If you've recently caught the baseball card bug, or reignited the fires after some time away, you are undoubtedly working feverishly to build your card collection as fast and economically as possible. Finding methods to grow your baseball card collection has always been a challenge for collectors, but luckily, it has never been easier to acquire the cards that you want than it is right now, thanks to a confluence of factors. Here, then, are some of the best ways to add to your baseball card PSA grading sleeves:
Garage sales and flea markets: This old standby still has its benefits. In fact, in these days of a down economy and a pretty soft baseball card market, scouting garage sales and flea markets may be one of the best ways to buy huge lot of cards at relatively cheap prices. You may still find the occasional ex-collector who thinks that all of his cardboard treasures really are golden, but most are willing to part with large quantities at true rummage sale prices.
Use eBay: The ubiquitous online auction house can cut both ways when it comes to sports cards: you can buy large quantities of cards for cheap or find the special card that you are seeking to fill a niche in your collection, AND you can sell unwanted or unneeded cards when the time comes. Making the most of your eBay experience is something of an art form and requires some practice, but this long-running marketplace may just become your best hobby resource.
Use the classifieds: Whether in your local newspaper or an online service such as Craigslist, classified ads can connect you to a whole set of baseball card sellers that you may have never had access to otherwise. You might find people selling their cards, which is great, but you should also consider running your own ad, announcing your willingness to take those nasty old, space-eating baseball cards off of people's hands. Being willing to travel TO the cards is a service that you can offer which can lead to really great deals. Of course, you need to be VERY careful when meeting with strangers, especially where money is involved, so exercise due caution.
Visit a baseball card shop: Going to a baseball card shop is, for the collector, like going to a candy shop is for a kid. it's hard to believe that you've just entered a world full of all the things that you dream about, and the array of material can make you a little dizzy. For finding the latest and greatest new product live and in the flesh, it's hard to beat your local card shop. you may also find some good deals on older items that your dealer wants to move.
Visit a baseball card show: If a card shop is like a candy shop, then a card show can be a veritable visit to the Chocolate Factory! When you first enter a the floor of a a decent size show, your head will be absolutely spinning at the volume of memorabilia staring you in the face, and the buzz is undeniable. Shows are excellent places to meet new dealers and collectors, see some unusual items, and, most importantly, buy, buy, buy!
Trade: One of the great things about collecting sports cards is that money is not the only currency which you can use to build your collection. Very often, you can trade your unwanted cards for those items that are on your wantlist. You can find trading partners online, at card shows, or even at your local baseball card shop.
