There are millions of cards to choose from. Some people collect their favorite players or teams, while other collect specific years, brands, or sets. There is no right or wrong to collecting, but it would be a waste to pay full price for your cards. This penny pincher's guide to collecting baseball cards will help you get the most cards for the least amount of money.

The absolute best place to buy cheap baseball cards is eBay. Some might consider this the worst place, because of the number of people that are actively bidding on eBay each day. However, there are way more baseball card sellers on eBay than there are bidders. Thousands of baseball cards sell on eBay every minute for only a small fraction of their book value.

The Beckett price guide is considered the "bible" of baseball card values. Buyers and seller refer to this guide in order to see how much their cards are worth, how much they should pay for new cards, and what they might be able to sell their cards for. The problem that newcomers to the baseball card world encounter is that they think the prices in this guide are set in stone. This is far from the truth. In actuality, there is a unwritten rule amongst those active in the baseball card world that unless a card is extremely hot or rare, it usually is only worth 10% of the high book value listed. That's right, 10%.

If you are hoping to sell baseball cards, this is likely crushing news. If you are wanting to purchase new cards for your collection, you should jump for joy. There are exceptions, of course. Cards that are extremely limited, older cards, and some autographed and game used memorabilia cards can sell at their high book value, or even higher. By and large though, most cards fall into this unspoken 10% area.

There are several reasons to visit eBay. For one, there is no larger selection of baseball cards in one spot. Additionally, this large selection means that there are always extreme baseball card bargains to be had. There simply is not a buyer, or more than one buyer, for all of the over one million baseball cards on eBay at any given time. The vast majority of eBay sellers are trustworthy, and now more than ever, sellers are offering free shipping deals. Purchasing a baseball card that you need for your collection for a dollar or less is well withing the realm of possibility.

There are other auction sites where you can find baseball cards. Sites such as ePier, Bonanza, iOffer, and many more have thousands of such listings. Generally, the deals found on these sites are not as extreme as eBay deals, but they may be worth checking out if you are looking for specific cards and cannot find them on eBay.

How To Market Your Sports Cards and Memorabilia

Are you an eBay seller? If you are, your goal is likely to make as much money as you can by selling products that you no longer need or want on eBay. Unfortunately, there are now thousands, if not millions, of individuals who are interested in doing the same thing. For you, this often means a steady increase in competition. However, even with competition, you should still be able to make a profit when using eBay, but you may need a little bit of help. That help could from marketing.

When many of us think of internet marketing, we often automatically think of online retail stores or online websites. Although you are not running your own online retail store, you are trying to make a profit online; therefore, you are, in a way, like a retailer. Just having your for sale items listed on eBay is enough to get your eBay items exposure, but you may want to think about taking it a step farther. There are a number of different ways that you can go about marketing your for sale eBay items, without having to spend a dime.

Perhaps, one of the best ways to go about marketing your eBay items is by joining the eBay community, otherwise known as the online message boards. When you talk with other eBay community members your screen name used is also your eBay name. In the eBay community forum, every time that you start a new message or respond to an existing one your name is left, with a link to your main eBay webpage. That is the age that outlines all of the items that you currently have available for sale. Many eBay community members click other member’s pages just out of curiosity, but it not uncommon for someone to find something that catches their eye. Simply starting a few conversations with other eBay community members, even just occasionally, may help to up your eBay exposure.

Another relatively easy way that you can market your eBay auction listings to the general public is by posting on a number of message boards, besides eBay. There are a number of message boards that allow internet users, just like you, to post information on items that they have available for sale, both on and off of eBay. Providing a link, as well as short description of some of the items that you are looking to sell is a great way to increase your eBay exposure and up your chances of making a sale. When taking this internet marketing approach, it is important that you only advertise your eBay listings in areas designated for doing so. Spamming is not permitted on many online message boards and it may actually get you a bad reputation.

Speaking of using online message boards, there are a number of online message boards or forums that allow members to have signatures. Signatures are where many people leave their name or a favorite quote of theirs, but some message boards allow members to use it as space to promote their products or businesses. Before posting a link to your eBay auctions, you are advised to examine the online message board’s policy concerning signature advertising. Should it be allowed, you are advised to take advantage of this free internet marketing. You will want to post a link to your eBay sales page, but be sure to mention that eBay is where all clickers will be going.

