Collecting sports cards can be an exciting and rewarding experience. While there is no wrong way to collect cards, there are a few things you can do to help with the start of your collection.
Whether you are interested in sports card collecting for nostalgia, the investment or the community, deciding where to start can feel a little overwhelming. From narrowing down the type of cards you’ll be collecting to finding the best places to purchase trading cards, we’ve gathered a few helpful tips to help you get started.
Here are five tips to starting a card collection:
- Pick Your Genre: What type of sports cards are you interested in collecting? Will you collect a certain sport or sports team? With hundreds of card genres to choose from, deciding on how you plan to personalize your collection up front will help you narrow down your search when it’s time to start collecting.
- Do Your Research: Once you’ve picked a genre, take some time to research which cards will add the most value to your collection. If you aren’t sure where to start, talk with your local sports card reseller for tips and advice on which trusted online forums and websites can help you in your research.
- Set A Budget: It can be easy to get carried away in the excitement of starting a new hobby. Before beginning your collecting venture, set a budget that is financially feasible so that you can enjoy your hobby without spending more money than you can afford. Pro Tip: When calculating your budget, be sure to include not only spending for new cards, but money for durable trading card storage as well.
- Get Your Supplies: Every collector needs a few essential tools to maintain the integrity and the value of their card collection. Some materials can include penny sleeves and binders to keep your cards clean and organized, as well as individual hard plastic cases for your highest valued trading cards. You might also consider keeping your binders in a sealed plastic storage container to help protect them from unexpected water damage.
- Start Your Search: Begin your card collecting journey by visiting your local trading card resellers to find a lot of quality trading cards in one place. It is also a good idea to join online forums or social media groups that discuss, sell and trade different cards. While these are the fastest ways to grow your collection, it’s crucial to always keep your eyes peeled for potential sports card opportunities. Whether it’s at a local thrift shop or a garage sale, keep your collector’s hat on at all times and have fun.
For more information about sports cards from the experts at Johnny Ford Sports, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.350.9560.
