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Posted By: barrysloate

Joann- when I started selling baseball cards full time in the early 1980's, I used to type up monthly lists (with an electric typewriter) and mail them to a couple of hundred collectors whose names I accumulated. I also advertised in SCD, both small auctions without pictures or much description, and direct sale ads on a first come first serve basis. This is how I built up my mailing list.

In those days you quickly developed a reputation for the quality of your grading, so if you advertised "T206 Christy Mathewson VG" collectors knew whether or not they would receive a nice looking card or a beater, depending upon the seller. They would call by phone to reserve cards, and they might ask a few questions about centering or creases.

It was a simpler world and a simpler hobby.