Great question. I actually enjoy them all. They all take work, whether it's fine-tuning search terms to get ideal results, or scrolling through the plethora of 'monthly auctions'.
eBay: About 50% of my collection came from eBay. It's not what it used to be, but it's still a great way to connect buyers and sellers for thousands of regular issue pre-war and post-war cards, which is mostly what I collect.
Auction houses: About 40% of my collection was acquired through an auction house. For security of transactions, auction houses seem to be the preferred method for items >$500. This may be just an anecdotal observation, but I seem to get the least 'bang for the buck' from auction houses.
Private sale: About 10% of my collection. My favorite way to acquire cards, due to the ability to eliminate the fluff of the transaction costs (Sales tax, buyer's premium). It also has the benefit of building hobby relationships. I've bought and sold and maintained contact and in some cases developed friendships.
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Bought from: orioles93, JK, Chstrite, lug-nut, Bartholomew_Bump_Bailey, IgnatiusJReilly, jb67, dbfirstman, DeanH3, wrm, Beck6
Sold to: Sean1125, sayitaintso, IgnatiusJReilly, hockeyhockey, mocean, wondo, Casey2296, Belfast1933, Yoda, Peter_Spaeth, hxcmilkshake, kaddyshack, OhioCardCollector, Gorditadogg, Jay Wolt, ClementeFanOh, JollyElm, EddieZ, 4reals, uyu906
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