What is the most important lesson you've learned through collecting?

[AGuinness]

Originally Posted by Promethius88

That at the end of the day, they are just pieces of cardboard. Don't let them consume your life or you will end up alienating the things that really matter.

This is it, although a version of it is that I try to buy what I'll enjoy even if the bottom falls out in the market. Even if it is almost worthless, if I've bought something I can still enjoy having, then that's a win.

[RedsFan1941]

if it’s from the Great Pittsburgh Find it’s got to be good

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by RedsFan1941

if it’s from the Great Pittsburgh Find it’s got to be good

I can't stop laughing.

[Touch'EmAll]

Figure out your max bids based on some due diligence ... and don't go over. Its ok to not buy. You can get into a hole if the card is ultra rare and you really want it. But I am not a set collector and never really "need" anything. But most importantly, enjoy the hobby.

[bcbgcbrcb]

One lesson that I learned the hard way, it is virtually impossible to differentiate a Type I photo from non-Type I photos by just looking at scans online. If you have the photo in hand, that's a different story. If buying online, stick with reputable sellers that you know. Also, from experience, around 95% of vintage Negro League images listed on e-bay are not Type I originals so that's probably not a good place to buy. Like everything else, you can get lucky once in a while but the odds are not in your favor and you will lose many, many more times than you will win.

[Republicaninmass]

The best source of new material (business) is the competition

[hcv123]

1 - Buy what you know and know what you buy
2 - There is A LOT of good in people
3 - There is A LOT of bad in people
4 - While life isn't always easy, take pleasure in and savor the special moments
5 -Let your children lead and teach you
6 - Negotiate, but don't let what you know to be rare go
7 - It is ALWAYS better to pay more for quality
8 - Adults collect baseball cards too!
9 - Wishes can come true
10 - Life/collecting always leaves you wanting something

[brianp-beme]

The most important lesson I have learned through collecting is that I have yet to learn my lesson.

Brian (a repeat offender since the Eighties)

[samosa4u]

Most of us like to buy vintage HOF'er rookies, and these can be very expensive. This is why it is always a good idea to buy a bunch of commons first. This way you can study them and learn about the set before buying the main card. A lot of these key vintage rookies that we want are altered (even the ones inside slabs.) Now when you have studied so many commons, then you will easily be able to spot the ones that look odd. In other words, you'll be able to tell if any have been bleached, trimmed, corners pressed, etc.

[pawpawdiv9]

when posting pics:
1. don't look like a slob
2. clean your hands & nails
3. no hairs on the card
4. don't stand in front of a mirror
5. put the lotions away
6. half of us are in the 40's + and cant see sh&t, post larger pics.
7. most of us like checking women from the f&B, so lets see the front & backs of cards
8. if its too good to be true, then put it on Ebay.

[dabigyankeeman]

How to lie better. I got real good at acting casual when my wife complained about all the yellow envelopes coming in, and I would tell her, "Ah, just a bunch of cheap cards, a couple of bucks each"........

[frankbmd]

How many cards my closet will hold?

and when it's full, seller's remorse isn't so bad.

[Section103]

Im not sure Ive really learned a damn thing. Sometimes Im taught to just wait for the next one. Sometimes Im taught I really should have jumped on that one that just passed. Its ok though, I'll get by.

[kmac32]

Learned several things. First, not everything is about money. You may have a card somebody wants that is more valuable than what they can afford or want to pay but you make the deal anyway just for the goodwill it creates. Helping other collectors with their collection can change their day from a bad day to a great day.

Next, fairness. Life is not always about me. You learn to be kinder and more forgiving.

You also learn to appreciate what you have. Just seein* my collection makes me smile.

[Johnny630]

A card is worthless until you sell it. Never let emotions get the best of you when selling or buying a card.

Merry Christmas to All :-)

[bobbvc]

Pay attention to detail!

[Jdoggs]

Enjoy what you got. Someone also has more but remember someone has less too.

[Yastrzemski Sports]

I collected for many years before opening my store. Life is short - do what makes you happy.

[mrvster]

seeing one of those collection I would imagine you would need some O2