Is it still possible to become a part time dealer?

[batkidiii]

Finding the large lots is the question. Where would you start to find them? Craigslist, ebay?

[batkidiii]

I'm not looking for a quick buck. In fact I would try to be fair with whoever I do business with, whether its buying or selling. Life is about your passions and I feel that it would be extremely satisfying being more active with my love of baseball. I think I like the no name players as much as the superstars. Its the rich history that each vintage card holds that I really appreciate.

[BeanTown]

Major auctions... Example. REA lot 10...

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by batkidiii

Finding the large lots is the question. Where would you start to find them? Craigslist, ebay?

There are many 'part time' guys out there..i would make sure you identify current market prices on cards you are looking for ..then look to buy them...

if you have any 1954s topps I can be your first customer.....


I did buy this REA Lot
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/...x?itemid=38234

I think the break up value should exceed what I paid ....people with many of the cards aren't willing to pay for the whole lot so there is value selling them card by card...

[buymycards]

There are many ways to go about this. In my case, I set up at cards shows. Sometimes I am able to buy large lots from other dealers and sometimes customers walk into the show looking for someone to buy their cards.

Some of the smaller card shows will give you 4 tables for $35, some are $30-40 per table, and the price goes up from there. It helps to bring an assortment of items, because you never know what people will ask for. Bring all 4 major sports, vintage, new, auto's and GU. Card shows can be a great way to blow out your junk that is difficult to sell on eBay.

The most difficult part of being a dealer is finding inventory to resell. Remember, you make your money when you buy. If you pay too much for your inventory, you won't be able to sell it for a decent profit. One of the most difficult things to do is too walk away from a collection because the price is too high. If you can't buy it for a price that you are comfortable with, just walk away and don't look back.

Being a part time dealer can take a LOT of time. Looking at collections, scanning and listing on eBay, getting ready for shows, setting up at shows, all eat up time.

Check Craigslist, flea markets, newspaper ads, etc. Check the BST and other card forums for possible inventory. Make sure that all of your friends and co-workers and relatives know that you are looking for cards and you will be surprised at the number of leads that can be generated from word of mouth advertising. Print some business cards. Don't forget Facebook and Twitter.

In my case, I have a full time job, so I can't devote a lot of time to being a dealer. My goal is to make a little money so I can buy cards for my Louisiana collection without using my personal funds.

Like everything else in life, if you work hard and do your research, you should be fine.

Good luck! Rick

[Sean1125]

Give me a call on Monday and I will give you a run down.

[Exhibitman]

I've been a part time dealer for years. The key is math. You have to be able to do it. Understanding and accounting for all costs. Depending on what you sell that will include acquisition costs, grading fees, postage, packing materials, commissions, etc. you also need to maintain records for income and sales tax purposes. If you are serious and not a lawyer or CPA familiar with tax law you wil probably want to schedule an hour with one to go over the tax issues.

There are very few shows in some places so eBay and auctions will be primary outlets for sales. You must understand costs and benefits of each.

Finding raw collections is great. It also doesn't happen much for quality stuff. Lots of shiny crap out there. I'd suggest starting with your own stuff. Sell whatever you don't really want and see how that goes.

[tschock]

Here's a key piece in my opinion for those who are part time dealers and still collectors. You need to really be able to distinguish between what you are buying for your personal collection and what you are buying to resell, and you can't start to 'fall in love' with something you are buying to resell. If you are buying to resell it, then you need to make sure you resell it.

[Buythatcard]

I had the same thoughts 13 years ago. Should I be a part time dealer? I still had my childhood collection of cards along with hundreds of autographs that I obtained thru the years.
I was buying cards from eBay to enhance my collection until I decided to try to make some extra money just to be used for my collection.
I had a full time job and put aside 3-4 hours every night to sell some of my cards. I would take the profits and roll them into more expensive cards.
Thirteen years later, I am still doing the same thing. I no longer have my personal collection because I sold it all. I still work a full time job and still spend 3-4 hours a night selling cards. I have met some great people along the way and have had so much fun doing this.
I am 4 years away from retirement and will probably still be doing this part time.

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by tschock

Here's a key piece in my opinion for those who are part time dealers and still collectors. You need to really be able to distinguish between what you are buying for your personal collection and what you are buying to resell, and you can't start to 'fall in love' with something you are buying to resell. If you are buying to resell it, then you need to make sure you resell it.

Could not agree more. Yoda