10K Card Journey

  • Recent Pickups: 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth (PSA 4.5)

    The 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth is an affordable, eye-catching card from Ruth’s playing days that I recently added to my collection for $900. With strong centering and vintage appeal, it’s a card I plan to hold long-term, hoping to see continued growth in value as demand for pre-war baseball cards rises.

  • 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.

  • The Future of Sports Card Collecting: Lower Fees Ahead?

    Despite major innovations in the sports card hobby, selling fees remain high—often exceeding 10%. This article explores how technology, from digital-physical integration to improved shipping and virtual experiences, could drive fees down over time, making collecting more accessible and potentially increasing the appeal and value of physical cards.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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,…

  • 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.

  • Best Credit Cards to Boost Rewards Buying Sports Cards

    Choosing the right credit card for sports card purchases can make a big difference in the rewards you earn. On eBay, where there are no credit card fees, using a cash-back or points-earning card is a no-brainer. On Fanatics Collect and Arena Club, where credit card fees apply, the right card can still help offset…

  • Pros and Cons of the PSA Vault: Is It Worth It?

    The PSA Vault offers collectors a seamless way to store graded cards and sell them directly on eBay without the hassle of shipping. To test the process, I purchased a Paige Bueckers 1st Bowman PSA 10 on eBay and had it sent straight to the PSA Vault. While the platform was easy to navigate and…