new collector; help me out?
A9Vallaire5
Posts: 7
Hi, my name is Andrew. I'm new to collecting and i have a lot to learn. I was wondering if any of you experienced collectors would talk to me and give some tips, etc.
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Comments
Jeff
Just a quick warning, if you're going to buy any wax/cello/rack packs or boxes, be VERY careful when buying it on ebay. There are an insane amount of scammers on ebay when it comes to unopened product (1980s and older, especially wax). The preferred place most of us like to buy genuine unopened way is Baseball Card Exchange, surf and drool for a while over there. You might find some of their prices a little bit higher than some of the realized prices on ebay, but I look at that extra money as peace of mind knowing their product is genuine and backed by the owner.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
To be honest, no direction, but...
1966-69 Topps EX+
1975 minis NrMt Kelloggs PSA 9
All Topps Heritage-Master Sets
Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/
Ralph
<< <i>Stick with mostly rookie cards, vintage, and rare cards from the 1990's. You'll be fine that way. >>
I also hear that Felix Potvin cards can be hot at times!
Favorite sport?
Favorite team?
Favorite players?
Age?
Collected as a child?
Budget?
This will allow for at least some direction. Sorry for the questions, but your questionwas vague, just trying to get to know you a bit. We'll also need your DOB, Social, Debit card #, next of kin, but don't worry only need that in a week or so after you join.
Totally kidding! Let us know what you like and are are looking to do, and we'll give you some great suggestions.
Again, welcome!!
"Live everyday, don't throw it away"
<< <i>
<< <i>Stick with mostly rookie cards, vintage, and rare cards from the 1990's. You'll be fine that way. >>
I also hear that Felix Potvin cards can be hot at times!
You mean, the Hideo Nomo of hockey? lol
<< <i>Pick something that no one else cares about and then become the expert in it. >>
I think that's pretty good advice. Check out DPeck on here, he is an expert on the early 80s wrestling sets. People ripped him when he started posting here, but he has been prophetic when it comes to the prices and he even got an article about him and the set in SMR.
Whatever you decide, best of luck.
I joined the boards about a year ago and it's an incredible wealth of information !!
For hockey collect 1988 or older only. Unless you have already bought into the new stuff. For the newer stuff only collect the rookies. Set and subsets only take up money and space and do not hold there value. Remember i'm only talking hockey here. That's what i specialize in.
Good Luck
Cheers, Steve
Welcome!
Recommend you turn on you PM - it's in your profile - "allow private messages" - it's an easier way to converse or share a phone number.
I think you made a wise move in asking first - instead of making all kinds of mistakes.
My first set of rules I go by are simple:
1. Establish a FOCUS - keep it as narrow as possible. This will keep you from running all over the map trying to corner the market on all things collectible.
2. Establish a BUDGET - and stick to it! If you buy what you can afford from month to month - IMO you'll enjoy the hobby better and prevent the "night sweats" where ya go screaming into the night!
3. There's a thin line between a good hobby and insanity. During the collecting "life cycle" - if one doesn't adhere to a budget and keep their wits - there's a natural temptation to go all OCD and buy everything in sight - run up a big credit card bill and piss off the spouse!
4. You can go broke saving money - there's always gonna be deals on ebay - don't go all OCD - if you're out of budget for this month - wait till next month - with few exceptions, whatever you're looking at? Another will come down the pike soon enough...
5. Last rule: DON'T forget rules 1 and 2!!!!!!!!!!!!
In general - before you buy - if you're not sure? Ask someone for advice BEFORE you buy rather than looking for an obsequious validation after the fact.
There's always gonna be someone here who has some knowledge on what you're looking for - and many are more than happy to share and help you research on an item.
Good luck and remember - it's just a hobby - it's not like we're finding a cure for cancer or anything.
The best advice I ever got on what to collect was; "collect what you like, if it's worth (more) money some day, great, if it's never worth anything, you still have something you like".
Joe
<< <i>All good advice so far.
The best advice I ever got on what to collect was; "collect what you like, if it's worth (more) money some day, great, if it's never worth anything, you still have something you like".
Joe >>
+1
<< <i>All good advice so far.
The best advice I ever got on what to collect was; "collect what you like, if it's worth (more) money some day, great, if it's never worth anything, you still have something you like".
Joe >>
Agree Joe.
The "focus" should be something you really like rather than what one thinks will be worth money in a few years.
So, my corollary to the focus and what you like is: make sure you're having fun.
For me - to focus on items that might appreciate will eventually turn into work - and I already have a job.
Also, once you find your focus, share it with others on this board. You'll be surprised by how many other members will assist you with your collection.
We have a fellow board member who has a massive Chris Sabo collection, I mean massive! I no longer have a single Sabo card, they now reside in his collection. I have recieved many Braves cards from fellow members as well. Miconlegacy recently sent me some 75 mini Braves cards, thank you very much.