The hobby morale is low video

[Seven]

I'm going to speak from the heart here and feel free to disagree with me. My morale for the hobby is low, but frankly speaking, my morale for everything is low. Inflation is still high, housing is borderline impossible to enter as a young person, unless you're getting help from your family or someone dies and you come into money. The vintage side of the Hobby is still very strong, and I'm happy that so many people are interested in cardboard, it's a good thing. But prices are high, the entry point to vintage, especially pre-war is higher than it used to be, and it makes things difficult. Don't get me wrong, I'm in this for the long haul, talking about cardboard, looking at cards, reading as much as I can, but I can't help but feel very pessimistic about, quite frankly, everything.

[MACollector]

Morale for the high end investors has to be a bit off, even for those into vintage. Did anyone see the Clemente PSA 9 rookie that sold for $1.05m last September just sell for $792k last week in Goldin’s 100 auction? There was a lot of debate about how much the one at REA would have gone for and that went for a lot more just a few months ago at $960k. Pockets of strength still at the top, but we certainly aren’t seeing records anymore. It has to trickle down eventually but doesn’t happen overnight.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm going to speak from the heart here and feel free to disagree with me. My morale for the hobby is low, but frankly speaking, my morale for everything is low. Inflation is still high, housing is borderline impossible to enter as a young person, unless you're getting help from your family or someone dies and you come into money. The vintage side of the Hobby is still very strong, and I'm happy that so many people are interested in cardboard, it's a good thing. But prices are high, the entry point to vintage, especially pre-war is higher than it used to be, and it makes things difficult. Don't get me wrong, I'm in this for the long haul, talking about cardboard, looking at cards, reading as much as I can, but I can't help but feel very pessimistic about, quite frankly, everything.

There is no question that today's prices make it much tougher for a newer collector than someone like myself who started again in the 90s. That said, there are still great things one can buy at almost any resource level... but I hear you.

[theshowandme]

I just turned 30 and will be attending my 2nd National.

My morale is pretty high.

No reason to listen to the noise.

[Lorewalker]

Lots of reasons for general morale to be low or lower. Tough time...still...in this country. Not going political because I do not see this a left or right thing but moreover a systemic issue that has been percolating for more than a decade.

As far as the video from SCR, it should be watched for amusement only. He is a total clown and the last person who I would turn to for accurate info on the hobby...or likely anything else. Accuracy is the last thing he is concerned with--page views is what he is seeking.

Prices might be lower in the vintage sector but morale is not phased from what I have seen and those I speak with. Prices for virtually all vintage is higher than it was before the pandemic. I cannot speak to the market on post 1980 issues but anything before 1980 is doing just fine.

[ullmandds]

Based on anecdotal evidence...and having just checked out REA's results...morale may be low but prices sure aren't!!!

As has been said...there is something anyone can collect in this great hobby. I've been doing this 40+ years...and as a result of putting in the time i've done well in the hobby and have a nice collection.

Had I just jumped in the last 2-3 years...as an "investor" maybe. Invested in some uber high grade 50's-70's hof'ers...maybe a high grade jordan rookie? Got my ass handed to me...my morale would be low too!

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

...as a result of putting in the time i've done well in the hobby and have a nice collection.

Had I just jumped in the last 2-3 years...

Sports cards are similar to Wall Street. To cite an oft-valid maxim: time in the market beats timing the market.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

There is no question that today's prices make it much tougher for a newer collector than someone like myself who started again in the 90s. That said, there are still great things one can buy at almost any resource level... but I hear you.

There are, absolutely Peter. I've put a pause on my buying as I try to figure out the next way I should go when it comes to collecting, but I'll find it eventually. Sometimes it's hard not to be a little pessimistic but we'll get through it!

[Exhibitman]

I don't think we can draw any real conclusions from anything about the National right now because the times are unprecedented.

The lingering emotional effects of COVID are real. I know some stalwarts who are skipping the show for a second year. They just can't do it yet. Travel itself is a roll of the dice right now. I got caught in flight cancellations recently and was stuck in Newark for 24 hours. Then there is affordability and availability. It used to be that you went to the show to seek out bargains, find oddball issues that did not come to market, and generally see what was out there. Between the run-up and the proliferation of online availability, that is just not the case now.

My theory is that for an increasing number of collectors, the show is a social experience more than a card bourse, and that experience can perhaps be replicated at another event, like a spring training trip or a HOF visit, with more amenities and less hassles. In other words, we are going but not necessarily with the same level of enthusiasm.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I've heard bourse applied to coin shows, but never to card shows. Interesting.

[Exhibitman]

i am using the term intentionally to differentiate the actual exchange portion of the show from the breaking booth, corporate area, unopened modern card retail sellers, auction house displays, autograph area and service providers (graders, supply sellers, etc.). The bourse element of the National has been shrinking.

[JustinD]

Low morale is not the same as a slow return to sanity.

I still fully believe pre-pandemic prices are a more realistic baseline and expect that return over the coming couple years. This was a fad and the collectors will continue on. This is not a death of the hobby, just another passing of a pet rock, beanie baby jump in collecting history until the next comes along as it always will.

A return to prices of just a few years ago is certainly not a sky is falling scenario.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I've heard bourse applied to coin shows, but never to card shows. Interesting.

It's very common for stamp shows, which often have an actual "show" portion with competetive displays.


I think the card hobby in general is doing just fine, although my personal card morale is iffy right now. (I'm still really into cards, but aging, and the kids really don't even like sports...Plus the pricing is in one of the cycles where It's hard to adjust to commons on some sets now being double what they were a short time ago. You'd think I could handle it easier, having been through it several times, but no.

Could be worse though, the international stamp expo scheduled for 2026 in Boston supposedly just opened up to having dealers with both stamps and coins.