[Archive]

Posted By: David

If there was just one rule for newbies, it should be don't let your first or one of your first purchases be an expensive item. If a newbie really wants to own a Goudey Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan Rookie or Alex Rodriguez Game Used baseball, that's great-- but give yourself a few monthes at least of reading, researching and following the market, before purchasing it. The biggest horror stories involes newbies plunking down big dollars on a Babe Ruth autograph or card Elliot won't let me mention anymore. Even if it isn't a matter of authenticy, you will invariable end up spending too much.

The same rule applies to me. If I decided I wanted to start collecting Ming vases or rare World War I medals, I would consciously give myself a several months of delay before I would bring my credit card to Sotheby's.