Another easy that you can promote your eBay items, particularly if you have multiple items for sale, is by putting a “please checkout my other eBay auctions,” message at the end of each of your eBay listings. As with all of the other above mentioned internet marketing tactics, this is easy and free to do.

eBay Baseball Cards Buyers Guide

Those that like to buy baseball cards likely already use eBay as a source. However, many do not know how to get the best deals on eBay baseball cards. Consider the following information before placing your next bid.

eBay has become a buyer's market. It is completely overloaded with sellers and products, including eBay baseball cards. What this means for you as a buyer is that you will be able to buy baseball cards at extremely low prices. In order for items on eBay to sell for high prices, there needs to be more than one person interested in an item. With over two million baseball cards listed at any given time, there is simply no way for each auction to draw interest from two or more people.

While individual cards are cheap, if you like to buy baseball cards in lots, eBay is the place to be. Single card purchases, no matter how cheap, will eventually become less cost effective due to the amount of shipping costs you might pay. However, eBay baseball cards that are offered in lots are not only inexpensive, but can drastically cut down on the amount of shipping you pay while building your collection.

There are cards that you will likely have to pay premium prices for. Often these are hot baseball rookie cards, vintage baseball cards that are in excellent condition, and extremely limited edition cards, such as one of one's. Autographed and memorabilia cards used to fall into the category, and some still do. However, most of these are now plentiful, and unless they are limited or feature a hot player, will not command high prices.

Individuals that buy baseball cards to complete sets should consider eBay their best friend. Base cards, inserts, refractors, and other parallels are just a few of the eBay baseball cards that set builders can find on the popular auction site. Depending on the set you are trying to complete, you may be able to find the cards you need in only a short period of time. In addition to eBay, consider checking out the Beckett Market Place, where three million sports cards are listed for sale.

eBay's "Buy It Now" option should be considered if a baseball card you need is listed this way, and the price is reasonable. Many prefer this option to bidding, as there is no guess work or bidding wars involved. However, bidding for eBay baseball cards has it's perks. I cannot even tell you how many baseball card auctions I have won for a penny. Penny auctions were originally a hot trend, as they were used to increase bidding, and for a while it worked. Now that the market is overcrowded, this strategy is only minimally effective.

Using eBay to buy baseball cards is quite a lot of fun. New cards are posted each and every day, and if you enjoy the thrill of getting a great bargain, eBay is the place you want to be. There are millions of eBay baseball cards to choose from, and collector's everywhere are taking advantage of this useful marketplace.

5 Tips To Buying Trading Cards

The trading card industry is one of the most popular in all of collectibles. With everything ranging from race used sheet metal to game-used bats and rookie cards of tomorrow’s hottest stars, the manufacturers of trading cards have changed the way people collect. Some time ago, the greatest insert in a wax pack was a stick of bubble gum, but today it’s so much more.

With such popularity comes great wealth, for both manufacturers and collectors, and a few tips to consider when dealing with trading cards will make the hobby not only one of profit, but also of fun.

Condition. When shopping for trading cards, pay close attention to the condition. A mint card is one that is just like new, with sharp corners, no markings or creases. Some companies actually grade trading cards, while others simply let the shopper decide. Trading cards that are in poor condition are noticeable immediately, but ‘good’ and ‘fair’ ratings are open to interpretation.

Authenticity. If you are in the market for trading cards, take special care to learn as much about the hobby as possible. If you are going to spend big bucks on a single card, make sure that you are getting the real deal. A good example is the Michael Jordan rookie card, which was reprinted years ago. It looks so much like the original that even experts have a difficult time distinguishing the original from the reprint. If you are looking for an expensive card, make sure that it is graded by a reputable company and it never hurts to have it checked again after purchase.

Investment. If you are an investor, trading cards may be the hobby for you. It is inexpensive to get started collecting and the future profits can be high. Investors should consider purchasing rookie cards, which will be the first trading card that a rookie player appears on. If the star rises in fame, so will your investment. Additionally, mint condition cards appreciate the most in value.

Reputation & Research. If shopping for trading cards online, especially, find a company that has been in business for awhile. Look for information relating to their return policy, just incase the card isn’t exactly as described. Always be sure to do your research when purchasing trading cards and check the price guides to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

Have fun Most importantly, have fun when shopping for trading cards. While it is a profitable business venture for some, most importantly it is a hobby and should be enjoyed by all who partake.

