What are some tips on making money in this hobby?

[mechanicalman]

I believe if you want to buy "big boy cards" (your words, not mine), I think your time and capital will be better invested in places other than cards. In my observation, people can make a ton of money selling stuff they DON'T have passion for. I've heard of many housewives who earn 7 figures selling crap on Amazon because they fill a market need. There is no gap in the market for people re-selling sports cards.

That said, if you're intent on playing the flipping game, I might suggest a different route. Instead of going after the premium quality cards, buy the worst cards of a certain grade (which typically go for a lot less than high end cards) and then price it on eBay at or just below the average prices for HE cards. So, a new, less savvy buyer might see your off-centered Cobb 5 priced below one that just sold at a high from PWCC, and he might think he should snag it. This seemed to the model of Mike Dinero (though I don't see his listings anymore.) Other folks on the board seem to do this is as well, so perhaps there's something to it. I'm speaking only from observation, not experience.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I believe if you want to buy "big boy cards" (your words, not mine), I think your time and capital will be better invested in places other than cards. In my observation, people can make a ton of money selling stuff they DON'T have passion for. I've heard of many housewives who earn 7 figures selling crap on Amazon because they fill a market need. There is no gap in the market for people re-selling sports cards.

I agree, but it is a double-edge sword. It is a problem when people buy and sell in items they are personally/psychologically invested in. On the other hand, they have a knowledge of the material, which is important.

As I said: "going beyond baseball cards and knowing sell prices." However, realize that when you go into different areas there is a lot of stuff you don't know. Remember all the minute variations and intricacies in baseball cards that affect value.

[frankbmd]

free shipping

[AGuinness]

Set your collecting goals and have reasonable expectations around how to get there.

Investment cards are more fun if you focus on cards you'd be happy to have if they lost all their value (opposed to the stock market, where if the stock crashes you don't have a little picture to enjoy).

I think modern cards are riskier (injuries, PED suspensions and the like do happen - gotta think investors in Robinson Cano cards are not having a good spring) and busting boxes isn't a get rich quick scheme. That said, I flip some on COMC and do use some proceeds to open a box or two each year. If I can make my money back or get some profit, that's great, but if I lose a little money on it all, I'm okay with that. Opening a box or two is fun and there is some value to be had in that experience, IMO.

[Rookiemonster]

Become a dealer at a show. Put up a sign that says buy and trading. Tell everyone that wants to sell that you can only pay low price because you have to resell it. If trading tell everyone that the trade has to be in your favor because you paid for a table today.


This is what I seen a lot of guys do over the years. I usually walk away at that point. I believe in equal trades and don’t believe in trading up or down. If the cost of all the items are the same then that’s a equal trade.

Why would I in this day and age sell my card to cheaper then I would on eBay even after the fees?

That being said it must work because I see dealer doing that way for years and years .