Tips for Finding Obscure Cards at eBay

[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

[GregMitch34]

Thanks to SportsCardPete, who actually provided a few tips.

[rhettyeakley]

Actually you have gotten some great tips from people but apparently since they may require some work on your part you aren't interested in them. My advice would be to be appreciative of any tips you get but that may be too difficult. People spend a lot of time and effort finding those pickups you spoke of, when you are willing to do the same you will probably have some cool pickups to share as well.