Are you about to embark on a card collecting hobby but don’t know where to begin? This blog post will help you learn the ropes of card collection so you can hit the ground running like a pro.
Card Collecting as a Hobby
Card collection, sometimes referred to as trading card collection, is a fantastic hobby that has lingered around for decades, thanks to the amount of fun it packs.
Imagine the thrill that comes with collecting and trading cards with friends and family or the excitement you get when you finally succeed in hunting that rare card you’ve been searching for! Sounds fun, right?
And get this: not only is card collection enjoyable, but also a lucrative investment opportunity if done correctly.
But then, how do you start collecting trading cards?
Well, that’s what this blog post will be walking you through. We’ve curated several valuable tips that you need to kick off your card collection journey successfully, so keep reading.
1. Choose The Category to Collect
The initial step before you embark on your card collection journey is to decide what type of cards you want to collect. Trading cards come under various categories, ranging from movies and sports to video games and historical events.
Sporting cards are the most popular category of trading cards, and you can choose whether to target football, baseball, basketball, or any other sport. If you’re among those who prefer non-sports-related cards, you can still target different categories like movies or TV show memorabilia and still end up with lots of fun.
The key is to choose a category you’re passionate about. When you’re collecting cards for what you like, you’re more likely to enjoy your hobby.
2. Research and Educate Yourself
While not many people take this factor into consideration, diving headfirst into card collection without knowing the basics can be risky. There’s no offense in not knowing how trading cards work and how they’re valued.
So, take your time in researching and educating yourself more about what you’re about to get yourself into. Learn the different types of cards, the card values attached to each, and how to properly store and care for them.
3. Craft And Stick to A Budget
One of the mistakes you can make when getting into the card collection hobby is ignoring the need to work under a budget. This hobby can be expensive, so it’s crucial to have a money management tool called budget to guide you on how much to spend on your hobby.
You can decide how much you want to spend on card collection weekly, monthly, or annually. The generally accepted rule is to spend 5% of your monthly net income on your hobbies. That means 5 dollars for every 100 dollars you get from your net income.
But, of course, the appropriate percentage can be lower or even higher depending on your circumstances. However, if you can work with that percentage or anything close to that, that would be a good way to purchase the cards you need when avoiding overspending.
4. Find Your Source
Unlike in the past, there are now numerous stores where you can buy trading cards. Choose where you will be getting your cards. It could be from an online retailer, a local card shop, or an online community.
You can compare the prices from different retailers to see where you can get the best deal. And as you do the price comparison, consider the reliability aspect. You don’t want to fall victim to unscrupulous people in the industry.
Additionally, factor in other hidden costs like shipping and customs charges, as well as any long-term benefits you get from doing return business with the source you choose. Getting all this information will help you become more strategic with your decision-making.
5. Choose The Right Storage For Your Trade Cards
How you store your cards is very important. Storage conditions can affect your card’s resale value, so ensuring you have the proper storage mechanism from the initial stages of pursuing your card collection hobby is essential.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of storage solutions, and Vaulted brings you some of the most reliable options out there.
Investing in storage options means spending a few more dollars, but honestly, it’s worth spending a fortune on them as long as you’re guaranteed that your cards will remain in good condition.
6. Start Small
Let’s be honest: It’s easy to get carried away when starting a new hobby, especially card collection. Avoid falling into this initial temptation by starting humble and growing gradually instead. Don’t feel pressured to buy every single card you come across.
Instead, focus on building a solid foundation for your collection. For instance, you can begin by buying the common cards first before acquiring rarer ones with time as your collection grows.
7. Join Online Communities
If you want to make your card collection journey even more exciting, consider working with people who share the same interests as you. Create time and attend local events to meet people with whom you share your passion.
You can also search for online forums and become an active member. The internet, especially social media, offers countless opportunities for collectors to meet like-minded individuals.
Identifying yourself with these communities helps you get more valuable insights about the hobby from seasoned collectors, connect with other people sharing the same hobby, and find cards at a better price than anywhere else. And, of course, you also get the opportunity to trade the cards you have.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Sell or Trade
It isn’t an easy thing to part with some of your beloved cards. However, don’t be afraid to sell or trade them if a good opportunity arises. This could mean eliminating duplicates or less valuable cards to upgrade your collection with more desirable ones. Just remember to do your research and ensure you get a fair deal.
9. Document Your Collection
While not many people do this, incorporating documentation into your card collection hobby is a clever way to spice it up and enjoy other benefits. You don’t need to have pursued a course in record keeping to do it right.
You can make it as simple as taking photos of your cards, creating a spreadsheet with details and values, or even creating a blog where you can share your journey with others. By documenting your cards, you make a record of your collection and can showcase and share it with other collectors.
10. Stay Informed about Market Trends
If you want to be successful in your card-collection journey, staying informed about market trends is a prerequisite. Remain in the loop about new releases, popular cards, and value changes. Online forums and collectible shows are all great avenues for learning more about the trading cards market trends.
Whether a beginner or an expert in the field, there’s always something new to learn, so invest time in knowing what’s happening in the industry. Having this information will help you make strategic buying and selling decisions and keep you ahead in the competitive world of card collecting.
Conclusion
Card collecting can be a highly enjoyable and rewarding hobby as long as you approach it with the right mindset and strategies.
Sure, the card-collecting world, per se, presents endless possibilities that might make navigating the landscape quite challenging, especially for newbies. But with the tips provided here, the journey shouldn’t be daunting any longer.
It’s simple: Start small, stay updated, get the right source, have the proper storage, join a network of friends, and, of course, remain disciplined — both in trading and financially. With these tips, you should find the journey to be more fun!
