Friends giving up collecting in 2022

[parkplace33]

Over the last few years, I have developed a lot of friendships through the card collecting community, whether net54 or other trading card groups. This weekend, I found out that two collectors that I am friends with have officially given up collecting.

One built a rather large prewar collection since about 2010, mostly tobacco and gum baseball. While he loves collecting, he feels “priced out” in future cards he needs and doesn’t see prices from this era coming down. He consigned part of his collection and sold the rest to a local collector. He may get back into it in the future, but isn’t sure right now.

The other started maybe 5 years with 60s and 70s baseball. Build a few sets, some stars. For him, current financial concerns are pushing him to get out of a hobby and to sell. Mostly likely, he will sell his collection online. He is adamant he will not get back in and will pick up a new hobby or sport.

I know collectors and collections cycle through, but this year, I have seen more of this than anytime I can remember. It will be very interesting how the rest of the year pans out.

[todeen]

I've heard quite a few collectors over the last two years complain about prices. we've all speculated whether prices will come down for pre-war. I'm about to take a voluntary pause myself, but I'm not going to sell my collection. Mine is due to family goals that require financial sacrifice. Not buying cards will help us accomplish a family vacation and possibly a couple other goals. Although I'm not sure how long my pause will last, it'll likely be for longer than a year. I paused while in college, and when I started collecting again I went into vintage and pre-war. I've enjoyed myself in this area of the hobby.

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[BobbyStrawberry]

Understandable. Personally, I'm content to take it very slow with high priced things I'd like to acquire. I'm inspired by the many members on here who have been at this for many decades!

[Snapolit1]

I have pulled back from high ticket AH items, but it’s still amazing to find something cool on eBay or a small AH at a great price once in a blue moon. Found a Sandy Koufax Yom Kippur ticket in mint condition a few months back at a really great price and almost fell off my chair. With patience you can land really cool interesting stuff that doesn’t need to break the bank. Not easy but it does happen.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I have pulled back from high ticket AH items, but it’s still amazing to find something cool on eBay or a small AH at a great price once in a blue moon. Found a Sandy Koufax Yom Kippur ticket in mint condition a few months back at a really great price and almost fell off my chair. With patience you can land really cool interesting stuff that doesn’t need to break the bank. Not easy but it does happen.

This has been me the last few years and I am happy with it. I don't want to stop and never will, but I have diversified into fun additions that still make it very enjoyable. I also think the market has been a perfect time to downsize some big ticket items and I have done that as my enjoyment of them does not equal the financial return of late.

[bnorth]

I have a long time friend selling his collection. He has to be around 80 and none of his family collects and they really don't want anything to do with having to get rid of it either.

I bought a card from him that I had been trying to buy or trade him out of for years. I have many many other cards from trades over the years but that one is special to me.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Over the last few years, I have developed a lot of friendships through the card collecting community, whether net54 or other trading card groups. This weekend, I found out that two collectors that I am friends with have officially given up collecting.

One built a rather large prewar collection since about 2010, mostly tobacco and gum baseball. While he loves collecting, he feels “priced out” in future cards he needs and doesn’t see prices from this era coming down. He consigned part of his collection and sold the rest to a local collector. He may get back into it in the future, but isn’t sure right now.

The other started maybe 5 years with 60s and 70s baseball. Build a few sets, some stars. For him, current financial concerns are pushing him to get out of a hobby and to sell. Mostly likely, he will sell his collection online. He is adamant he will not get back in and will pick up a new hobby or sport.

I know collectors and collections cycle through, but this year, I have seen more of this than anytime I can remember. It will be very interesting how the rest of the year pans out.

Theres a running joke here how people keep saying they 'leaving the hobby' yet never leave if they did 'leave' nobody really noticed because they already back..

[ALBB]

Yea, thats true ! LOL