Tips for Finding Obscure Cards at eBay

[Wite3]

Actually, I, like Leon, do a lot of searches and tend to alert people when I come across something they might want. The best method I have found is make it known what you are looking for (people know I like obscure Phillies and t205s) and often people will alert you to something they found. Of course, you have to make friends and participate in the board enough to earn people's respect and trust but, honestly, that is not that hard to do. Good luck!

Joshua

PS The B/S/T is often way better than ebay anyway!

[TUM301]

Hit em where they aint !

[ChiSoxFan]

Originally Posted by Wite3

PS The B/S/T is often way better than ebay anyway!

+1

ChiSoxFan

[alanu]

The best tip is not to tell anyone your real best tip.

[Exhibitman]

Time and consistency. I spend way too much time on Ebay every day digging for stuff I collect.

[sportscardpete]

The best steals of them all are the listings that have an incorrect title. Finding those are by chance.. My favorite is something like -

Old tobacco card hindu

Since the t206 designation isn't in there - the card will sell for less.


(t206, t 206) -topps -etopps -2010 -2009 -honus -rp -reprint -reprints -grandpasattic (kidding)

^^ that's a good search for weeding out t206's. Also put it in "auction only" format. Don't be afraid to use a "-" to get rid of unwanted cards. I always put -helmar in all my searches.

Just my two cents.

When I first started someone gave me really helpful tips on finding good deals; I'm just returning the favor.

I will say I have a few others up my sleeve, but as everyone else here stated it wouldn't be in their (or my) best interest to share

[Lordstan]

I collect mainly memorabilia and autographs. We have no classification system to use to search, so sometimes it can be even more random to find some rare items.
In my mind, there are really no tricks. There is time and effort.

As Rdwyer stated, using modifiers can help eliminate stuff from your search you don't want. This can cut down on the number of items you need to search, but, unfortunately, the more you narrow your search, the less hidden stuff you'll tend to find.

[camlov2]

here ya go...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cards-/212/i.html?_nkw=obscure

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by camlov2

here ya go...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cards-/212/i.html?_nkw=obscure

Surprised it took 23 posts

[christopher.herman]

Originally Posted by Wite3

The best method I have found is make it known what you are looking for (people know I like obscure Phillies and t205s) and often people will alert you to something they found.

Agreed. "Collecting karma" has been very real for me in my dealings here. No better feeling than the unsolicited PM or email from a board member who has a card that he thinks that you'd be interested in.
Good luck,
Christopher.