Hi dudes. I know you both left jobs / careers to pursue cards full time--Brian, I think maybe your former career was a COVID casualty? And Justin, maybe you just wanted a change? Can you each speak to the motivations / challenges / fear factor in embarking on such a dramatic change? Big question, I know.
Thanks for the question Matt. I definitely wanted a change, and more than anything to make a living in a way that I felt good about. Throughout my advertising career I was lucky to work with some amazing clients, though working for an agency and large brands limited my ability to work autonomously and to focus on projects I was truly passionate about.
The financial challenge can definitely not be understated. Transitioning from a salaried position to the role of a business owner has been a big shift. That said, I'm very glad I took on the challenge and am happy to work through the stress. Effectively collecting professionally is a dream come true. It's also been great to feel the impact of the work done so far, as more and more people are coming into my Santa Rosa office to buy, sell and learn.
I collected during the late 60s through mid 70s, then again as a speculator during junk era. The latter aside, I decided it was time to sell off my childhood collection (baseball, football and basketball). Lots of vintage from 50s-70s, all ungraded. As I have started selling, using FB groups, eBay and Cardhound to name a few, I find using the first 2 there are so many cards now flooding feeds, etc., that I can't even come close to comps on sale price. I did send some to be graded, effectively eating $16-18 per card when it's all said and done and have not done a whole lot better. Other than Mantle, other major star/HOFs are tough. Any advice to sellers on how to better market/sell vintage cards? Or, as a seller on FB groups, is 60% of comps considered a fair price? Thanks guys!
Hi dudes. I know you both left jobs / careers to pursue cards full time--Brian, I think maybe your former career was a COVID casualty? And Justin, maybe you just wanted a change? Can you each speak to the motivations / challenges / fear factor in embarking on such a dramatic change? Big question, I know.
Hi Matt, yes my last job was a "COVID casualty" (I like that) - I had fears of failure, not making enough to support myself and just not knowing what I didn't know. It really took losing my job to give me the push I needed. The encouragement I got from my hobby friends, family and new girlfriend really helped me. The government stimulus didn't hurt, either...
I collected during the late 60s through mid 70s, then again as a speculator during junk era. The latter aside, I decided it was time to sell off my childhood collection (baseball, football and basketball). Lots of vintage from 50s-70s, all ungraded. As I have started selling, using FB groups, eBay and Cardhound to name a few, I find using the first 2 there are so many cards now flooding feeds, etc., that I can't even come close to comps on sale price. I did send some to be graded, effectively eating $16-18 per card when it's all said and done and have not done a whole lot better. Other than Mantle, other major star/HOFs are tough. Any advice to sellers on how to better market/sell vintage cards? Or, as a seller on FB groups, is 60% of comps considered a fair price? Thanks guys!
Keith, even selling on Facebook I get market or near it for my cards. I price my cards fairly, not 30% above market to then have room to negotiate to retail. That has worked well for me and I think people tend to think that I am being fair with them.
In my opinion, the important thing is to find your niche and your expertise and live there while learning in the radius outside of it. I try to commit as much to memory as I can, like where high numbers start in certain Topps series or even who the player subjects in the Leaf set are short prints so that I can be more efficient out in the wild when buying.
