Collecting cards is a great hobby to partake in. In our last article, Common Reasons to Start Collecting Cards, we discuss some of the reasons that people start collecting cards. Whether the reason is to make a profit, or it’s for pure fun, there are certain things that you should do and other things that you avoid. To help you in your journey, we’re here to tell you some of the common mistakes that collectors make.
Not Making a Plan
This is a big mistake that new and experienced collectors make. It’s important to note that you can have whatever kind of collection that you want, meaning there’s nothing wrong with buying a card that you desire. That being said, if you’re trying to complete a specific set, you need to have a plan. If you don’t have one, you’ll likely start many different sets and never fully complete them. A plan is also important for when you have to buy expensive cards; a financial plan will not only help you reach this goal, but it will prevent you from going beyond your means.
You Don’t Protect Your Cards
Over time, cards will visibly show how well they were taken care of. To start, they should always have protective coverings so that they don’t get dirty. Another common mistake people make is hanging them on the wall where they’re exposed to sunlight or artificial light. Over time, this direct light will affect the color of your cards. This is especially important for those of you that want to sell your cards in the future for a profit, as the condition of the cards will affect their value.
Buying and Selling Baseball Cards Online
The internet is an amazing place, as you can find anything you want online. The problem with buying and selling online, however, is that there are many unreputable people. When you buy cards, for instance, they may not be authentic or they could be in worse condition than you were promised. When you sell, on the other hand, there are many ways that people can take advantage of you, such as receiving the cards and reporting that they never got them. That’s why one of the ways to stay protected is to only buy and sell baseball cards to reputable companies with years of experience in the business. At American Legends, we have a reputation for being fair, as well as a long list of customers that will tell you about their positive experience with us.
Starting a collection is a process, and it takes a while to become an expert. By being wary of some of the common mistakes that collectors make, you can prevent these things from happening.