10K Card Journey

  • Get Card Ladder Pro with PSA Collectors Club Premium: A Smarter Deal

    Collectors considering Card Ladder Pro can get more value by subscribing to the PSA Collectors Club Premium tier. For the same $199 annual price as Card Ladder Pro alone, you receive a full subscription plus grading perks and $125 in Fanatics Live credit-far surpassing the Standard membership and making Premium the clear choice for serious…

  • Why I Lost an eBay Auction Despite Having a Higher Max Bid than the Sale Price

    If you’ve ever lost an eBay auction despite bidding higher than the final price, you’re not alone. This article explains how eBay’s proxy bidding and bid increment rules work, why your bid may not be accepted, and practical tips to avoid missing out on future auctions—even when sniping at the last second.

  • Arena Club Auctions: My Experience Selling Cards

    I tested Arena Club’s auction feature by selling three graded cards. The process was simple, payment was fast, and no shipping was required—ownership transfers on the blockchain. While fees are still 10%, Arena Club is especially useful for selling Arena Club graded cards, which can be tough to move elsewhere.

  • Navigating eBay: From Purchase to Authentication to Vaulting

    Buying sports cards online can be a multi-step process, especially for high-value cards. From negotiating prices on eBay to navigating authentication and secure storage in the PSA Vault, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s my experience going through this journey and the lessons I learned along the way.

  • Impact of Tariffs on the Sports Card Market

    The sports card market has historically bounced back from economic downturns, but the recent introduction of tariffs and stock market turmoil may create new challenges. Increased costs for international sellers and reduced discretionary spending could impact supply, demand, and liquidity—leaving collectors to navigate a shifting landscape with adaptability and caution.

  • Why 130Point Is an Essential Tool for Card Collectors

    eBay’s “Best Offer Accepted” sales often obscure the true price a card sold for, making it difficult to gauge market value. Enter 130Point, a free tool that reveals actual sale prices and provides clarity for collectors. While not perfect, it’s an invaluable resource for tracking sales trends and avoiding overpaying

  • PSA vs. BGS: Is there a Potential Arbitrage Opportunity?

    PSA and BGS are the two most prominent card grading companies, but recent trends show PSA cards consistently sell for higher prices—even when grades are comparable. Using a 2009 Topps Stephen Curry rookie card as an example, this article explores the reasons behind this price gap and whether it presents an arbitrage opportunity

  • My Experience Participating & Winning a Fanatics Collect Auctions

    Winning an auction is always exciting, but Fanatics Collect auctions offer a unique experience with their extended bidding format. I recently won a 2013 Upper Deck Exquisite Giannis Antetokounmpo Auto PSA 8, Auto 9 for $625, which totaled $750 after fees. In this article, I break down how the auction process works, my bidding strategy,…

  • SportsCardPro Review: A Tool for Tracking Your Sports Card Collection

    If you’re looking for a way to track your sports card collection, SportsCardPro is a free tool that provides estimated values and inventory management. While it works well for NBA, MLB, and NFL cards, it has limitations for niche sports and lacks some customization features. Is it worth using? Here’s my experience.

  • How eBay Coupons Helped Me Save $45 on a Tom Brady Rookie Card

    I recently used an eBay coupon for the first time—and saved $45 on a 2000 Bowman Tom Brady rookie. In this post, I break down how it worked, what I learned, and tips for using coupons effectively when buying sports cards. If you’re not using them, you might be missing out.