Buying pre-war cards for the future (trades)

[tbob]

I was wondering how many collectors here buy cards which they don't necessarily collect but which are nice bargains, to hold for the future to possibly use to make trades. Lately, I have found myself buying cards which are often duplicates of mine, particularly "tough" or "scarce" cards in nice condition for a great price with an eye to setting them aside and using them for trades of cards I do collect. Does anyone else do this? Just wondering...

[novakjr]

I've done this from time to time too...You can't pass up a great deal, just because you've already got one...

[GregMitch34]

It's a fine idea if you have the cash and it's an issue like t206 which you know you can sell or trade easily. Many issues that's very iffy.

[ullmandds]

I have done this in the past...and continue to do so...but honestly it hasn't proven to be a great strategy for me as i usually sell/trade them for pretty close to what I have paid for them when I tire of having doubles in my collection...or desire to raise funds.

But there are a few cards I will hoard any opportunity I can just because I know how tough/undervalued they are...and hopefully someday someone will need them!!!

[Robextend]

I do this as well when I see a real steal out there. Often times it is a card I don't have, because then worst case scenario I keep the card and make it fit somehow into my collection.

[markf31]

I have done this occasionally, and I always happen to stumble across the card. It’s always related to a set I’m currently interested in and results in a double for me. I’ve never gone out of my way to search for cards like this, I just don’t see it worth my time.

And if I’m making the trade through the site here, I always bend in favor of the trade, more often than not taking less than “market value” in favor of getting something I really need/want in return and helping a fellow collector out at the same time. I’ve found that this is true with just about all of the individuals I have dealt with purchases and trades on here. As a result it really needs to be an unbelievable deal for me to take advantage of such a situation.