How To Purchase Your Cards and Memorabilia on eBay Safely

There are steps you can take to ensure that you are getting a great deal on the items you purchase through eBay. In fact, these same steps will also help to protect you against fraud. Participating in online auctions is a great deal of fun, but you must use caution as well. This caution entails doing your research before you place any bids.

Start with the auction in question. Make sure that you read every word of the description and the auction details. You can never have too much information – especially if that information is about an individual that you may be doing business with. Pay special attention to what the description and auction details do not say. For instance, is a guarantee mentioned? Is the item new? Is it authentic? Is there proof of authenticity? Look for auctions that provide the right information – and the right amount of information. Avoid those that do not.

Who will pay the shipping and handling costs? Often,the buyer pays these costs, and sometimes, the seller tries to charge more than the actual shipping and handling costs are. Beware of high shipping costs, especially for items that will be auctioned off at a very low price. Also note when the item is supposed to ship after the bidding has ended. Depending on what you are trying to purchase the item for, it may not arrive in time.

Don’t make the mistake of bidding on an item simply because it is a ‘good deal.’ It is only a good deal for you if the item is something that you really want or need. Many people simply bid for the sake of bidding – or winning – without having any real need or desire for the item in question. Before bidding on items that you do want or need, check prices around the Internet and the prices available from offline sources as well. Just because it is on eBay does not guarantee that it is the cheapest price available!

Finally, learn more about the seller. Can you trust them? What is their rating? Read their feedback page! Failure to learn more about the seller can be costly. Not everyone is as honest as you are – and the seller may be trying to take advantage of people that simply don’t know enough to find out more about them. Sometimes scammers make their auctions sound like really great deals. Beware of prices that seem extremely low!

Why Sports Collecting Is A Great Hobby

In this fast-paced, stressful age we live in, everyone needs a little recreation. Sports collecting is a hobby that can fill your spare minutes with interest and offer a diversion to the everyday grind.  Sports collecting takes many forms depending on the person who is pursuing the hobby.  Many people choose to collect memorabilia from their favorite professional teams, but others collect items related to golf, fishing, and other recreation sports.  Collecting requires a certain amount of space, but collectors are creative about finding ways to display their collectibles.

If you have a favorite pro team or two there are many items you can collect related to those teams.  For instance, you can create scrapbooks in which you save clippings about exciting games, favorite players, and special interviews.  You can keep ticket stubs and photographs in your scrapbook, too.  Other items, however, won't fit into a scrapbook, such as a game ball, team jersey, or a team's annual yearbook.  These items will need other storage.  There are stands for special balls, and jerseys look great hanging on a hanger on the wall.

You might like to collect souvenir items from all types of sports.  Most professional teams sell small metal pins with their insignia on them.  Pin collecting is a widely practiced hobby, and sports teams are one of the hottest types of collectible pins, as are those commemorating the Olympics.  Another option for sports collecting is to collect antique sports equipment.  Vintage baseball gloves are an example of this type of collectible.

Baseball cards have long been a source of recreation.  Sports collecting enthusiasts have collected baseball cards, football cards, and basketball cards for many years, although baseball cards were the first.  This is such a popular hobby that some cards are worth a lot of money, such as a rookie card of a player like Willie Mays.

Other collectors like to accumulate things that illustrate their favorite recreation sports.  Collecting items decorated with fish, horses, or golfers are examples of these types of collections.  For instance, if you enjoy hunting with dogs, you can decorate your home in a hunting dog theme.  There are throw pillows printed with handsome hunting dogs, as well as with the game they help you find.  You may find lamps that have a hunting dog as the base.  You can even have curtains made from hunting dog printed material!  The same can be done around the theme of golf, horseback riding, whether western or eastern, bass fishing, sailboats, and other popular recreation sports.  Collecting is a hobby that offers many options!

The World of the Collector / Seller

Sports cards and sports memorabilia collectors are often sellers as well. This is actually an optimal situation for the serious collector, as any profits from sales can be redirected back into the hobby. Learning how to sell in order to achieve the highest profit margin is key. Learning how to make this happen is not difficult. Invest a few minutes reading the following article, as it will immediately have you headed in the right direction: Guide To Selling Sports Cards

Once you have learned what to sell, you will need to know where to sell in order to see the highest profits. This topic will be covered in depth on this blog. Please consider taking a few minutes to bookmark or subscribe today. As a avid collector and seller, I have learned much through trial and error, and will be sharing this information with my fellow collectors and sellers in order to make what is already a wonderful hobby even better!